1. V i s i o n Creating A Learning Environment Reflective of the Rapidly Emerging Diversity of our Communities, an Environment Characterized by Tolerance, Mutual Respect, and Freedom of Inquiry (Guiding Principle 1 of the RVCC Strategic Plan) Diversity Initiative R a r I t a n V a l l e y C o m m u n I t y C o l l e g e

2. Guided by New Strategic Plan Diversity enriches the educational experience. Diversity prepares individuals for participation in an increasingly global economy. Diversity strengthens communities and the workplace. Diversity improves the campus climate and fosters an environment that encourages creative thinking. R a r I t a n V a l l e y C o m m u n I t y C o l l e g e

3. Goal: To Develop Strategies and Tactics to Achieve the Vision as Specified by the Board Diversity Policy. Raritan Valley Community College must provide exceptional educational opportunities to its communities. Raritan Valley Community College serves an increasingly diverse community reflecting new global realities. Educational experiences should contribute to a student’s understanding of peoples, ideas, values, experiences, abilities, and cultures different from his/her own. The college must place a high priority on developing programming, practices, and policies designed to create a genuine climate of inclusion, academic freedom and open intellectual inquiry. R a r I t a n V a l l e y C o m m u n I t y C o l l e g e

4. The Museum of Tolerance The only museum of its kind in the world, the Museum of Tolerance is the educational arm of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, an internationally renowned human rights organization dedicated to preserving the memories of genocide through time and place, and to fostering tolerance through community involvement, educational outreach and social action. Strategy: Achieving our goals through significant partnerships where possible R a r I t a n V a l l e y C o m m u n I t y C o l l e g e

5. Tolerance Center Partnership Develop a long-term partnership with the NYC Tolerance Center that will provide programming to improve the College’s overall climate. RVCC Partnership is first in Northeast to utilize the extensive Museum resources to achieve our diversity goals. Proximity allows for ongoing and expansive relationship. Supports our goal for the College to become a diverse and accepting learning community through a shared learning experience. R a r I t a n V a l l e y C o m m u n I t y C o l l e g e

6. New York Tolerance Center Additional Background The New York Tolerance Center is a professional development multi- media training facility targeting educators, law enforcement officials, and state/local government practitioners. Through interactive workshops, exhibits, and videos, individuals explore issues of prejudice, diversity, tolerance, and cooperation in the workplace and in the community. Past and ongoing participants include the New York and New Jersey State Police Departments, NYPD, New York City Parks Department, District Attorney’s offices. Project funded through Pepsi contract. R a r I t a n V a l l e y C o m m u n I t y C o l l e g e

7. Interactive Activities Shared Experience Reflective Thinking Thought Provoking Experience Explore Encounter Engage Responsibility Respect Social Justice Experience Explore Encounter Engage Responsibility Respect Social Justice R a r I t a n V a l l e y C o m m u n I t y C o l l e g e

8. Higher Education Partnership with Rutgers University Division of Continuous Education’s Award Winning Academic Video & Broadcast Production Facility To chronicle our progress and to create an educational documentary supportive of our vision Due to the critical nature of this topic, Rutgers has agreed to partner with RVCC and to assume production costs associated with the documentary R a r I t a n V a l l e y C o m m u n I t y C o l l e g e

9. Planned Activities Kick-off Reception – October 9 th Four Bus Trips to Tolerance Center Pre-trip self assessment Post-trip debriefing Documentary R a r I t a n V a l l e y C o m m u n I t y C o l l e g e

10. Projected Outcomes Effective recruitment strategies: The College will formulate strategies for more effectively seeking out a high quality yet diverse applicant pool, as well as initiate practices and procedures that value diversity among the workforce. Effective retention strategies: The College will explore and develop programs that foster the understanding of interpersonal, developmental and organizational factors necessary in retaining a diverse faculty and staff. Transparent career growth and succession planning: The College will analyze and assess current barriers to advancement and develop effective strategies to remove them. Effective communication strategies fostering diversity and inclusiveness: The College will develop communication and developmental strategies that foster a better understanding of our increasingly diverse communities. R a r I t a n V a l l e y C o m m u n I t y C o l l e g e