Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Champlain recognizes that the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice are inextricably linked to academic excellence and innovation.

Champlain College is committed to working in partnership with all members of our College community and external partners to build a welcoming and inclusive community where students, faculty and staff engage in continuous learning and growth.

five students wearing rainbow wigs and bright colorful clothing smile during the burlington pride parade

Intentionally Inclusive

We strive to create a community that embraces differences, recognizing that through thoughtful engagement, we learn from our differences. The values of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice are inextricably linked to creativity and innovation.

We further understand that to create a more equitable and inclusive community, we must take an active and intentional approach.

Institutional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Framework

We further understand that to create an equitable and inclusive community for all stakeholders, we must implement and follow a strategic and collaborative approach that includes every leader and area of the College working to advance our goals. We invite you to learn more about our ongoing commitment and efforts and to actively contribute to that work.

Diversity

Individual and group differences that are represented within our overall community. While diversity is often referenced in terms of race, ethnicity, and gender, we recognize that individuals hold multiple identities. Diversity includes age, national origin, religion, ability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, physical appearance, diversity of thought (ideas, perspectives, and values) as well as cultural, political, religious or other affiliations.
Equity

Fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. Improving equity involves increasing justice and fairness within the procedures and processes of institutions or systems, as well as in their distribution of resources. For students, equity focuses on creating opportunities for historically underrepresented populations in order to increase student achievement and success. For employees, equity focuses on the strategic development of access opportunities for historically underrepresented populations of employees (faculty and staff) in order to increase professional growth and resource networks in response to demographic disparities in all areas of the institution.

Inclusion

The act of deliberately creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to participate fully. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people. Inclusive communities actively and intentionally engage with diversity and people in the classroom and in the overall college community in order to increase awareness, knowledge and empathy.

Language adapted from definitions from the Association of American Colleges and Universities, D5 Coalition, Racial Equity Tools Glossary, and various institutions of higher education.

Dimensions of Diversity

Age
Cognitive Diversity Cultural/Political
Demographic
Disability
Educational Level

Ethnicity
Gender/Gender Identity
Life Experience
Military Status
Nationality
Neurodiversity

Personality
Perspective
Race
Religion
Sexual Orientation
Socioeconomic Status

Four Pillars of DEI

Academic Student Success

Enrollment management metrics
Retention rates
Graduation rates
Time to completion
Academic performance

Climate & Intergroup Relations

Accessibility
Research and teaching
Structural diversity (bias response and bystander intervention)
Intergroup interaction (including bias response and community engagement)

Institutional Learning (Students, Faculty & Staff)

Employee learning (faculty, staff, student leaders and student staff)
Student learning (new student orientation, student diversity learning and programming)
Inclusive classroom practices

Business Operations & Practices

Strategic diversity planning
Recruitment and hiring
Employee evaluation
Communication
Stakeholder engagement
Diversity community relations