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FAQs: Veteran and Disability Status Self-Identification

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  1. Why is Stanford University asking employees to designate their veteran and/or disability status online in Axess?
  2. Where do I designate my veteran and/or disability status?
  3. Who has access to the veteran and disability information I provide?
  4. How is the veteran and disability information used?
  5. What if I wish to decline to provide this information?
  6. Why should I designate if I am not a veteran and/or do not have a disability?
  7. Can my veteran and/or disability information be used in making employment decision(s)?
  8. Will I be able to change my veteran and/or disability information?
  9. Do I need to complete the designation if I already provided the information when I applied to a job and/or was hired?
  10. How do I know if I have a disability?
  11. What is the process for requesting a workplace accommodation(s) at Stanford if I have a disability?
  12. What are Stanford's policies and procedures related to family medical leave, disability leave and military leave?
  13. Who can I contact for more information, questions or concerns about designating my veteran and/or disability status?

1. Why is Stanford University asking employees to designate their veteran and/or disability status online in Axess?

Stanford University is a federal government contractor. As a recipient of federal funding (funding for research, student loans, etc.), Stanford is required to collect and report information on its applicants and employees to assess its affirmative action efforts. 

2. Where do I designate my veteran and/or disability status?

Log in to Axessand on the Employee tab, look for the Personal Information section. Next, click Disability Status to designate and click Submit, then click Veteran Status to designate and click Submit. 

3. Who has access to the veteran and disability information I provide?

The veteran and disability information is considered confidential employee information and is used for evaluation and reporting purposes only. A limited number of administrators, such as human resource managers and senior managers, have access to this information.

4. How is the veteran and disability information used?

Stanford is required by the government to conduct various analyses of its workforce and to develop an Affirmative Action Plan. Stanford conducts an annual analysis of the utilization of women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities in its workforce and an analysis of the personnel actions that have taken place during the year, such as hires, promotions, and terminations. This information assists Stanford in identifying potential barriers to equal employment opportunities, especially for women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities.

5. What if I wish to decline to provide this information?

A designation option to "decline to state" is provided, and submitting veteran and disability information is voluntary. Declining to provide it will not subject you to any adverse treatment. We hope that employees who do not wish to share this information will still log in to Axess and designate because doing so still helps the university comply with reporting requirements.

6. Why should I designate if I am not a veteran and/or do not have a disability?

As a federal contractor, Stanford must demonstrate its good faith efforts to collect this data to assess its affirmative action efforts.

7. Can my veteran and/or disability information be used in making employment decision(s)?

No, the veteran and disability information you provide is confidential employee information and will not be used as the basis for any employment decision(s) affecting you.

8. Will I be able to change my veteran and/or disability information?

Yes, you can change it at any time in Axess if your status changes.

9. Do I need to complete the designation if I already provided the information when I applied to a job and/or was hired?

Yes, please review and designate your current status to ensure that Stanford has your most current information.

10. How do I know if I have a disability?

You are considered to have a disability if you have a physical or mental impairment or medical condition that substantially limits a major life activity or if you have a history or record of such an impairment or medical condition. The federal government has broadened conditions that may be considered a disability. The online form to designate disability status in Axess includes a broad list of physical and mental conditions that may be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

11. What is the process for requesting a workplace accommodation(s) at Stanford if I have a disability?

Staff and faculty who wish to request a workplace accommodation(s) are responsible for beginning the process by requesting an accommodation from their immediate supervisor or human resources manager. For more information on requesting workplace accommodations, see Administrative Guide: 2.2.7 Requesting Workplace Accommodations For Employees With Disabilities. Also, the Diversity and Access Office is available to assist staff and faculty in identifying possible workplace accommodations and navigating the request process. The Diversity and Access Office can be contacted at disability.access@stanford.edu or (650) 725-0326.

12. What are Stanford's policies and procedures related to family medical leave, disability leave and military leave?

Below are Stanford's policies and procedures related to the various family and medical leaves:

13. Who can I contact for more information, questions or concerns about designating my veteran and/or disability status?

The director of the Diversity and Access Office is responsible for ensuring that Stanford complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), affirmative action and equal opportunity regulations. You can contact the director with any questions related to the designation of your veteran and/or disability status at: equal.opportunity@stanford.edu or (650) 723-0755.