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MCC to Help Build National Resource Aimed at Addressing Systemic Inequities in Higher Education

February 10, 2022

MCC to Help Build National Resource Aimed at Addressing Systemic Inequities in Higher Education

AAC&U selects MCC among 19 institutions to develop Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation-Focused Campus Climate Assessment Toolkit

Monroe Community College is among 19 U.S. institutions selected by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) to help develop a Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT)–Focused Campus Climate Assessment Toolkit. Chosen through a competitive process, MCC is one of two New York public colleges to participate in the effort. (The City University of New York’s Guttman Community College received honorable mention following the selection process.)

The toolkit aims to complement existing campus climate surveys and promote deeper understanding of institutional environments and of lived experiences of students, faculty, staff, and communities, according to the AAC&U (media release). The toolkit will help institutions and practitioners interrogate systems, policies, programs, services, and practices that perpetuate disparities and inequities and identify opportunities for expanding relationship building and racial healing.

“The ability of an institution to address systemic inequities effectively depends on a clear-eyed, ongoing assessment of the many factors that influence its unique campus climate,” said AAC&U President Lynn Pasquerella. “We are thrilled to partner with these 19 colleges and universities on the development of a new and much-needed resource to support such assessments.”

MCC Vice President Calvin J. Gantt, Ed.D.

“Monroe Community College prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to ensure life-changing higher education and training is accessible and to promote racial healing,” said MCC Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Calvin J. Gantt, Ed.D. (pictured right).“We are proud of the opportunity to partner with AAC&U to bring this innovative toolkit to fruition—a significant step toward openly exploring institutional environments and transforming higher education.”

Core teams from each of the selected colleges and universities will serve as thought partners in the development of the toolkit, providing their insight and feedback on its relevance, content, and structure. MCC core team members represent key campus stakeholder groups, including students, faculty, and staff. The initiative kicks off at MCC in March.

The development of the TRHT-Focused Campus Climate Assessment Toolkit is supported by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Media Contact
Rosanna Yule
585-292-3024
ryule@monroecc.edu