MCC Daily Tribune
Update and Reflections from the Chief Diversity Officer
As I approach my fourth month as MCC's Chief Diversity Officer, I'd like to take a moment to update you on some initiatives that are underway to help us further develop a culture of respect and appreciation for diversity and inclusion at MCC. With these initiatives are opportunities to be involved, which I invite you to consider.
Renee Coleman, assistant professor, Psychology, and Toni Custodio, associate director, Downtown Campus Operations, are chairing the Diversity Council. The Council promotes and sustains inclusive excellence by working to create an environment where all are valued, all are encouraged to develop their full potential and all are expected to contribute to the success of the campus and the community. The Council consists of an engaged group of MCC faculty, staff, students and campus leaders who provide a broad perspective on MCC in the development of the vision of diversity and equity at the college. Attached, please find a list of the 2018-19 Diversity Council membership.
I have had many discussions with members of MCC's African-American Affinity Group (3AG) and Latino Empowerment Network (LEN) about ways the groups can work collaboratively to advance their shared goals and build community. Already, you've seen their successful Community Hygiene Drive, which continues to gather items in support of our students. Tomorrow, 3AG and the Wellness Council are partnering on a Meditation Workshop at the Downtown Campus. Community service initiatives are also being considered. In these efforts, we hope to build an MCC community where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated and valued for their individual talents and gifts. Increasing the diversity of our faculty and staff requires such a culture and environment.
My work extends to our students as they seek to grow in their understanding of diversity and inclusion. In partnership with the Athletics Department, I am working to establish an Athletics Leadership Council, and with my Student Services colleagues, I'm working with the Student Government Association, Student Events and Governance Association, and Phi Theta Kappa to develop a spring program around these important themes.
My role includes helping to ensure that every employee can fully participate in the life of the college, free of restraints imposed by bias. If you experience or witness bias, please let me know directly or via our Bias Incident Report Form. The work of developing a respectful environment wherein all can thrive rests with each of us.
Our work to develop an inclusive and respectful college culture underpins our efforts to recruit and retain diverse faculty and staff. The Human Resources and Organizational Development office and I are working on a host of professional development opportunities, hiring a coordinator of diversity recruitment, and expanding our recruiting efforts to reach diverse hires. My thanks to all who have contributed ideas. We will keep you apprised as we work to ensure that our students find themselves reflected in our faculty and staff.
Tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 14) at noon, at the invitation of the Faculty Senate, I will participate in their College Conversation series, talking diversity and inclusion. Please consider joining us at noon in the Empire Room on the Brighton Campus. I look forward to sharing concerns and ideas.
It was my honor to return to MCC in early August, after nearly four decades away. (I worked at the Damon City Campus as a counselor in the 1980s and 1990s.) As I am reacquainting myself with the inspiring work and people of MCC, I hope to meet many of you and work with you to move our college forward. Please don't hesitate to contact me with your ideas and your questions.
Attached Files:
Diversity Council 2018-19.pdf
Calvin Gantt
President's Office
11/13/2018