IDEA Committee Charter

Committee chairs are responsible for meeting with their committee and updating this document every academic year by October 1^st. Upon completion, submit electronically to President’s/Provost’s Office.

I. Committee Name – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee

Purpose Statement –  Committed to academic excellence and social responsibility, the IDEA Committee works collaboratively to foster and maintain a diverse, welcoming environment that supports the development of culturally competent professionals who engage with the C-GCC community and community at large. The Committee’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential for success.

II. Definitions:

Equity refers to fair and just practices and policies that ensure that all campus community members can thrive.  Columbia-Greene Community College aims for equal access to opportunities for all individuals by assessing and removing potential barriers to success. To achieve fairness in outcomes, Columbia-Greene Community College will provide support depending on need. Achievement of true equity will be determined when parity in experience and outcomes is the standard for all within the campus community.

Diversity refers to all aspects of the human experience, social identity, and social group differences. Columbia-Greene Community College welcomes, acknowledges, respects, and celebrates all identities, backgrounds, perspectives, and expression of thoughts and ideas of campus constituents. Columbia-Greene Community College acknowledges there are real differences that make every individual unique, including, but not limited to: age, race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical abilities, neurodivergence, socio-economic status, veteran status, religion, education, national origin, language, physical appearance, life experience, culture, and the intersection of multiple dimensions.

Inclusion refers to a campus community where all members are respected and are able to participate and achieve their full potential. Columbia-Greene Community College believes Inclusion is empowering all individuals to become involved in every aspect of campus and community life, by fostering an environment where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized and valued. In pursuance of this goal, Columbia-Greene Community College will promote and sustain a sense of belonging by appreciating and respecting the talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and lifestyles of its members.

III. Vision

The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee seeks to build and sustain a community that upholds the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals in an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and civility.

IV. Committee Charge

The Committee advises the President on ways to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, and create a welcoming climate that supports all members of the community, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

V. Schedule

The Committee will meet on a monthly basis.

VI. Committee Membership

The IDEA Committee is comprised of a standing committee and subcommittees that include a diverse group of individuals representing faculty, staff, students (one first-year and one second-year), and administrators. The Committee shall elect a secretary who will be responsible for maintaining the minutes of Committee meetings.  Each standing Committee member will serve as a liaison and coordinator of a subcommittee.

VII. Selection

In consultation with the President and College Senate, the CDO, in consultation with the IDEA Committee Chair, will select standing committee members. The CDO has the option to nominate a Co-chair for a Committee vote. Standing committee members will nominate individuals for membership on subcommittees.

VIII. Term Limits

The inaugural group of the IDEA Committee will serve a staggered two- or three-year term to ensure continuity of operations.  Members may volunteer to serve on the Committee again immediately following the completion of their term.  In other words, an individual may serve on the IDEA Committee consecutively for as long as the individual and the Chair/Co-chairs agree on such tenure.  Students will serve a one-year term on the IDEA Committee.

IX. Organizational Structure

The Committee will work in collaboration with the Chief Diversity Officer.  The Chief Diversity Officer will report to the President.

X. Shared Committee Expectations

(Ground rules and norms for working together) – See attached

XI. Cycle Map

The academic year begins in August and ends in May.