As an employer that conducts business with the federal government, the University is required to maintain programs and practices designed to promote equal employment opportunity and support compliance with applicable federal requirements. To assist the University in meeting these requirements, we invite you to voluntarily self-identify the information requested below. 

Providing this information is voluntary, and choosing not to provide it will not result in any adverse treatment. The University considers individual demographic information private to the extent permitted by law and limits access to authorized University employees who have a legitimate business need to know. 

The information may be used to prepare summary reports for federal and state governmental agencies for compliance purposes. The University may also use aggregated demographic information to evaluate and support its equal employment opportunity efforts.

Because disability and protected veteran status may change over time, employees are encouraged to review and update their information when appropriate.

Importance of self-identifying

The information you provide helps USC measure its progress in attracting, recruiting, employing, and advancing people with disabilities and protected veterans.

We are required to measure our progress toward increasing representation of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans within our workforce.  To support these efforts, we ask applicants and employees to voluntarily provide information about whether they have a disability or have ever had a disability, and whether they are a veteran.

Definition of 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. Disabilities could include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
• Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
• Blind or low vision
• Cancer (past or present)
• Cardiovascular or heart disease
• Celiac disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
• Diabetes
• Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
• Gastrointestinal disorders, for example,
  Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
• Intellectual or developmental disability
• Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
• Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
• Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
• Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
• Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
• Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
• Short stature (dwarfism)
• Traumatic brain injury

Definition of protected veteran status

As defined under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), a veteran is someone who served in active military, was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, and meets one of the four groups: disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran, and Armed Forces service medal veteran.

For more information, visit the Department of Labor's website.  

How to self-identify

To update your disability or veteran status, simply follow the instructions below:

1. Log into Employee Self Service.
2. Use Duo two-factor authentication when prompted.
3. Click the “Personal Details” icon box.
4. Click the “Disability” or “Veteran Status” icon box, respectively.
5. Answer the questions, as you would like.
6. Click “Save.”

If you need assistance accessing and completing this form or arranging any other accommodations, contact the ADA Coordinator at 803-777-3854 or civilrights@mailbox.sc.edu

An applicant can self-identify on their application.

Questions or Assistance:

Internal to USC:

If you have a question about the self-identification process or need assistance, please contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX

• Phone: 803-777-3854
• Email: civilrights@mailbox.sc.edu

If you have questions related to workplace accommodations, please contact Employee Relations:

• Email: uscer@mailbox.sc.edu 
• Visit the workplace accomodations page on sc.edu.

 

External to USC:

For more information about self-identification or the equal employment obligations of federal contractors under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.