Bias Response Team
A diverse group of campus representatives available to determine a rapid and effective
response to incidents of bias. See Bias Response Team.
Campus Climate Assessments
Pursuant to SB 5227, community colleges in Washington are now expected to regularly
administer campus climate assessments to students and employees and post the findings.
Reports will be posted here as they become available.
Diversity Training for Employees
In addition to the "Diversity at LCC" training required of all new employees (to be
replaced by "DEI in the Workplace - Higher Ed - All Employees" in September 2022),
LCC's DEI training framework is a shared, collaborative effort between Human Resources,
the Diversity and Equity Committee, and the Instructional Assessment Committee designed
to provide both general and targeted training for employees.
Date and details of session/s
3/31/2022 - Facilitated breakout sessions re: creating action plans related to equity
in the classroom (LCC faculty led); all full-time faculty
8/30/2022 - Search Advocate training (Oregon State University); open to all employees;
"The mission of the Search Advocate program is to enhance diversity, validity, and
equity in our search and selection processes."
9/9/2022 - "Neutral" Student Grievance Processes in White Supremacist Institutions
of Higher Education (Dr. Farhana Loonat); all staff
9/9/2022 - Overview of culture change and the role of guided pathways and equity (Dr.
Al Solano); all staff; and Getting our feet wet with the guided pathways and equity
typology (Dr. Al Solano); breakout session option during all staff
9/11/2023 - Digital Accessibility: The Essential Rules and Tools You Need to be Compliant
and Help Everyone Thrive (LCC web team); all staff
LCC Search Advocate Program
Overview:
LCC has adopted the Search Advocate program. Established in 2008 by OSU, the Search
Advocate program enhances equity, validity, and diversity in hiring. Search Advocates
are LCC faculty and staff who are trained as search and selection process advisors.
Their preparation includes an 8 hour workshop addressing current research about implicit
bias, diversity, the changing legal landscape in hiring, inclusive employment principles,
practical strategies for each stage of the search process, and effective ways to be
an advocate on a search committee. As a quality assurance measure, advocates who
wish to remain eligible beyond the first year must attend 75% of the Search Advocate
quarterly meetings for the year.
Role:
Each Search Advocate is a non-voting member who advances inclusive excellence by asking
questions to help committee members test their thinking, identifying and promoting
practices that advance diversity and social justice, and minimizing the impacts of
cognitive and structural biases. As external committee members, advocates are able
to explore assumptions, norms, and practices that an internal member might not question.
The search advocate plays a vital role in position development, recruitment, screening,
interviews, and evaluation.
The work of the Search Advocate is intended to advance our principles of equity and
diversity, as reflected in LCC’s
Workforce Diversity Plan:
Lower Columbia College is committed to hiring and retaining a workforce that reflects
the diversity of our student body. We strive to increase the diversity of our applicant
pools and ensure equity and inclusion throughout our recruitment process.
Safe Zone Training
The Safe Zone Project is a new program on the LCC Campus that will offer a visible
message of inclusion, affirmation, and support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
and queer (LGBTQ) people. Trainings will be available to help staff, faculty and students
become more aware of the problems facing our students of diverse gender and sexualities
and offer guidance on how to support those students.
Our curriculum is a three hour program provided through The Safe Zone Project.
Undocumented Students/DREAMers
Undocumented students in Washington state have the right to attend colleges and universities.
Many qualify for state-funded financial aid because of the Washington Dream Act, also
called the The Real Hope Act which was signed into law in 2014.
Learn more about who to contact at LCC, and policies and practices that protect LCC students.
Workforce Diversity Plan
Lower Columbia College is committed to hiring and retaining a workforce that reflects
the diversity of
our student body. Read the Lower Columbia College Workforce Diversity Plan for more information.
Diversity & Equity Center
Located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center, Room 201. See Campus Map.
- Events and Activities - focusing on diversity and equity for students and employees
Diversity Clubs, Groups & Organizations
Participate in diversity-focused events at Lower Columbia College. See Campus Calendars.
Services and Programs