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IDEA Committee Charter

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

I. Committee NameInclusion, 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.

Membership CycleAcademic Year: Fall 2022End of Term
Standing Committee
Role:Director, Community Engagement and Professional Development 2025
Employee Name Amanda Karch
Committee Position: Chair
Role:Interim CDO, Dean of Student Development2025
Employee Name Drew Ledoux
Role:CDO, Faculty/Criminal Justice/Sociology2025
Employee NameFrankie Beaver-Timmons
Role:Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development 2025
Employee NameCaitlin Twomey
Role:Multimedia Coordinator2025
Employee NameCarl Nabozny
Role:Director, Human Resources2025
Employee NameMelissa Fandozzi
Role:College President
Employee NameDr. Carlee Drummer
Committee Position: Ex Officio
Subcommittees
Role:Director, Student Activities and Leadership Development2025
Employee NameCaitlin Twomey
Subcommittee: Program and Events
Role:Multimedia Coordinator2025
Employee NameCarl Nabonzy
Subcommittee: Program and Events
Role:Assistant to the President2025
Employee NameMary Garafalo
Subcommittee: Program and Events
Committee Position: Co-chair
Role:Assistant Director, Community Engagement and Professional Development2025
Employee NameKatie Davis
Subcommittee: Program and Events
Role:Academic, Career & Transfer Advisor2025
Employee NameJulia Podpora
Subcommittee: Program and Events
Role:Security2025
Employee NameWilliam Hanna
Subcommittee: Program and Events
Role:Student 2023
Employee NameBernadette Voyer
Subcommittee: Program and Events
Role:Student2023
Employee NameTBD
Subcommittee: Program and Events
Role:Technical Asst II - Arts and Humanities2025
Employee NameJohn Kenny
Subcommittee: Program and Events
Role:Director, Human Resources2025
Employee NameMelissa Fandozzi
Subcommittee: Recruitment and Retention
Role:CDO, Faculty/Criminal Justice/Sociology2025
Employee NameFrankie Beaver-Timmons
Subcommittee: Recruitment and Retention
Role:Interim CDO, Dean of Student Development2025
Employee NameDrew Ledoux
Subcommittee: Recruitment and Retention
Role:Director, Community Engagement and Professional Development 2025
Employee NameAmanda Karch
Subcommittee: Recruitment and Retention
Role:Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management2025
Student NameMatt Green
Subcommittee: Recruitment and Retention
Role:Faculty, Fine Arts2025
Student NameGloria Houng
Subcommittee: Recruitment and Retention
Role:Assistant Director, Workforce Investment Office
Student NameDanielle Palleschi
Subcommittee: Recruitment and Retention
Role:Assistant Director, Buildings and Grounds
Student NameEthan Lang
Subcommittee: Recruitment and Retention
Role:CDO, Faculty/Criminal Justice/Sociology
Student NameFrankie Beaver-Timmons
Subcommittee: EDI Action Planning
Role:Interim CDO, Dean of Student Development
Student NameDrew Ledoux
Subcommittee: EDI Action Planning
Role:Director, Community Engagement and Professional Development
Student NameAmanda Karch
Subcommittee: EDI Action Planning
Role:Faculty, Math
Student NameJared Wagner
Subcommittee: EDI Action Planning
Role:Faculty, Nursing
Student NameDari Cook-McGibbon
Subcommittee: EDI Action Planning