Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

At Raritan Valley Community College,

diversity, equity, & inclusion are and always will be an institutional priority.

It is central to our mission as an educational institution to ensure that each member of our community has access and opportunity to prosper in our environment. We believe that diversity, inclusion, and equity are key to educational excellence and the advancement and liberation of knowledge.

Raritan Valley Community College values all aspects of diversity including but not limited to race, sexual orientation, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, socioeconomic status, and political and philosophical perspectives. We rely on diversity to enrich the intellectual environment for students and employees. We support educational access and opportunity by recruiting and retaining a diverse college community. We foster diversity by developing and maintaining curricular and social programs that infuse the contributions of all people, and by preparing students to excel in a global society. Our commitment to diversity is reflected in the College’s Mission Statement and Strategic Goals, all of which support excellence in teaching, learning and professional development in a welcoming and respectful climate.

We At RVCC Commit to Being a Community that Honors...

Engagement

We commit to engage our community in meaning-making and purposeful diverse and inclusive dialogue and action.

Empowerment

We commit to empower our community by honoring the current DEI efforts that so many are already committed to; while developing new strategies and initiatives to further enhance our work and commitment to fostering an inclusive campus.

Belonging

We commit to ensure that our community feels heard and included; providing equitable access to resources and offering transparency in our DEI efforts.

Evaluation

We commit to gaining continual awareness of our campus climate and culture, articulating our collective perspectives, identity, and institutional values; continuing to evaluate our experiences of power and privilege and adapting our approaches; reflecting back while looking ahead.

Inclusivity

We commit to actively, intentionally, and consistently promote participation and co-design as a way to invoke a sense of belonging and a "sense of place" for every member of the RVCC community.

rvcc student graduating with diploma
rvcc students on campus taking picture
rvcc students in graduation gowns
INITIATIVES LED BY THE OFFICE OF DEI

SISTERS OF SUCCESS

Sisters of Success is a new group that is a branch from the Staff/Faculty group Sister to Sister. Sisters of Success (SOS) will specifically engage all students who identify as women of color and students who identify as our allies. We are focused on creating a safe space on campus while giving young women a community to feel heard and appreciated.

SISTER 2 SISTER

Sister 2 Sister is a group that is open to all staff, faculty, and administrators who identify as Women of Color or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Women and, all of our Allies. The intention is to foster an intergenerational affinity space for us to gather, break some bread, and share our wisdom with one another.

SERVICES FOR STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES

The Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is active in working with the College community to offer the following:

  • Pre-Planned Trainings for DEI

  • Departmental Professional Development for DEI

  • DEI Peer-Collegial Mentorship Connection

  • Student Internship Opportunities at RVCC

Those who would like to inquire about professional development are asked to use the request form.

Any questions about the other items listed above can be sent through email to dei@raritanval.edu.

RVCC Identity Centers

Paul Robeson Institute
Paul Robeson Institute  →
Holocaust & Genocide Institute
Holocaust Institute  →
Center for Gender & Sex Equity
Center for Gender & Sex Equity  →
Center for Accessibility & Inclusive Education
Center for Accessibility & Inclusive Education  →
Established April 2022

THE PRESIDENT'S COMMISSION ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION

The establishment of the Presidents Commission on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at RVCC, co-chaired by the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & the Director of K-12 Education. The President’s Commission on DEI will directly be involved with analysis of the Campus Climate Survey as well as strategic recommendations and direction for future DEI efforts based on the information collected.

The President’s Commission on DEI will also serve as a bridging group; inclusive of key stakeholders who are already leading DEI efforts at RVCC with the purpose of centralizing efforts, sharing information transparently and across disciplines and assessing results of any implemented changes to determine future recommendations, adaptations or steps. The goal is to intentionally come together to develop a unified vision and collective DEI institutional identity. The Commission will work intuitively with the President to establish institutional DEI priorities and advise the President on DEI progress and emerging concerns or topics.

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FAQs

Where is the Office of DEI located?

S-304 Somerset Hall

Who leads the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion?

Dr. Windy Paz-Amor is the Director of the Office of DEI; You can contact her via email at Windy.Paz-Amor@raritanval.edu.

When is the Office of DEI open?

The Office of DEI is open M-F from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

How do I plan a collaboration with the Office of DEI?

Simply email dei@raritanval.edu.

How do I volunteer for the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Email dei@raritanval.edu. Please include "Volunteer" in the subject line.

Does the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion offer Spanish speaking services?

Yes! The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion can offer Spanish translation/ Si, Aqui Se Habla Español.

Portrait photo of Windy Paz-Amor, the director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Raritan Valley Community College.
Dr. Windy Paz-Amor, Ed. D
Director, Diversity Equity & Inclusion

The College’s Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion leads and helps in supporting and advancing a healthy, inclusive, and thriving campus.  Intentionally cultivating a culture of equity, inclusion, belonging & cultural humility at RVCC. The Director works collaboratively with the campus community and works as a liaison to bridge the multiple DEI efforts and Initiatives taking place across campus.

Be Seen. Be Heard. Belong.
Meet Our Students
Student Profile
rvcc student yanely
Yanely

Graduating from RVCC means a lot to me because as a first-generation student, an immigrant, a proud Hispanic woman, and a survivor, I am so happy to present what diligence and determination can accomplish in times of hardship.

Major:

Liberal Arts – Social Science and Tax Preparer Certificate of Completion

Plans After RVCC:

Transfer to Rutgers University

Accomplishments & Community Building:

ESL Club President
Non-Profit Civic Engagement Award 
EOF Outstanding Achievement Award
Pepsi Scholarship 
New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant 
Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Training

How did you benefit from attending RVCC?

The professors here are willing to mentor you, provide advice, and help you make contacts.

Student Profile
Alyssa

RVCC’s sense of community sets it apart from an average community college experience. There’s always someone there to help you if you’re struggling. You feel like you’re seen and your voice is heard.

Major:

Liberal Arts/Social Science

Plans After RVCC:

Earn a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, followed by a Master’s and Doctorate

Accomplishments & Community Building:

VP of Scholarship & Service, Phi Theta Kappa
Head of Communications, To Write Love on Her Arms
Orgullo Latino/Latin Pride Club
RVCC Foundation Student Representative
Sanofi Corporate Mentor Program

How did you benefit from attending RVCC?

There are leadership, internship, job, work study, and transfer opportunities available—along with different events focused on self-growth.

Student Profile
rvcc student oreoluwa
Oreoluwa

I was able to build a sense of belonging within the RVCC community. I made friends and participated in clubs and organizations that were of interest to me.

Major:

Pre-Medicine and Pre-Pharmacy

Plans After RVCC:

Transfer to Saint Peter’s University Honors Program

Accomplishments & Community Building:

Jack Kent Cooke Semifinalist
Phi Theta Kappa
National Society of Leadership and Success
Scholarship for Fundamental Fairness Honoring the Life of John J. Grossi, Jr.
Academic Award for Pre-Medicine and Pre-Pharmacy
Achievement Center Intern/Volunteer
Graduated Summa Cum Laude

How did you benefit from attending RVCC?

It made me realize my hidden potential and opened doors of opportunity.

Student Profile
rvcc student Ana
Ana

I came to the United States without knowing what to expect. Sometimes I felt scared of the obstacles I had to face, but RVCC helped me to gain my confidence back and helped me find myself in the U.S.

Major:

Communication Studies

Plans After RVCC:

Transfer to Rutgers University

Accomplishments & Community Building:

Phi Theta Kappa 
Downtown Somerville Alliance Internship 
National Society of Leadership and Success 
Graduated Summa Cum Laude

How did you benefit from attending RVCC?

"I benefited from all the guidance and advice from RVCC staff. The benefit [and privilege] to know my professors and advisors, and for them to know me as well and to build a relationship with them, has been the biggest takeaway from my experience at RVCC."

Student Profile
rvcc student henry
Henry

RVCC provided me with a second chance. ... I continued to work aggressively at RV and now have been accepted to one of the top universities in the country and world.

Major:

Chemical Engineering & Chemistry

Plans After RVCC:

Transfer to Princeton University

Accomplishments & Community Building:

Phi Theta Kappa
Honors College
Engineering Club President
NJ STARS Scholar
Academic Award for Engineering Science
American Society for Engineering Education Mid-Atlantic Conference Presenter
Graduated Summa Cum Laude

How did you benefit from attending RVCC?

"RVCC is a very intimate environment, allowing me to pursue independent research programs and service-learning opportunities which would have been almost impossible at a four-year school. I was able to save money and get an acceptance to a school I am excited to attend."

Student Profile
rvcc student gerardo
Gerardo

I achieved as much as I sought out to achieve, because I put my heart into it.

Major:

Business Administration

Plans After RVCC:

Transfer to Rutgers Business School

Accomplishments & Community Building:

Honors College
Academic Award for Business Administration - General Business
Enactus Executive Vice President
Student Government Association Vice President of Finance
Alpha Beta Gamma
Phi Theta Kappa
President’s Volunteer Service Award Gold Category

Graduated Summa Cum Laude

How did you benefit from attending RVCC?

"I walked away from RV a completely different individual, where I cannot remember the last day I woke up without being ready to give my everything to what I do."

Student Profile
rvcc student anabela
Anabela

I am overwhelmed with gratitude and pride to belong to the RVCC family, where racism and hatred have NO place and where everyone is given a chance at education, despite their race, gender, beliefs, age or social status.

Major:

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Plans After RVCC:

Work as an OTA with geriatric population

Accomplishments & Community Building:

Student Commencement Speaker
Phi Theta Kappa
SOTAA Secretary
Graduated Magna Cum Laude

How did you benefit from attending RVCC?

"I believe education is something no one can ever take away from you, and for that I am profoundly grateful to RVCC."

RVCC does not discriminate in its educational programs or activities regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, veteran status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, disability or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state and local laws. For information regarding Title IX and Section 504, contact Cheryl Wallace, Vice President of Human Resources & Administration at 908.526.1200 x8260 or Cheryl.Wallace@RaritanVal.edu. To report a Bias & Discrimination Incident Report intent click here.

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