STUDENT EQUITY: AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO

Because CVTC has a diverse student population, it is up to each of us to ensure we are promoting student equity and making our learning environments safe and welcoming places to learn and express ideas. This is a simple thing to say, but actually achieving it requires much more. Below is a video that introduces the concept of "Microaggressions". We are introducing this topic because it is an aspect of learner equity that can often go ignored or can transpire without anyone intending to cause discomfort or harm to those around them. As you watch, consider the different stories shared by each student. Imagine if you were a teacher who witnessed these microaggressions take place. How would you address the situation? What steps would you take if you witnessed one of your students commit a microaggression, or if you yourself inadvertently microaggressed a student?

Imagining yourself in the situations presented in this video may make you feel uneasy. Not every instructor feels as educated or equipped to take on difficulty topics like this. But if that's the case, you should recognize that you are not in it alone.

Diversity Resources

CVTC's Diversity Resources Department provides many services and support to both CVTC students and faculty. Their services include:

Resources, organizations, and events pertaining to CVTC's multicultural student population, including our annual culture fair
Information pertaining to CVTC International Students, including details on ensuring legal status, course requirements, transfer options, and other information
Support for parenting and pregnant students

Diversity Resources can also coordinate with faculty to facilitate classroom visits and guest lectures based on the topics and needs of your particular class. For more information, visit the Diversity Resources webpage.

Disability Services

Part of the Diversity Resources Department is Disability Services, which ensures that those learners who may have a disability are given the proper accommodations to be successful in their coursework. While students are encouraged early on to contact Disability Services if they have a need, it is quite possible that you may have a learner who struggles in your course and is unaware of the assistance that could be made available to them. Additionally, it is important to recognize that you may be contacted to work with a student who is on an accommodation plan. Accommodation plans consist of three main steps:

Barriers are addressed. If a learner feels their disability limits their access or participation at CVTC, Diversity Services can work with them to develop an accommodation plan to reduce those barriers.
Student meets with staff. Disability Services works with the student to determine which accommodations will be reasonable and effective.
Plan is presented. After a learner has an accommodation plan, they will present it to you to receive services.

To better explain what an accommodation plan might look like, the videos below take you through the process for a fictitious student named "Janie" (played by one of our staff members). In the first video, we learn a little more about who Janie is and the accommodations she needs. You can review Janie's accommodation plan here.

In this next video, we see Janie meeting with her instructor and presenting her accommodation plan. You can expect to have similar conversations if one of your learners needs similar support.

If you are unsure how best to meet the needs of a learner who has an accommodation plan, contact Disability Services for more information and advice on how best to proceed. More information about Disability Services is available here.