Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
At OCC, we seek to create a climate that values diversity, inclusiveness, equity, and social justice and is free from prejudice, discrimination, and hate campus-wide. We promote inclusiveness, whereby people are treated fairly, feel recognized and welcomed, and are actively engaged in all elements of our college community, regardless of their ethnicity, race, age, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, political beliefs, and abilities. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity is embedded within our mission, actions, and core values.
Students First – Keep students at the center of all we do.
Learning – Embrace the lifelong pursuit of knowledge and free expression of ideas in a safe environment to advance the individual and the community.
Excellence – Strive for continual improvement and innovation to seek our highest potential.
Diversity – Enrich learning through an inclusive campus environment that respects human dignity and difference.
Community – Foster active and productive participation in building a mutually supportive environment for members of the campus and broader communities.
Responsibility – Build a culture of integrity and accountability to develop both self and others.
Upcoming Events
Coming soon!
Campus Climate Activities
No Space for Hate
We began our “No Space for Hate” campaign with signage, presentations, workshops, and other activities designed to educate, eradicate any ill feelings towards others, and unify our diverse citizenry. We also offered bystander training for employees. If interested in getting involved, please contact Eunice Williams, Vice President/Chief Diversity Officer.
Student Conversation Circles
The SCC program encourages dialogues about race, gender, religion, economic status, sexual orientation and other topics as they relate to one’s identities. For 6 weeks, 2 hours per week, students come together to share their ethnic heritage and learn about others. They become comfortable facilitating discussions about highly sensitive issues, create an inclusive environment with individuals of all backgrounds, and promote social justice on campus.
Applied Learning Experience
In the SCC Circles, students share their heritage, experiences, and learn about others. The Applied Learning Experience goes beyond the dialogues and gets students involved with the Greater Syracuse community by assigning a project that fosters an appreciation for diversity and inclusion. This component is optional and involvement is dependent on having completed the Circles and an approved and funded proposal.
Unity Day
Unity Day is a time where the campus community come together to advance diversity and inclusion, engage the campus community, and foreground the multifaceted identities and experiences of OCC’s community. Events are planned throughout the college campus that provide individuals with the opportunity to engage in various interactive tasks and share their identities as well as learn about other identities.
Council on Diversity & Inclusion
The Council on Diversity & Inclusion takes action, advises, and makes recommendations to improve college operations and promote inclusion of diverse perspectives. The Council's 5 core objectives are:
- Improve recruitment, retention and graduation of students from diverse and/or underserved backgrounds.
- Improve the employee recruitment and orientation process to attract and retain a diverse workforce and leadership team that reflects the diversity of the College’s service area.
- Improve campus culture relative to inclusion, tolerance, and respect for human dignity through diversity awareness programs and activities.
- Infuse multiculturalism, pluralism, and global awareness into the educational curriculum.
- Improve college-community connections through community outreach.