In Fall 2020, I hosted a virtual 3-hour session on “Developing A DEI Framework at IVC” where I shared the importance of creating an equity framework that aligns every program, initiative and activity to college-wide diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals. In my short time at IVC, I’ve come to appreciate and value the many initiatives and activities that were organically created. However, creating a framework or umbrella for all of these efforts is needed to:
- ensure alignment to the college’s mission and strategic plan
- to assess progress with clearly identified metrics
- to document and validate when we reach desired benchmarks
- to measure the effectiveness of each and every effort
- to ensure we have a clearly articulated DEI blueprint
In Fall 2021, IVC launched the President’s Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (PAC-DEI) under the leadership of tri-chairs: ESL Professor Rebecca Beck, Senior Administrative Assistant Amy Hunter and Vice President for Student Services Martha McDonald. The charge of the Council is to advise me on strategies to design, implement and sustain DEI goals at IVC. The PAC-DEl will assist in creating and coordinating a college-wide equity framework to ensure alignment with institutionally set diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. To begin this work, the council has:
- defined diversity, equity, and inclusion at IVC
- aligned campus-wide DEI initiatives and programs to the framework
- coordinated the Reading for Equity series to the text Minding the Obligation Gap
In Spring 2022, the PAC-DEI introduced workgroups to increase participation from college constituents in creating or expanding initiatives and projects that foster diversity and equitable treatment for all members of the IVC community. Stay tuned for updates on how you can participate on one or more established workgroups.
I value and appreciate the commitment so many of you have demonstrated to creating a socially just, inclusive and equity-centered campus culture. We are poised to build on this work and are ready for advancing equity by aligning our campus culture with action-oriented strategies. I challenge us to think about ways in which we can engage and contribute in supporting, participating and committing to this effort. It can’t be done by a select few and it is not the responsibility of a particular department or unit. We all have a role to play to achieve transformational change.
Best,
John