Diver sit y
Re p o r t 2 0 19
A true mosaic of people who contribute daily to create a dynamic and rewarding learning environment
Cuyahoga Community College Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) is Ohio’s oldest and largest public community college. Since its inception in 1963, Tri-C has provided high-quality, affordable education and rewarding employment opportunities for more than 900,000 members of the Northeast Ohio community.
VISION STATEMENT Cuyahoga Community College will be recognized as an exemplary teaching and learning community that fosters service and student success. The College will be a valued resource and leader in academic quality, cultural enrichment and economic development characterized by continuous improvement, innovation and community responsiveness.
MISSION STATEMENT To provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities and services – including university transfer, technical and lifelong learning programs – that promote individual development and improve the overall quality of life in a multicultural community.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT Cuyahoga Community College is fortunate to have a true mosaic of people who contribute daily to create a dynamic and rewarding learning environment. Tri-C stands with the belief that diversity enriches not only the institution but society as a whole and is therefore committed to appreciating diverse perspectives and valuing the collective differences and similarities that make Tri-C a leading community organization.
Message from College President Alex Johnson During a time of difficult conversations about the effects of a diverse society and who makes up that society, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to ensure that our future is brighter – not for just a few, but for all. Unless we can shape this environment, America’s civility, ingenuity and competitive edge are unknown. Our salvation, quite honestly, rests on the shoulders of people equipped with dreams bigger than themselves, who not only live in their communities but also live for their communities, and who recognize the dignity of every human. We must ensure that all people, regardless of their backgrounds or life circumstances, have a chance at productive, meaningful lives – at educational achievement, personal enlightenment and transformed communities. We are fortunate that Tri-C is part of that solution; that we, as our diversity and inclusion statement indicates, “have a true mosaic of people who contribute daily to create a dynamic and rewarding learning environment.” In the following pages, you will see updates on the work we have undertaken to ensure that every student and employee has an opportunity to succeed. Even as we recognize that much effort remains, we have already achieved a great deal. And that is worth celebrating. Alex Johnson, Ph.D. President, Cuyahoga Community College
Message from Magda Gómez, Director of Diversity and Inclusion At Cuyahoga Community College, inclusive excellence is a journey we take very seriously. As the largest community college in Ohio, Tri-C is home to students and employees who bring an array of perspectives, experiences and backgrounds that help us unlock new ideas and better understand their needs. Here, embracing diversity, inclusion and belonging is imperative to creating a future where everyone brings their authentic selves to school and work each day. At Tri-C, we are proud that our diversity and inclusion efforts have been recognized. This year, the Commission on Economic Inclusion awarded Tri-C a Best in Class award for board diversity. The College was also voted one of Northcoast 99’s Best Places to Work in Northeast Ohio. Finally, Tri-C received the national Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award from INSIGHT Into Diversity. As we continue on this journey toward inclusive excellence, we are committed more than ever to being a leader in exemplifying diversity, equity and inclusion. I sincerely hope this report captures the spirit and impact of that commitment. Magda Gómez Director, Diversity and Inclusion Cuyahoga Community College
3
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives and Resources at Tri-C Diversity Speaker Series The Diversity Speaker Series is a Collegewide program open to students, employees and the community, featuring local and national speakers, workshops and activities that highlight all facets of diversity. Events take place at various campuses and community locations throughout the year. Visit www.tri-c.edu/diversityseries to view the full calendar of events.
2018-2019 Highlights Common Reading Program The Common Reading Program for 2018-2019 featured Lisa Fenn’s moving memoir, Carry On. Fenn tells the story of how life as an ESPN reporter led her to meet two disabled wrestlers from East Cleveland. When the sports coverage ended, however, she realized that her life with these two young men had just begun. Theirs is a story of hardship, love, hope and the power of human connection. The young athletes, who overcame significant challenges and persevered, inspired students at every campus.
Richard Rothstein: The Color of Law Historian and author of The Color of Law, Richard Rothstein, visited Tri-C for an invigorating lecture and discussion that gave a national perspective on his work documenting the history of state-sponsored residential segregation, racial inequality and inner-city poverty. More than 200 College and community members attended the event, which was sponsored by the Cleveland Humanities Collaborative, Case Western Reserve University’s Schubert Center and Tri-C’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
4
DIVERSIT Y REPORT 2019
Hispanic Heritage Month Events Hispanics and Afro-Latinos in the United States Members of the Hispanic Heritage Month planning committee worked on a Collegewide poster project featuring demographic information and facts about Hispanics living in the U.S., including data on educational attainment and economic impact. Additionally, staff and students learned about what it means to be Afro-Latino, differences in race, and notable Afro‑Latinos in popular culture.
Sammy DeLeon y su Orquesta The Offices of Student Life at the Western and Metropolitan campuses featured live performances by Sammy DeLeon y su Orquesta that included free Caribbean food demonstrations by Tri-C alumna Chef Yolanda Ramos.
Black in Latin America Two film screenings from the series Black in Latin America were presented at Tri-C’s Metropolitan Campus, featuring Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Brazil. Following each screening, students and professors engaged in conversation around the concept of race as a social construct and how “blackness” and “whiteness” are perceived, defined and categorized differently among different cultures and societies.
Dr. Eunice Avilés: Understanding Gender Identity in the Latinx community Dr. Eunice Avilés, a clinical psychologist, licensed mental health counselor and gender specialist, discussed gender identity issues and results from her research study about the needs of the transgender community in Puerto Rico and beyond. At this interdisciplinary event (also honoring Coming Out Week) held at the Metropolitan Campus, participants learned about gender identity and how to break down barriers surrounding this topic.
International Education Week In partnership with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, Tri-C celebrated International Education Week at our Eastern Campus (Nov. 18-22) by promoting programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences. College events included a lunch and learn session titled “Finding Your Path to a Global Career” and International Culture Day, which featured international music, coffee and teas, henna art, and foreign language learning activities. The program also included an international feature film and a discussion of cross-cultural competence and awareness.
5
Culture Shock The Western Campus hosted its annual Culture Shock event this spring, which featured numerous cultural exhibits including origami, henna and calligraphy. A multicultural fashion show, as well as music and dance from around the world, engaged many students, faculty and staff. ESL students were involved in a project titled “My Journey,” in which they made and displayed posters of their journey to America. Entries were judged, and prizes were awarded to the top five entries. A panel discussion took place on April 4, featuring local immigrants who shared their experience of starting businesses in the United States.
The Pride of the Skies: Tuskegee Airmen This tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen and other esteemed African Americans was displayed throughout the month of February. The exhibit, created by Metropolitan Campus instructional specialist Ken Cash, included photographs, books and a replica of the infamous red-striped P-51D fighter plane flown by the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.
We The People: Campus Conversation – Where Is the Love? We The People offers a safe space in which to discuss current national events and controversial topics that deeply affect our community, such as race, politics and civic engagement. This February 2019 event at the Metropolitan Campus included a dialogue on community policing featuring Tri-C Sgt. Reginald Eakins and a discussion of Angie Thomas’ film The Hate U Give.
Black History Film Festival: Freedom Summer In observance of Black History Month, the Metropolitan Campus hosted a screening of Freedom Summer, a documentary about one of the last major interracial civil rights efforts of the 1960s. It tells the story of activists and volunteers who worked to register black voters in rural Mississippi during the Jim Crow era.
6
DIVERSIT Y REPORT 2019
Evolution of a Black Girl In this inspiring one-woman show, actress Morgan McCoy portrays 12 different characters, taking the audience on a journey from 1400s Africa to present-day America. This event took place at the Metropolitan Campus during Women’s History Month.
Creating Partnerships for an Inclusive Workplace In October, Tri-C celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month by welcoming Christopher Coleman, an author, diversity and inclusion expert and motivational speaker who shared his journey of surpassing all expectations and living an unconfined life despite his challenges with cerebral palsy. Coleman spoke to an audience of employers and stakeholders on the importance and value of including individuals with disabilities in their inclusive hiring goals.
Free Radical: My Descent Into America’s Most Violent Hate Movement – and How I Got Out Christian Picciolini is a peace advocate and former violent extremist. After leaving the hate movement as a white supremacist more than two decades ago, Picciolini has been dedicated to helping others overcome hate through organizations such as Life After Hate and ExitUSA. He now leads the Free Radicals Project, a global extremism prevention and disengagement platform that helps people exit hate movements and other violence-based ideologies. Picciolini shared his unique and extensive knowledge, teaching us about building greater peace through empathy and compassion.
7
Black American Council Founded in 1969 as the Black Caucus, the Cuyahoga Community College Black American Council (BAC) is proud to celebrate 50 years of dedicated service and support to students, faculty and staff of color as they achieve their academic and professional goals. Equity and inclusive excellence remain the BAC’s top priority. The BAC mentoring program currently serves 362 minority students College-wide, with 153 active faculty and staff serving as mentors. BAC has an 80% fall-to-spring retention rate and a 71% graduation rate among its mentees. BAC’s goal is to provide quality programming that supports retention and academic success and to assist in closing the equity gap within the College. Through expanded programming and outreach, the council has increased grade point averages, as well as retention and graduation rates, among mentees College-wide. In the 2018-2019 academic year, 115 students were awarded a total of $42,250 in merit, honors and essay scholarships at the 29th Annual Frances M. Franklin Luncheon. These numbers speak to the success of BAC programs and the dedication of its mentors.
2018-2019 Highlights This academic year, the BAC focused on interdepartmental and external community collaborations designed to enhance the student experience. • The Black Scholars Academy collects nonperishable food items to support the less fortunate each holiday season. A total of 1,165 items benefited the Metropolitan Campus Food Pantry this year. • The BAC collaborated with assistant professor Rebecca Carte to present a two-part documentary series, Black in Latin America. The films presented an exploration of race in the context of a society where people reflect centuries of intermarriage and how the Dominican Republic’s troubled history with Haiti informs notions about racial classification. • The BAC collaborated with the Divine Nine fraternities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Greater Cleveland to host a panel discussion that shed light on domestic violence, mental health and anger management issues, providing information and resources to survivors and their families. • The BAC collaborated with Eastern Campus Student Life on the Fifth Annual African American Read-In, sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English. The event celebrates the legacy of African American authors and promotes community literacy. • The BAC joined Tri-C’s Aspire program for a Community Resource Fair at Anton Grdina Elementary School. The BAC has mentoring partnerships with various Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) elementary schools. • BAC members served on the 2019 planning committee for Metro Campus Wellness Week and worked with Lifebanc to encourage attendees to become organ/tissue donors. • Members of the Black Scholars Academy and Metropolitan Campus Circle K International group collaborated on Skip-A-Meal fundraising events benefiting the March of Dimes. 8
DIVERSIT Y REPORT 2019
BAC Minority Male Leadership Academy The Minority Male Leadership Academy (MMLA) positively impacts the retention of males of color and helps to increase their graduation rates at Tri-C. Leadership development activities help produce men of character who are educated, professional, career-ready and civic-minded leaders for the 21st century. On March 6-9, faculty and students had the opportunity to attend the Annual Black, Brown and College Bound Conference in Tampa, Florida. Tri-C was a national sponsor, and MMLA students served as panelists and hosts. ➢ The group gave a presentation titled Reducing Equity Issues Among Minority Male Students, which included information on the development of the BAC as well as data showing the impact the council has had on retention and graduation rates. Other Tri-C programs showcased included the BAC Mentoring Program, MMLA and the Black Scholars Academy. ➢ BAC president Lemuel Stewart, vice president Terry Webb and mentor/professor Johnie Reed presented on Reducing Equity Issues Among Black College Students. The presentation included a panel discussion featuring MMLA students. MMLA hosted an African American Male Think Tank on April 25 at the Metropolitan Campus. Tri-C President Alex Johnson opened the event with words of wisdom for the students, faculty, staff and community members. The event’s overall focus was removing barriers, real or perceived, that may the successful progression of African American males in higher education.
BAC Minority Women’s Leadership Initiative The Minority Women’s Leadership Initiative (MWLI) uplifts and encourages minority female students by supporting their academic, career and personal success. This year the group hosted several impactful events such as Polished and Poised, which focused on self-confidence and looking your best in a professional environment. Additional groups exist under the MWLI umbrella, including: • Black Diamonds – The second annual Black Diamonds Conference took place Oct. 12-13 at the Metropolitan Campus. The event brought together more than 600 female guests (many local high school students), 46 presenters and nine committee members. Tri-C assistant professor and counselor Linda Lanier created Black Diamonds to empower young women of color. • CHOICES – This group hosted various workshops and discussions throughout the academic year, such as “Loving Who You Are,” which focused on discovering your purpose. BAC alumna and Tri-C employee Beverly Owens created CHOICES to support personal growth, cultural enrichment and personal success. • Ladies of Excellence – Created just this academic year by a strong and dedicated group of female BAC mentors, Ladies of Excellence provides support to female mentees in a personal group setting. The inaugural meeting took place Nov. 29. Mentees and female College employees networked and learned more about each other.
9
Hispanic Council The Hispanic Council has been an integral part of Tri-C’s equity agenda and inclusive excellence goals for more than 25 years. Created in 1992, the Hispanic Council facilitates the implementation of initiatives to benefit Tri-C students and the Hispanic community, advises the College on Hispanic issues and serves as a liaison between the College and the Greater Cleveland Hispanic community. The Hispanic Council offers bilingual assistance with admissions, registration, financial aid and career advising and connects students with Tri-C programs, services, and faculty and staff who can address specific academic and student support needs. Hispanic Council staff interact with students in person, by phone and through one-on-one coaching. Students receive a monthly e-newsletter from the council to keep them updated on College deadlines, internship opportunities, scholarships and community events. The Annual Hispanic Scholarship Luncheon recognizes scholarship recipients, promotes academic success and completion and allows students to share their stories. This year, 73 Hispanic students were awarded $70,000 in scholarships. The council’s unique case management approach provides students with a caring advocate at the College, a sense of belonging and wraparound support services. In addition to student services and events, the council maintains an affinity group of Hispanic employees who serve as volunteers for community events and help plan cultural events for the College.
2018-2019 Highlights • The Hispanic Council welcomed 150 CMSD high school students to the Hispanic Education Conference in May. Author, performer and filmmaker Javier Sanchez served as keynote speaker, inspiring students to be intentional about adding process to their passions and helping them understand that they alone can positively change their lives and the lives of others through the choices they make. The conference also featured career and financial aid presentations and a Tri-C Career Fair, where students “toured” majors and learned about a variety of career opportunities. • The Hispanic Council welcomed 53 high school seniors from Thomas Jefferson International Newcomers Academy (TJINA) for a full-day, customized Tri-C orientation. TJINA welcomes multilingual students from all over the world. More than half of their student body are refugees or displaced by conflicts or natural disasters in their home countries. Since multilingual students often come to college with unique barriers and needs, this outreach event walked students through the college navigation process and armed them with a variety of resources to help them succeed at Tri-C. • Tri-C students, staff and faculty celebrated Hispanic culture and history during Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) with a variety of campus celebrations that included Hispanic food demonstrations, live Latin music, salsa dancing lessons and Mexican tissue flower-making. • During the holiday season, the Hispanic Council partnered with the Spanish American Committee on a One Warm Coat Drive to provide gently worn coats to local children and adults in need. Tri-C faculty and staff collected and donated 96 coats to the drive. 10
DIVERSIT Y REPORT 2019
Veterans Initiative For more than 55 years, Tri-C has demonstrated its commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces by providing access to affordable education and workforce training programs that enable them to successfully transition from military to civilian life. Tri-C enrolls the sixth‑largest number of student veterans in Ohio and has been designated as a Military Friendly School by GI Jobs Magazine for 10 consecutive years. This year, Tri-C ranked third in the nation in service to veterans and military families among the 700 community colleges in the survey. The Veterans Initiative provides services to approximately 7,000 veterans annually, offering academic assessments and guidance for developing academic and career plans and connecting veterans with the College’s fast-track certificate and degree programs. Veterans also receive support through the GI Bill and other financial assistance, including scholarships provided through the Alfred Lerner Memorial Endowment Scholarship Fund. During the 2018-2019 academic year, the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation awarded approximately $90,000 in additional scholarships to veterans. This academic year, 88 student veterans earned degrees – resulting in a 13% graduation rate among the veteran cohort.
2018-2019 Highlights • The Veterans Education Access Program (VEAP) provided 2,651 services to 841 unique student veterans, including 262 spouses/dependents. Eighteen were current reservists, 32% were female and 61% were minorities. • The Second Annual Veterans Experience Action Center (VEAC) event took place Aug. 9-11 at the Western Campus. The event, in partnership with the U.S. Veterans Administration, the Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission, the American Red Cross and United Way 211 and supported by the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, is the largest “one-stop shop” for veteran benefits and health care resources in the region. • The Veterans Initiative participated in the 17th Annual Rally for the Troops at the Fountain of Eternal Life Veterans Memorial in downtown Cleveland on April 27. Team members participated in the reading of the names of 279 service members from Ohio killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan. • The Veterans Initiative co-sponsored the Third Annual Breaking Down Barriers job and resource event for formerly incarcerated community members, including veterans, held at Oriana House in Cleveland on April 26. More than 215 people attended, including 38 veterans. • The Veterans Initiative participated in the Women in the Military Symposium on April 3. The event featured women currently serving in the armed services, as well as those who have transitioned in recent years. Members of a featured panel discussed the role of higher education in the success of their careers both during and after the military. • Student veteran Allen Bray was recognized as Tri-C’s 2018 Student Veteran of the Year at the Veterans Day ceremony at Cleveland City Hall on Nov. 9. Several College vehicles took part in the Veterans Day Parade following the ceremony. 11
Sexual Orientation and Gender Equality Council (SOGE) Established in summer 2015, the Sexual Orientation and Gender Equality (SOGE) Council strives to educate, advocate, support and create a safe space for all forms of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. SOGE has been reorganized and reenergized over the 2018-2019 academic year. Members approved a new charter outlining an expanded role at the College beginning fall 2019. As part of its mission, SOGE will maximize its role as an employee resource group, working directly with the Safe Zone program, Lambda GSA groups and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to centralize the College’s goals of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ employees and students. This new infrastructure will allow for a more streamlined communication of SOGEsupported events across campuses and in the community.
2018-2019 Highlights • The SOGE team worked with Enrollment, Information Technology Services and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to develop and launch This Is Me, Tri-C’s new Preferred Name, Gender Identity and Preferred Pronoun option for students and employees. • SOGE collaborated with the Human Rights Campaign to host trainings on lobbying efforts for the Equality Act at all four campuses and at Corporate College West. • SOGE continued efforts to improve the Campus Pride Index score to make Tri-C a leader in best practices in LGBTQ+ inclusion policies for community colleges. • This June, SOGE members marched alongside students at the Pride in the CLE event and hosted a booth to promote Tri-C programs and LGBTQ+ scholarship opportunities.
12
DIVERSIT Y REPORT 2019
Lambda Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Established in 2004, Lambda Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) is a student group that works to educate on gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight ally issues. The goal is to create an accepting environment on campus and in the broader community where everyone can feel comfortable and supported.
2018-2019 Highlights • Metropolitan Campus GSA hosted Wellness Week, a collaborative team of campus organizations, Collegewide programs and community partners, for a week of mental and physical wellness programming. Providing wellness activities and resources to Tri-C students helps ensure they are energized and attentive in the classroom. • In October, the Western Campus GSA hosted National Coming Out Day Monologues in the Galleria. Students, alumni and community members shared their coming out stories. • In November, the Western Campus GSA commemorated the Transgender Day of Remembrance with photo displays of transgender people who were victims of hate crime murders. • In February, the Western Campus GSA hosted a Love Is Love Event for Valentine’s Day. Members handed out free information, cookies and stickers to promote acceptance for all forms of love. • The Westshore Lambda GSA grew their membership this academic year and secured all officer positions. In spring 2019, the club hosted an outreach event on campus.
Safe Zone Ally Training More than 900 employees and students have attended Safe Zone training since its inception in 2004.
2018-2019 Highlights • Fourteen Safe Zone sessions took place College-wide, with 145 total participants. • An LGBTQ+ 1010 session took place at Western Campus, and presenters visited classrooms by faculty request. • On May 3, Title IX staff coordinated the first Safe Zone Booster workshop for certified Safe Zone Allies. • Cleveland Rape Crisis Center staff presented “Inclusivity and Safer Spaces” to nearly 50 Safe Zone Allies.
13
Women in Transition Program The Women in Transition (WIT) program works to equip women in our community during a period of transformation by empowering them through their pursuit of education, training and a career. WIT at Tri-C is the premier college and community program focused on the growth and development of women throughout Northeast Ohio.
2018-2019 Highlights • This year, WIT served 354 participants in 25 classes College-wide, celebrated 236 graduates (69% graduation rate for the year) and awarded 10 academic scholarships to WIT alumnae. Twenty WIT alumnae earned a combined total of 30 degrees and certificates in FY19, with a combined average GPA of 3.5. • On March 30, in honor of Women’s History Month (and to commemorate the program’s 40th anniversary), WIT hosted a day of women’s empowerment titled “Got Balance? Create a Life You Love.” Trustee Emeritus Nadine H. Feighan provided welcoming remarks, and keynote speaker Mary Johnson shared her personal journey of heartbreak, weight loss and finding her true purpose as a health and life coach. • On April 6, WIT graduates Tierra Banks and Camilya Williams were recognized as recipients of Zonta Club of Cleveland scholarships. Both women have successfully transferred to Cleveland State University and are pursuing bachelor’s degrees.
Partnerships • Collaborated with the Tri-C Hospitality Management Center of Excellence on their hospitality training program at the Cuyahoga County Jail. WIT offered group sessions focused on personal development and soft skills. • Collaborated with the Tri-C Network of Women (NOW) to collect new and gently used business clothing and accessories for students through the Hope’s Closet initiative. The Career Wardrobe Shopping Bazaar provides an opportunity for business professionals to contribute to the success of job seekers by collecting clothing and accessories for both women and men and allowing students to “shop” for business attire, free of charge. WIT donated an additional 28 bags of mixed apparel to the City Mission through Hope’s Closet.
Student Success Hospitality graduate and WIT alumna Susan Barlow was selected by her peers to be the student speaker at Tri-C’s 2019 Spring Commencement ceremony. She also served as a chef for the Fall 2018 graduation ceremony. “I cannot express how important the learnings and insights from WIT were for me. I have read and reread my ‘Note to Self’ and my biography several times since graduating WIT, and it makes me swell with pride!” – Susan Barlow, Tri-C and WIT alumna 14
DIVERSIT Y REPORT 2019
Reach Scholars Program With support from Ohio Reach, the Tri-C Reach Scholars program connects students who have experienced foster care with mentors to provide encouragement, connection to college resources and emotional support to ensure that each scholar makes progress toward degree and certificate completion. Staff and faculty mentors represent areas of the College including financial aid, enrollment, counseling, Student Life and TRIO. In addition to one-on-one and group mentoring opportunities, Reach Scholars provides an array of services including triage around financial aid, emergency support for books, transportation, food and housing insecurity. The Reach Scholars program works closely with other areas of the College and community partners to address these needs. Reach Scholars events provide opportunities for scholars and mentors to connect outside of the academic environment. Examples include Early Thanksgiving at St. Ignatius High School, the Lip Sync and Talent Contest held jointly with Black American Council, the Ohio Reach Conference in Columbus, Connect to Campus events, Registration-a-thons and other College-wide events. Tri-C partners with Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services to host Future Advocates and Leaders (FAL) meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month. These meetings include young people preparing to age out of foster care as well as individuals who have already aged out. They are also open to Reach Scholars currently enrolled at the College. Participation in these meetings has grown, and several former foster youth have enrolled at Tri-C because of relationships cultivated through FAL.
2018-2019 Highlights • With support from Ohio Reach, Tri-C hired two former foster youth enrolled at the College to serve as Reach Fellows. Courtney Morgan and Juanje Davis attended Reach Scholar events, provided peer mentoring and helped support the Reach Scholars program via social media. Davis graduated in May 2019, and Morgan is continuing her studies at Tri-C. • Collaborated with Cleveland State University on the Destination Graduation year-end student summit in June. Reach Scholars (and potential scholars) learned what life is like on a college campus, whether at Tri-C or another institution, and developed a plan of action to finish what they start, whether it be a degree or an in-demand workforce training certificate. • The Reach Scholars program increased collaboration with the Black American Council, the Student Life and Counseling offices on each campus, TRIO programs, Financial Aid and the Enrollment Centers. • National data suggests that young people who have lived in foster care complete college at a 3% rate over a six-year period,* whereas Tri-C students who have experienced care complete at a 7% rate over a four-year period. *Diverse Issues in Higher Education, April 20, 2017; http://diverseeducation.com/article/95599/
15
Student Accessibility Services Tri-C serves more than 1,800 students and visitors with disabilities annually. The students who choose Tri-C do so because of its continued commitment to serving their needs. Founded in 1979, Tri-C’s Student Accessibility Services (SAS) program supports students with disabilities at any campus, site or location, including online students. Common disability types include learning disabilities, sensory limitations, psychiatric conditions, physical mobility conditions and chronic health issues. All matters related to a person’s disability are kept confidential.
Student Success Elizabeth McCrory recently graduated from Tri-C with an associate degree in business. She was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) at 18 months old. The disease affected her eyes, causing her to lose all vision in her left eye and partial vision in her right. McCrory’s limited eyesight prevented her from taking more than one class at a time. Working with SAS, she got access to software that provided screen magnification, equipment such as closed circuit TVs for print magnification, and staff who assisted with enlarging hard copy course documents. Determination, along with support from family and the SAS office, led McCrory to become a 2019 cum laude and PTK honor graduate. When asked about her journey, she noted, “I earned my degree to prove something to myself, but also thought it was vital to show my daughters and other people who might not feel confident that no matter what life throws your way, just keep going. Never give up.” Maggie Barrett is a freshman at Tri-C’s Westshore Campus. When she was 15, doctors found a tumor in her brain. While they were able to remove the tumor successfully, Barrett lost all vision in her left eye as a result. Over the last four years, she has had to relearn how to do many things including walking, balancing, driving, and focusing and reading with her right eye. Barrett enrolled at Tri-C last fall and connected with the SAS office. Staff provided accommodations including preferred seating, use of zoom text, alternative-format textbooks and other basic supports. In addition to these accommodations, SAS collaborated with the Westshore Campus Learning Commons to develop the use of screen sharing technology through WebEx. This software enables faculty to share their screens directly with Barrett’s laptop so she can follow along with the rest of the class. Barrett is a dedicated student who plans to become a pediatric nurse. She is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing, and she will transfer to Cleveland State University to earn her BSN. Donna Erwin came to Tri-C to explore what she wants to do in life. Now, after taking courses in several majors, she is ready to graduate with an associate degree and pursue further study in psychology. She hopes to work with children after completing her education and licensing credentials. Among the many things Erwin appreciates about Tri-C are the level of support services she received and the smaller campus size, which makes it easier for people with mobility issues to navigate the physical space and access facilities. 16
DIVERSIT Y REPORT 2019
Tri-C Network of Women (NOW) Tri-C NOW is an employee resource group (ERG) for women employees at Cuyahoga Community College. Launched in fall 2018, the group was developed in response to a survey of our female employees. Feedback indicated a desire for professional development, advancement, work-life balance and networking at all levels. Our desire is to align the College with similar-sized institutions offering ERGs in order to remain an employer of choice with strong recruitment and retention. Mission Create a forum for women to grow personally and professionally through the power of networking, collaboration, discussion and professional development Vision To foster a culture of inclusive excellence where women feel welcomed, supported, celebrated and empowered to reach their personal and professional potential. We aim to attract and retain a talented workforce that supports and contributes to student success and completion.
2018-2019 Highlights • The inaugural event in fall 2018 featured Narcisa Polonio, who presented “Stepping Up: My Life, My Career, My Future” – a series of thought-provoking exercises that included career mapping, exploration and work plan creation. • Members attended the musical Everything Is Okay and Other Helpful Lies at the Cleveland Public Theatre. The play depicts a group of close friends struggling to navigate the tragedies of life. • In spring 2019, Dee Dee Pfister presented The Unique You: The Art of Personal Branding, a workshop on exploring our social footprint and discovering ways to rebrand our image to achieve both personal and professional success. • Also this spring, Kathleen Buse presented Inspiration From Within: The Power of a Personal Vision. She discussed the importance of dreams, how they can lead to a personal vision, and the many reasons why women are more likely to set their own dreams and needs aside. Attendees participated in reflective exercises to determine how other people influence their choices and decisions. • In March 2019, Tri-C NOW conducted a Collegewide cellphone drive to benefit the Domestic Violence and Advocacy Center of Cleveland. The group collected a total of 102 cellphones, phone accessories, laptops and tablets. • In May 2019, Tri-C NOW partnered with Hope’s Closet to support the College’s Women in Transition program and Veterans Initiative. Approximately 800 items were collected, including suits, dresses, tops, shoes and accessories.
17
Title IX Title IX, created through the Education Amendments of 1972, states that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. This includes protection from sexual harassment.” Tri-C has an effective reporting and response protocol, as well as appropriate policies and procedures, for the entire College community. The Title IX coordinator promptly, thoroughly and confidentially investigates any Title IX complaint that comes to the attention of the College with assistance from deputy coordinators located at each campus. Tri-C is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment that is free from sexual misconduct and where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. The College prohibits sexual misconduct in any form, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual exploitation, domestic violence or other inappropriate behavior that is of a sexual nature – or based on sex – and directed toward, by or against employees, students, vendors, customers or persons participating in a College program or activity. The College encourages its students, faculty and staff to help respond to and prevent sexual misconduct through the Better Than That initiative. This initiative provides social resources, education and professional development through partnerships with the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center, Ohio Department of Higher Education and Tri-C’s Campus Police and Counseling departments to reach all demographics and ensure the safety of the College community.
18
DIVERSIT Y REPORT 2019
Equity and Inclusive Excellence Task Force The Equity and Inclusive Excellence Task Force is a Collegewide team dedicated to reviewing internal policies and practices; identifying potential barriers to success for students of color, students over 25 and Pell-eligible students; and recommending programs and activities that focus on achieving student equity goals. Working with units across the College, the task force completed a comprehensive tactical plan that establishes benchmarks for inclusive excellence in student success; hiring, recruitment and purchasing; professional development; and College and campus climate.
2018-2019 Highlights • Equity Task Force member Chandra Arthur attended the Lilly Conference on Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) and gathered information and resources, which were shared with the Inclusive Excellence Task Force to establish a mission and goals for an FLC at Eastern Campus. The mission is “to bring together faculty on an interdisciplinary Collegewide committee to advance student success and completion.” • FLC members Nancy Doherty, Margot Freer Prokop, Donya Waugh and Christine Wolken presented at Campus Day at the Western Campus and held a focus group for faculty on the mission and goals of the Inclusive Excellence FLC. • In March 2019, task force members presented Inclusive Excellence: Using Data to Identify Interventions in a Faculty Learning Community at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) conference on Diversity, Equity and Student Success in Pittsburgh. They shared the FLC model, along with background on how it was formed, and discussed best practices for teaching to achieve equity. • Goals for 2019-2020 include playing a role on the Faculty Governance Committee, creating a faculty dashboard for sharing inclusive excellence data and resources, and assigning individuals to whom faculty can go for help with equity issues in the classroom. • In April 2019, Alex Johnson, Michael Schoop, Andrew Pegman and Magda Gomez presented Inclusive Excellence as a Catalyst for Culture Change at an American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) conference.
19
Diversity and Inclusion Award The Tri-C Diversity and Inclusion Award recognizes the achievements of College employees who advance equity, diversity and inclusion – above and beyond their scope of work – through outstanding dedication and excellence in providing services for diverse populations, fostering an inclusive work environment (both in and out of the classroom) and/or addressing equity. The following employees have made meaningful contributions toward diversity and inclusion at Tri-C.
2019 Diversity and Inclusion Award Recipients
Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Magda Gomez (center), with 2019 award recipients (L‑R): Jacques O. Smith Sr., Program Manager, Black American Council; Michael Flatt, Assistant Professor, Sociology, Western Campus; Lisa Belcher-Nelson, Assistant Professor, Counseling, Western Campus; Cory Molner, Supervisor, Learning Commons, Eastern Campus.
20
DIVERSIT Y REPORT 2019
Diversity Recruitment and Retention The College remains diligent in its efforts to recruit and retain ethnically, racially and gender-diverse instructional faculty, utilizing more than 45 diversity-related sources to post administrative, faculty and staff positions. Collegewide relationships established by faculty, staff and ERGs also help to recruit a talented and inclusive team of employees. The concepts of diversity and inclusion are also discussed with faculty and staff members at New Employee Orientation.
Diversity and Inclusion Training The College fosters professional development by offering a plethora of face-to-face and online training opportunities for administrators, faculty, staff and students. These include: • Unconscious Bias and You • Employee Essentials • Civility in the Workplace • Safe Zone • Microaggressions • Title IX • Sustained Dialogue
21
Supplier Diversity Tri-C is committed to supporting the Greater Cleveland economy by giving suppliers equitable opportunities to provide goods and services. This includes ensuring supplier diversity. As such, all suppliers – including small business enterprises, women, minority, LGBTQ+ and veteran owned businesses – are invited and encouraged to do business with us. We recognize our suppliers as a key source of knowledge and rely on them to help us improve the quality and value of services provided to our students. The College created a five-year Inclusive Excellence Development Plan that outlines strategies and tactics to aid the College in increasing its diverse professional relationships and integrating those relationships into its day-to-day operations. • The number of diverse vendors with purchase orders has increased 50% from FY16 through FY19. • Since December 2016, the College has made 90 new connections with minority business groups. • $19M in direct annual spend with tier I diverse vendors in FY18. • Total annual inclusion spend (tiers I and II) for FY19 has increased by 5%. • FY17 spend for all tier I direct diverse dollars was $15M; FY18 was $18M; and FY19 was $25M. • Of the $25M FY19 tier I diverse spend, $6.4M (25%) was with MBE suppliers. • $5.1M of the $6.4M MBE spend was with Hispanic business firms. • Of the $25M FY19 tier I diverse spend, $9.8M (38%) was with FBE suppliers. • Due to construction projects, Hispanic business spend has grown from $600K to $5.1M from FY18 to FY19. • Construction projects are tracking an average collective spend of 26% across MBE, FBE, VBE and SBE/CSB/SDBE categories.
Diversity Categories MBE – Minority Business Enterprise FBE – Female Business Enterprise VBE – Veteran-Owned Business
22
SBE/CSB/SDBE – Small Business Enterprise/ Cleveland Small Business/Small Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
DIVERSIT Y REPORT 2019
College Awards • Received the 2019 Best in Class Award in Board Diversity from Commission on Economic Inclusion. ° The College also received the 2018 Hall of Fame Award in the Senior Management Diversity/ Large Nonprofit Government/Public Entity category. • Named to the Commission 20 (2018 and 2019) for progress in creating, enhancing and sustaining diversity and inclusion strategies (also by Commission on Economic Inclusion). • Honored at the Minority Access 19th Annual Role Models Conference, where Tri-C received the 2018 Champion of Diversity Award. • Received the 2018 and 2019 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award.
Demographics Employee Demographics by Gender
Employee Demographics by Ethnicity
Female Male
41% 59%
Student Demographics by Gender
White/Caucasian African American/ Black Asian American Hispanic/Latino Multiracial Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander Unknown
3%
2% 3% 1%
25%
Student Demographics by Ethnicity 4%
66%
6%
0%
9% Female Male
46% 54%
White/Caucasian African American/ Black 5% Asian American Hispanic/Latino Multiracial Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander Unknown
54% 22%
23
19-1011
tri-c.edu/diversity