Diversity at PVCC

At PVCC, we value and support the diversity of our students, staff and faculty. We seek to promote an understanding and appreciation of differences by creating an inclusive environment and embracing individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and aspirations.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Committee

The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Committee (IDEA) is a standing committee comprised of faculty, staff, deans and administrators who meet regularly to discuss ways to promote PVCC's commitment to the values of diversity and inclusion. The committee was founded as a VCCS Chancellors initiative and has since grown into a dedicated group of people who work to ensure that PVCC is an inclusive space for all.

Mission Statement

The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Committee at Piedmont Virginia Community College dedicates itself to a community where all members can thrive. The committee works to eliminate harmful bias and discrimination and remove deeply entrenched historical and institutional structures that lead to discrimination, disenfranchisement, exclusion, and limits to accessibility. The committee accomplishes the diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility goals of the College by reviewing data and policies; by advancing critical conversations and learning; by promoting professional development for faculty and staff; and by developing and supporting college initiatives that further these outcomes.

The committee is divided into three subcommittees, each of which focus on different areas within the college:

  • Faculty and Staff Recruitment and Retention 
  • Professional Development 
  • Campus Culture 

If you have comments or suggestions for the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Committee, contact the committee Co-Chairs, Jenny Koster, Professor of English and Coordinator of the Writing Center@PVCC, and Keith Nabb, Associate Professor of Mathematics.

Defining Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility

PVCC developed definitions of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility to provide a common language framework and understanding for the college community. The definitions were adopted on May 8, 2023.

Inclusion is an intentional act that creates an environment where all individuals feel welcomed, respected, and supported.

Diversity recognizes and respects the value of individual and group differences, including but not limited to race/ethnicity, biological sex, gender identification, gender expression, ability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, military status and socioeconomic status.

Equity is the application of just, impartial, and fair policies and practices that ensure the success of all students, faculty, and staff. Equity acknowledges structural racism, gender disparities and systemic poverty, which have historically disadvantaged marginalized groups.

Accessibility is the assurance of equitable and universal access to programs, services, and opportunities for every individual along the continuum of human ability, diversity, and experience.

Celebrating Diversity

Multifaith Holiday Calendar

To celebrate the diversity of PVCC and promote inclusivity, the College recognizes and celebrates certain national holidays and affinity group months. The events surrounding these groups provide opportunities to learn, grow, and promote awareness.

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January)
  • Black History Month (February)
  • Women’s History Month (March)
  • Arab-American Heritage Month (April)
  • National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May)
  • LGBTQ+ Pride Month (June)
  • Juneteenth
  • National Hispanic Heritage Month (September)
  • National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October)
  • National Native American Heritage Month (November)
  • Veteran’s Day (November)

Diversity Resources

PVCC Student Accessibility and Accommodations 
Thomas Jefferson Adult Career Education - TJACE at PVCC strives to offer the best instruction to area adults by helping them enhance their core skills to get their high school diploma or GED® and to help improve reading, writing, and speaking skills for both non-native English speakers and speakers of other languages. 
Student Services
Scholarships
PVCC Safe - We work hard to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment for all.  Please use our incident reporting form to report threats, crime, safety, and security incidents.

Related External Resources

100 Black Men of Central Virginia - African-American male organization dedicated to improving challenges facing their central Virginia community. 
Creciendo Juntos (Growing Together) – A network of the Charlottesville regional Latino/Hispanic community 
Equality Virginia - Statewide non-partisan outreach and advocacy organization seeking equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LBGT) Virginians. 
Sin Barreras - Outreach to primarily immigrant Hispanic community connecting individuals to services. 
The Women's Initiative - Seeks to provide social support, education and counseling services to empower women to transform challenging life situations into opportunities.

Local Resource Listings

The Islamic Society of Central Virginia
The Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center
PFLAG Blue Ridge
Women’s Initiative local resources page
Diversity Resources in Charlottesville
 

Educational Programs

For Students:

Virginia-North Carolina Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation
The Virginia-North Carolina Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation strives for diversification of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce, with an emphasis on increasing the number of underrepresented minority students earning baccalaureate degrees and matriculating to graduate school.
International Education
Learn a new language, expand your cultural awareness or study abroad.

For Faculty/Staff: 

Minority Professional Teaching Fellows
This program was developed to provide minority professionals who hold master's degrees the opportunity to gain collegiate teaching experience within the Virginia Community College System. The program matches working professionals with part-time teaching assignments at a nearby community college.