Equity Academy

The Equity Academy at Moraine Valley Community College focused on collegewide employee engagement centered in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and facilitated widescale access for employee participation in free DEI professional development. Two tiers of engagement activities were offered, from which faculty and staff could choose. Equity Academy Allies attended monthly DEI presentations, completed work within a Canvas course, completed knowledge checks, and submitted a summative reflection. Equity Academy Scholars completed all of the above, plus participated in a book discussion and, most importantly, completed a research-based project that utilized data to close equity gaps and/or enhance DEI at the college. Research projects engaged faculty, staff, and students from over a dozen departments. Scholars also participated in a day-long retreat with speakers, reflection, and self-portraits. The Equity Academy was funded through an ILEA Catalyst Grant from the Partnership for College Completion.

Innovators

• Cynthia Anderson, Dean, Corporate Community and Continuing Education 
• Kristine Christensen, Director, Faculty Development
• Tamima Farooqui, Manager, Employment Equity
• Scott Friedman, Dean, Student Engagement and Development
• Sadya Khan, Director, Institutional Research