Skip to main content


Repost Message will copy the article into draft mode and enable you to edit/change dates and information.
Do not change the dates of this posting because it will affect the original.

MCC Daily Tribune

MCC to Help Build National Resource Aimed at Addressing Systemic Inequities in Higher Education

MCC is among 19 U.S. institutions selected by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) to help develop a Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT)–Focused Campus Climate Assessment Toolkit. Chosen through a competitive process, MCC is one of two New York public colleges to participate in the effort. (The City University of New York’s Guttman Community College received honorable mention following the selection process.)

The toolkit aims to complement existing campus climate surveys and promote deeper understanding of institutional environments and of lived experiences of students, faculty, staff, and communities, according to the AAC&U (media release). The toolkit will help institutions and practitioners interrogate systems, policies, programs, services, and practices that perpetuate disparities and inequities and identify opportunities for expanding relationship building, and racial healing.

“The ability of an institution to address systemic inequities effectively depends on a clear-eyed, ongoing assessment of the many factors that influence its unique campus climate,” said AAC&U President Lynn Pasquerella. “We are thrilled to partner with these 19 colleges and universities on the development of a new and much-needed resource to support such assessments.”

“Monroe Community College prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to ensure life-changing higher education and training is accessible and to promote racial healing,” said MCC Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Calvin J. Gantt, Ed.D. “We are proud of the opportunity to partner with AAC&U to bring this innovative toolkit to fruition—a significant step toward openly exploring institutional environments and transforming higher education.”  

Core teams from each of the selected colleges and universities will serve as thought partners in the development of the toolkit, providing their insight and feedback on its relevance, content, and structure. MCC core team members will represent key campus stakeholder groups, including students, faculty, and staff. The initiative kicks off in March.

The development of the TRHT-Focused Campus Climate Assessment Toolkit is supported by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. 

Calvin Gantt
Diversity, Equity and Belonging
02/09/2022