Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission:
At Generations College, we are committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Our mission is to cultivate a campus environment that celebrates diversity in all its forms, embraces equity as a fundamental principle, and promotes inclusivity as a cornerstone of our institutional culture.
We believe that diversity enriches our learning environment, fosters creativity, and prepares our students to succeed in an interconnected world. We are dedicated to creating a campus where individuals from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences feel welcome, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Vision:
At Generations College, we envision a future where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just ideals, but lived realities that enrich every aspect of campus life. Our vision is to create a college community that serves as a beacon of diversity, equity, and inclusion, inspiring and empowering individuals to embrace their unique identities, perspectives, and experiences, and to contribute to a more just and equitable world.
Values:
- Inclusive Education: We value educating the masses by fostering an inclusive learning environment where diverse perspectives are honored, celebrated, and integrated into every aspect of academic life. We believe that education is a powerful tool for promoting understanding, empathy, and social change, and we are committed to providing equitable access to educational opportunities for all members of our community.
- Promoting Awareness: We are dedicated to building awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues by providing educational programs, workshops, and resources that deepen understanding and challenge assumptions. Through open dialogue, critical reflection, and engagement with diverse perspectives, we strive to create a campus culture that values empathy, respect, and appreciation for the complexities of human identity and experience.
- Empowering Advocates: We believe in empowering others to become DEI advocates by providing opportunities for leadership, skill-building, and community engagement. We recognize that creating a more inclusive and equitable society requires collective action, and we are committed to equipping our students, faculty, and staff with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to advocate for positive change within our campus community and beyond. We believe that every individual has the power to make a difference and that
together, we can create a more just and equitable world for all.
DEI Initiatives:
Training
- Employees will attend two rounds of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training sessions each year, scheduled for the Spring and Fall Semesters. Additionally, staff will actively participate in two (in-person) DEI seminars annually.
Education
- During their First Year Experience and Speech courses, students will engage in DEI and Civic Engagement activities, leading to the attainment of a certificate upon fulfillment.
Community Engagement
- Throughout each calendar year, students will engage in a variety of activities, including but not limited to:
- Volunteering: Engaging with local non-profit organizations.
- Service Learning: Enrolling in courses that blend classroom instruction with community service initiatives.
- Health and Wellness Initiatives: Contributing to health fairs, blood drives, or mental health awareness campaigns.
Point of Contact: Dr. Sheri Ruffai; sruffai@generations.edu