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Raritan Valley Community College has been nationally recognized for valuing the importance of diversity in our institution at all levels—from our administration to our faculty to our student body. As stated in our mission, we rely on diversity to enrich the intellectual environment for students and employees.

As a testament to this commitment, RVCC was recently honored for the fourth time with the 2017 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. The only New Jersey college to be honored this year, RVCC was also honored with the HEED award for its diversity efforts in 2012, 2014 and 2015. In addition, Dr. Patrice Gouveia Marks, RVCC’s Dean of Liberal Arts, Accreditation Liaison Officer, recently received INSIGHT Into Diversity’s 2017 Giving Back Award.

Read on to learn some of the ways in which RVCC embraces diversity.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs

RVCC’s Office of Multicultural Affairs seeks to increase access and equity for historically underrepresented groups, to cultivate diversity awareness and appreciation, and to improve campus climate by fostering an inclusive and civil community. Throughout the academic year the office supports programs that promote diversity and understanding.

Diversity Programs

Some 5,000 students, faculty, staff and community members participate in diversity programs offered each year. These cultural and education programs include:

• Paul Robeson Institute for Leadership, Ethics and Social Justice: Celebrates African American middle and high school scholars.
• Malcolm Bernard Historically Black Colleges and Universities College and Transfer Fair: Features representatives from over 40 Historically Black Colleges and Universities as well as motivational presentations, with RVCC serving as event host.
• Heritage Series: Presents a wide array of cultural and educational programs each year that promote diversity, inclusion and equity. 
• CRECER: Helps prepare Latino high school students for transition to college and career readiness.
• Martin Luther King Drum Major of Justice Service Awards: Honors local community partners who provide service learning opportunities to RVCC students.
• From Boys to Men Conference: Empowers Black and Latino high school students to become lifelong learners and engaged members of their community.
• Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies: Presents programs for students and other members of the community about the dangers of hatred and bigotry.

Student Clubs and Organizations

RVCC’s rich student life goes above and beyond what you might expect at most 2 year colleges. Our cultural clubs are a great way to find other students with a similar background or interest and develop lasting friendships. Here are just a few:

• The Alliance: Encouraging diversity and awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA) issues on campus.
• Black Students Alliance: Empowering and advancing Black students through an inclusive group
• Brothers Helping Brothers: Developing success strategies that support African American and Hispanic males attending RVCC.
• Muslim Students Association: Bringing together Muslim and non-Muslim students for social activities and cultural awareness
• Sister to Sister Network: Supporting RVCC’s female students from underrepresented groups, particularly African American and Hispanic.

For more cultural clubs, click here.

Diversity Resources

We’ve compiled a list of job boards and other resources for multicultural and non-traditional students finishing up their college degrees, career training programs or certificate programs at RVCC. Our Diversity Resources page includes valuable links for members of the following communities: People with Disabilities, LGBTQIA, African American, Asian American, Hispanic, Native American, Adult Learners, Veterans and Ex-Offenders. The page also includes a list of general diversity links.

Learn More About RVCC

Serving students in Somerset County and Hunterdon County, RVCC was rated the best community college in NJ by BestColleges.com. We hope to see you soon at an upcoming Information Session!