As a Federal contractor, UIC is subject to regulatory requirements under the laws enforced by the Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Complaince Programs (OFCCP). The OFCCP enforces Executive Order 11246; Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the affirmative action provisions of Section 4212 of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act. Collectively, these legal mandates prohibit discrimination and require Federal contractors and subcontractors to take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunitites for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or status as a Vietnam era or special veteran.

The Affirmative Action Reports provide the annual updates of the Affirmative Action Programs for women, minorities, covered veterans, and persons with disabilities.

As part of its Affirmative Action efforts, OAE oversees UIC's Academic Hiring process in the areas related to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action, including assisting with recruitment and retention of members of under-represented groups.