CCV’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion is grounded in our values of respect, empowerment, and integrity. Celebrating our differences while working to dismantle systems of inequity is part of the essence of our CCV culture. We are complicated beings with both overlapping and disparate qualities and so are our students. By embracing DEI, we strive to make our community a robust place where each of us feels we belong.
DEI Definitions at CCV and the VSCS:
Diversity: Individual differences (e.g., personality, learning styles, and life experiences) and group/social differences (e.g., race/ethnicity, class, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, country of origin, physical or cognitive abilities, as well as cultural, political, religious, or other affiliations) that can be engaged in the service of learning.
Inclusion: The active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diversity—in people, in the curriculum, in the co-curriculum, and in communities (intellectual, social, cultural, geographical). This engagement with diversity has the potential to increase one’s awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication, and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within systems and institutions.
Equity: Creating opportunities for equal access and success for historically underrepresented populations, such as racial and ethnic minority and low-income students, in three main areas:
- Representational equity, the proportional participation at all levels of an institution;
- Resource equity, the distribution of educational resources in order to close equity gaps; and
- Equity-mindedness, the demonstration of an awareness of and willingness to address equity issues among institutional leaders and staff.
VSCS Diversity Statement:
The Vermont State College System (VSCS) is committed to nurturing a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment. We condemn racism and welcome all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or ability, and want everyone to be safe and welcome in our community.
As a system of higher education, we formally condemn discrimination in all its forms, commit to fair and equitable treatment of everyone in our community, and strive to ensure all our actions, policies, and operating procedures reflect this commitment. We also acknowledge that education is both destabilizing and exhilarating and that learning necessarily involves hard conversations and moments of disagreement.
Our commitment is based on three pillars of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice (DEISJ):
- Personal Knowledge of DEISJ: We are committed to providing faculty, staff, and students opportunity for personal growth to increase their understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice related topics so that they can then apply that information to their lives, their community engagements, and their career.
- Professional Knowledge of DEISJ: We are committed to providing faculty, staff and students access to training and learning about how their knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice topics impact their professional and educational work.
- Data informed Practices: We make decisions and examine our policies and practices based on valid and reliable data sets and how those decisions, policies and practices may positively or negatively impact different populations.
We recognize our diverse community members do not hold a single identity that may impact their belonging, or access to educational or professional opportunities. Each person holds multiple and intersecting personal and social identities that must be recognized as they engage in learning and professional development.
CCV DEI Happenings
The College is proud to regularly host DEI related events and activities for the CCV community.
BIPOC Student Affinity Space
This is a safe, social, virtual community space for underrepresented students to share whatever is on their mind, to decompress, and just be themselves. While allyship is welcome, this space is for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) students to connect and support one another, share resources, thoughts, and ideas, and to make friendly connections.
Chat and Chew
This is a monthly meeting hosted by members of CCV’s DEI Committee for CCV staff. It’s an informal conversation that allows us to discuss issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
For events open to the public, please see the CCV events calendar or inquire at ccvhr@ccv.edu.
Calendar of Dates with Historical, Interfaith, or Cultural Significance
CCV has compiled a calendar of dates with historical, interfaith, or cultural significance. We encourage our community to elevate their individual awareness of these significant dates and to consult the calendar before scheduling meetings and events.
While this calendar is unavoidably incomplete, it is meant to highlight diverse celebrations throughout the year and promote respect for participants. If you have suggestions for additional holidays or dates of significance, please reach out to ccvhr@ccv.edu.
Free to Be You
CCV students, faculty, and staff should feel safe and comfortable to identify themselves however they wish. Our use of appropriate names and pronouns is an important way of establishing norms of respect within our community. For detailed information on when and where legal names, chosen names, and pronouns are used in the Vermont State Colleges systems and how to change them, please click here.
CCV Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
CCV’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is committed to the values of empowerment, integrity, respect, and anti-racism. The committee strives to identify and dismantle systems of inequity by developing, recommending, and implementing initiatives in furtherance of our three priorities: 1) Building Our Cultural Foundation; 2) Providing Student Support and Resources to Promote Inclusivity; and 3) Establishing and Strengthening Community Engagements. Committee members support DEI goals and facilitate efforts that advance equity and justice individually and systemically. The DEI Committee Members are appointed by the President, and include students, faculty, and staff.
CCV DEI Committee Members 2023-2024
Angie Albeck (staff)
Mary Brodsky (staff) – Co-Chair
Marianne DiMascio (staff)
Naomi Ellison (student)
Heath Fuller (faculty)
Daniel Johnson (student)
Amy Beth Kessinger (faculty)
Tuipate Mubiay (staff)
Alex Northern (faculty) – Co-Chair
Cindy Unwin-Pigeon (student)
Cheyenne Placido (student)
If you’re interested in becoming a DEI committee member, please contact ccvhr@ccv.edu.