Announcements

IDEA Committee Events, Professional Development, and Communications 2022-2023

Indigenous Histories Speaking Engagement at Olana State Historic State Site

• October 12, 2022
• Historian Heather Bruegl, citizen of the Onedia Nation of Wisconsin and first-line descendent of Stockbridge Munsee, will deliver part one of a three-part series of talks focusing on topics related to American history, legacies of colonization, and indigenous histories.

Millenial to Zillenial: Youth and Young Leaders

• January 24, 2023
• Facilitated discussion with Mayor Kamal Johnson, of Hudson, NY, and around the theme of leadership as a millennial, and the strategies for leading change in an increasingly diverse community.

Lunar New Year Celebration

• February 1, 2023
• CGCC celebrated the year of the Rabbit with craft lantern making and the Chinese zodiac. Participants learned about Chinese traditions and celebrations.

Be-the-Beat Presentation and Mini Health Fair 

• March 7, 2023
• Inspired by the American Heart Association, CGCC hosted a presentation delivered by Dari Cook-McGibbon, Professor of Nursing, about disparities in healthcare for marginalized populations and preventative measures for health and wellness. A mini health fair was held after the program with AED & CPR presentations, a blood pressure clinic, and an EKG station. The IDEA and Health Matters Committee also had stations with information about community resources.

Cultural Fair

• April 25, 2023
• This celebration of diversity will feature various performances, food, and educational opportunities that reflect the various ethnicities and cultures from within our campus. Students will be invited to participate through hosting a table, inviting their community groups or churches, and more.

Women in STEM Speaking Engagement

• April 27, 2023
• Dr. Toyin Tofade, MS, PharmD, BCPS, CPCC, FFIP, President of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, will deliver a discussion about her experience as an executive in STEM. Dr. Tofade is the first female to serve as President in ACPHS’s history.

Professional Development (in collaboration with WIO)

Overview of the ADA and Respectfully Engaging People with Disabilities

• February 7, 2023
• What exactly is the ADA and what does it cover? How do I best communicate with a person with a disability? This session will provide a broad overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act, who the law protects, and where it applies. It will also address best practices for respectful interaction with individuals with disabilities to help promote an inclusive and welcoming work environment. Questions and conversation will be welcomed.

Key Considerations for Recruiting and Hiring Job Seekers with Disabilities

• March 7, 2023
• What happens when a job applicant discloses a disability before or during a job interview? How do I create a welcoming, accessible job application and interview process? Do I have to designate “essential functions” in my job descriptions? This interactive session will focus on the key elements of Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—such as disability disclosure and reasonable accommodation in the workplace–and how this can impact the recruitment and hiring process.

Communications

• October 2022, Hispanic Heritage Month
• February 2023, Black History Month Message
• January 2023, International Holocaust Remembrance Day
• March 2023, Ramadan Message
• April 2023, Easter Message
• May 2023, AAPI and Jewish Heritage Month Message(s)
• June 2023, Juneteenth Message, PRIDE Month Message

An IDEA Minute has been integrated into each College Council and Faculty Council meeting in 2022-2023. A representative from the IDEA Committee is provided an opportunity to share an update or interesting fact pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion.