Why is diversity important at the College of Lake County?
One important answer is: the college must embrace diversity if it is to prepare students for a world that increasingly requires people from very different backgrounds and places to work and do business with each other.
Another, perhaps even more fundamental answer, is that diversity is an integral part of who we are. You need only visit one of our campuses to realize that our students are diverse. A diverse world is not just “out there” awaiting our students; it is here at the college and an essential part of the CLC experience.
That is why we are committed to creating and maintaining an environment that helps each member of the college community feel welcomed and valued. That environment is about encouraging mutual respect and understanding. And it's about creating opportunity and eliminating bias. But as fundamental as these ideas may sound, they are not easy to achieve. Success requires a range of approaches, everything from being inclusive in our hiring practices to infusing multicultural content in our curriculum.
Diversity is a Value
CLC believes so much in the importance of diversity that it is featured prominently in the college's strategic plan as both a core institutional value and as one of our six strategic goals. We believe that diversity is a value we hold, but it is also something that we must actively work to achieve.
Diversity Council and Governance
To support us in living up to our diversity value and achieving our diversity goal, we have established a Diversity Council as part of our governance structure. It provides direction and recommendation of diversity-related activities and a forum for generating ideas and new initiatives. But to really make progress on diversity, we will need the support and involvement of the entire college community. We invite you to be part of this important effort to build a culture that truly realizes the opportunity-enhancing promise of diversity.
As part of our Diversity initiatives, the College provides the opportunity for employees to form Employee Resource Groups. For more information on these groups, visit the Employee Resource Groups page.
College Policies
CLC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and ensuring equal and fair treatment for employees and students.
Demographics
Enroll at the College of Lake County, and you’re likely to find people who are similar to you and others who are very different (PDF). CLC welcomes all, believing that our differences make us a richer, more vibrant learning community.