JERSEY CITY, NJ. October 14, 2024 (Hudson Latin Chamber) — One might expect that promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) would come as second nature to a community college serving one of the most vibrant and ethnically diverse communities in the United States. But according to Insight Into Diversity magazine, to “champion” DEI, an educational institution must continually lead, support, and foster an environment where everyone – students, faculty, staff, stakeholders and the surrounding community – is valued, recognized and made to feel they belong.
Hudson County Community College (HCCC) has received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine. The national honor recognizes United States colleges and universities that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
While this is HCCC’s fourth year in a row to receive the accolade, it is the first time the College has been designated as a “Diversity Champion,” defined as a higher education institution that exemplifies an unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion through their campus community, across academic programs, and at the highest administrative levels. Only a small number of colleges and universities across the country are selected for this honor, and HCCC is the first and only community college to earn this recognition.
“This great honor is shared by all in the Hudson County Community College family,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “We ‘champion’ the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion each and every day, and incorporate those shared values in all we do.”
According to Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine, “The HEED Award selection process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees – and best practices for both; leadership support for diversity, campus culture and climate; supplier diversity, and many other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion. We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”
HCCC’s 2024 HEED Award recognizes practices and programs making Hudson County Community College a visionary leader that sets DEI standards for other campus communities while ensuring that HCCC students successfully achieve their academic goals. These include, but are not limited to:
● HCCC President’s Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (PACDEI), established by
Dr. Reber in 2019, that includes students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and external community members who develop partnerships and collaborations, playing an essential role in establishing and implementing DEI goals for an inclusive institutional community.
● HCCC Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion that oversees Accessibility Services, Cultural Affairs, Veterans Affairs, International Student Services, and the College’s Title IX processes. The Office of DEI also leads and supports annual programs that engage HCCC students, faculty, staff, and community members, including a 9/11 Memorial, MLK Memorial, Juneteenth Celebration, and the College’s annual DEI Summer Retreat.
● “Hudson Helps Resource Center” that provides essential services and resources focusing on basic needs beyond the classroom and including a Care Team, food pantries, nutritional counseling, assistance with SNAP applications, Career Closet, emergency financial assistance, Chromebook loaners, social services and mental health counseling, and “Single Stop” benefits screening.
● “Hudson Scholars,” winner of the national 2024 Bellwether Legacy Award and 2021-22 League for Innovation in the Community College’s Innovation of Year Award, that provides proactive advisement, financial stipends, and early academic intervention to ensure a greater number of students facing financial challenges, language barriers, employment concerns, and family responsibilities complete their college education, achieve their goals, and realize their dreams. Since its inception, the number of students served has increased from 800 to more than 3,000.
● HCCC English as a Second Language Program that offers various pathways for students to master English while learning, quickly advancing through their developmental education requirements, and accumulating credits that enable them to complete their associate degree studies and graduate sooner. More than 1,000 students are served every fall and spring at the College.
● HCCC First Year Experience program that helps students transition into college smoothly, providing opportunities to become acquainted with fellow students, faculty, and staff; receive financial assistance; orient to HCCC class schedules, programs and services; engage in the College Student Success course and acquire skills to achieve academically; and take advantage of assistance provided by HCCC Peer Leaders and Mentors.
● HCCC Summer Refresher Academy, the College’s summer bridge program, that is offered free of charge to students who wish to improve basic skills, build confidence, and obtain higher course grades and finish their degrees more quickly.
● HCCC’s focus on climate, culture, and community, addressing morale, salaries, and mutually respectful relationships among all employees. Dr. Reber conducts monthly Town Hall Meetings for faculty, staff, and students to stay informed and to communicate openly with one another.
● The College’s DEI infrastructure with guidelines for best practices in recruitment, hiring, succession planning, safety, and professional development. Diversity, recruitment and retention are priorities in strategic planning, institutional frameworks, and budget development – from the President and Board of Trustees to employee and student engagement at all levels and in all areas.
● HCCC’s faculty and staff tuition-reimbursement program, providing access to a wide range of professional development opportunities including workshops, academic and certificate programs, and programs of inclusion and belonging. This past year, employees received a collective $500,000 of College funding in support of their professional development.
