Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

As part of AIC’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, the college has designated six fundamental pillars to guide institutional growth. One of these pillars is diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). The inclusion of this pillar in the college’s strategic plan reflects the profound impact DEIB has on student persistence and satisfaction; research demonstrates that diverse and inclusive campuses foment a greater sense of belonging, which in turn positively impacts student performance and retention. Additionally, a focus on DEIB has been shown to increase racial and cultural awareness, enrich classroom dialogue, improve critical thinking skills, result in greater service to community, and prepare students for success in an increasingly diverse workforce.

To support the development of its DEIB pillar, AIC is establishing an Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (ODEIB). The overarching purpose of the ODEIB is to promote and integrate DEIB practices into the college’s daily functions, initiatives, and curricula. During its initial years of operation, the responsibilities of the ODEIB will include:

• Assessing the college’s current DEIB infrastructure and authoring a DEIB plan that includes initiatives for strengthening that infrastructure in accordance with the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan.
• Planning and implementing initiatives designed to improve or introduce inclusive practices in the areas of hiring, pedagogy, housing, and student support services, among others.
• Assisting the college in achieving Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) status by creating and executing programs and initiatives that address the needs of Hispanic/Latine students.
• Providing DEIB-focused educational opportunities for faculty and staff, including workshops, symposia, activities, and guest speakers.
• Holding campuswide events that honor the cultures and identities that comprise the AIC community.

In carrying out these responsibilities, the ODEIB will partner with various departments on campus to ensure proper incorporation and implementation of DEIB practices. These departments include, but are not limited to, Academic Affairs, Admissions, Athletics, Human Resources, Student Life, and Residence Life. By empowering these departments and their constituents to employ DEIB practices, the ODEIB will help transform the AIC climate to ensure all belong and are able to thrive.