Institutional Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Statement of Interim President Jeremy Thomas, Ed.D.:

At OCCC, we value diversity. We believe that diversity augments the educational experience of our students and creates an environment that embraces differences, unleashes imagination, and broadens innovation. Cultural pluralism stimulates a variety of perspectives and it is important for students to appreciate the value of an inclusive community. When students respect inherent differences and uphold the standards of human equity, everyone benefits. This ideal is at the center of our shared humanity, and OCCC is committed to nurturing an atmosphere that celebrates diverse backgrounds, experiences, and cultural expressions.

OCCC’s Diversity Plan seeks to pursue (5) broad goals and a number of suggested strategies to integrate inclusivity into our College community:

• Goal 1: Expand representation and participation of underrepresented populations and economically disadvantaged individuals in the student body.
• Goal 2: Improve employee recruitment and orientation procedures and practices to attract and retain a diverse workforce, including leadership that reflects the diversity of the OCCC service area.
• Goal 3: Promote faculty and staff awareness of diversity and inclusion.  Improve campus culture relative to inclusion, tolerance, and respect for human dignity through diversity awareness programs and activities.
• Goal 4: Infuse multiculturalism, pluralism, and global awareness into the educational curriculum.
• Goal 5: Develop and cultivate collaborations and partnerships with community-based organizations that promote the mission of diversity and inclusion.

About The Committee:

The purpose of the Institutional Diversity and Inclusion Committee is to promote cross-cultural understanding, communication and cultural competence among employees and students. Within the context of implementing, monitoring, and revising the College’s Diversity and Inclusion Plan, the Committee will gather, analyze and disseminate relevant information and data concerning diversity and inclusion at OCCC and will recommend specific goals and objectives for achieving and enhancing diversity awareness and cross-cultural understanding.  The Committee will also work to recognize excellence in diversity education, awareness, and the promotion of Diversity and Inclusion on campus. Finally, the Committee will work to facilitate timely communications, when necessary, about issues adversely affecting students, faculty, administrators and staff. This committee will serve as an advisory body to the Executive Leadership.

Tarnya Washington-Brooks
Director of Diversity and Organizational Development, Co-Chair
Human Resources

Chris Snoddy
Associate VP for Student Affairs, Co-Chair
Student Affairs

Audrey Fisher
Employee Development and Training Coordinator
Human Resources