Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
5.15 Notice of Non-Discrimination
(Adopted 12-2-2013; Revised 6-13-2022)
Applicants for admission and employment, students, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and individuals with whom the Board of Trustees and College officials do business are hereby notified that East Central College does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran’s status or any factor that is a prohibited consideration under applicable law.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
Committee Charge
(Adopted Fall 2021)
At East Central College, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee actively upholds and promotes the institutional value of diversity through policies and practices that celebrate the identity and the authentic self of every individual. The work of the committee is dedicated to fostering an educational culture of inclusivity and open-mindedness, and teaching students to be well-rounded, culturally competent citizens who can live, work, and communicate in a globalized society. In recognizing differences and encouraging inclusion, East Central College effectively supports the whole person and cultivates a safe and supportive environment for all stakeholders of the institution. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee recognizes that all individuals are unique. All should be a part of celebrating that diversity, which might include (but is not limited to):
- Race and ethnicity
- Sexual orientation
- Age
- Gender identity and gender expression
- Individuals with disabilities
- Religion and spirituality
- First-generation college students
- Socioeconomic status
- Immigration or citizenship status
- Neurodivergence
- Physical size and appearance
Some goals of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee include:
- Designing and implementing an assessable framework relevant to our charge that will be included in strategic planning for the institution.
- Organizing and offering regular training and educational opportunities for East Central College and our community pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Advocating for the creation and implementation of policies and procedures that endure students have equitable access to all components of the higher education experience that East Central College offers.
Current Co-Chairs
Leigh Kellmann Kolb | she, her, hers
Associate Professor, English
leigh.kolb@eastcentral.edu
HH 228 | 636-584-6643
Resources
Access Services at East Central College provides services for students with documented disabilities under ADA laws. To qualify for services, students must self-identify to the Access Services office and provide documentation.
This directory is a list of employees who have self-identified as an ally comfortable with having conversations pertaining to gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, and more. Remember that every ECC employee is an ally & can help you.
East Central College employs two Union police officers to provide safety and security on the Union campus Monday-Friday during the day and evening time periods.
All students at East Central College have the right to be referred to by their preferred/chosen first name in classrooms, by peers and/or faculty, and in most College information systems that are within the College’s realm of alteration without pursuing a legal name change.
East Central College has four licensed professional counselors with whom students can make appointments either in-person or virtually.
This informational, non-partisan page serves only as a starting point for students to begin their voter registration process, learn about polling locations and voting rights, and more.
Learn more about what it means to be a first-generation college student and the resources available to you. First-Gen Falcons are also recognized during graduation with a special honor cord.
This collection of resources includes ECC-specific resources, resources in Franklin County and Phelps County, along with national resources.
East Central College will comply with the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), which amended Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to provide a reasonable amount of break time to express milk as frequently as needed by the nursing parent.
Pregnant Student Rights Under Title IX
This information is provided both to inform and remind the College community of the institution’s obligation not to discriminate against students on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions.
Safe Zone Training
The Campus Life and Leadership Office has developed a self-paced Safe Zone training in Canvas. Upon completion, the participant will receive a certificate and sticker indicating the Safe Zone credential.
East Central College awards over $300,000 in academic and need-based scholarships annually.
East Central College is committed to maintaining an environment that is free of discrimination on the basis of sex within its educational programs and activities. Find the Title IX Coordinator, learn more about the rights extended under Title IX, procedures for reporting, and more.
Browse the services and benefits available to Veterans and spend time in the Veterans Lounge on the second floor of the Donald Shook Student Center.
Faculty / Employee Resources
Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression: Teaching Resources
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence at AAC&U
Four Essential Strategies for Inclusive Teaching
Institutional Use of Name Policy
Recommendations from the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Involvement Opportunities
Any East Central College employee wanting to be added to the Ally Directory should email andrew.kolb@eastcentral.edu.
Campus Life’s All-Campus Read
Campus Life and Leadership hosts an all-campus read each semester with books pertaining to various DEI-related topics. Past selections have included “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett, “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, “The Complete Maus” by Art Spiegelman, “Red Clocks” by Leni Zumas, and “Disability Visibility” by Alice Wong.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Any East Central College employee wanting to join the DEI Committee should contact Leigh Kellmann Kolb.
The Film and Lecture Series brings acclaimed documentaries and narrative films, scholars, authors, journalists and poets to campus throughout the year. The series is designed to introduce an essential component of education in helping audiences consider perspectives other than their own by broadening the basis for critical thought, enjoying various forms of artistic expression, promoting cultural understanding, and encouraging discussion.
The Global Education group hosts activities for International Day, as well as International Education Week, an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.
The Green Committee hosts an annual Earth Day Celebration, inviting the community to partake in educational activities centered around environmental education.
Safe Zone Training
The Campus Life and Leadership Office has developed a self-paced Safe Zone training in Canvas. Upon completion, the participant will receive a certificate and sticker indicating the Safe Zone credential.
Service Learning incorporates community work into the curriculum, giving students real-world learning experiences that enhance their academic learning while providing a tangible benefit for the community.
Stories Matter promotes the use of stories as a way for all people to understand themselves and others, both as unique and as members of a common community. Through reading, listening, sharing, and discussing one another’s stories, we build empathy and create a more inclusive and welcoming community in our ever-changing diverse and multicultural society.
East Central College has 25+ student organizations with a variety of involvement opportunities. Students are also encouraged to start their own clubs.
DEI & Assessment
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work at East Central College is supported by the Higher Learning Commission, the institution’s accrediting body. Specifically, Criterion 1.C. reads:
“The institution provides opportunities for civic engagement in a diverse, multicultural society and globally connected world, as appropriate within its mission and for the constituencies it serves.
- The institution encourages curricular or cocurricular activities that prepare students for informed citizenship and workplace success.
- The institution’s processes and activities demonstrate inclusive and equitable treatment of diverse populations.
- The institution fosters a climate of respect among all students, faculty, staff and administrators from a range of diverse backgrounds, ideas and perspectives.”
East Central College’s institutional student learning outcomes also demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our Social Responsibility ISLO states that students will demonstrate an understanding of social responsibility through the following performance indicators:
- Describe the core values and accountability of citizenship in a democratic society.
- Analyze the impact of culture and experience on one’s worldview and behavior, including assumptions, biases, prejudices, and stereotypes
- Include diverse perspectives and identities to strengthen communities
- Identify the needs of the community
- Demonstrate an understanding of global interconnectedness
- Demonstrate effective stewardship of human, economic, and/or environmental resources
- Engage in and reflect on civic, political, and community activities that promote diversity and inclusion
- Analyze and reflect on the choices, actions, and consequences in ethical decision making