Diversity & Inclusion at HCC
Diversity & Inclusion at HCC
Cultural diversity, equality in education, and equal employment opportunities are viewed as integral parts of the mission and purpose of Hagerstown Community College (HCC). The mission, values, and policy statements encourage and support diversity in the personal, professional, and academic development and enrichment of all in the College community. Globalization and diversity are also meaningful elements of the institutional learning outcomes at HCC.
Issues of diversity permeate many aspects of a campus environment, and each is connected with the others. Unless incorporated into the core structures of the College through strategic and unit planning efforts, little will change substantively. HCC’s strategic commitments and action plans help guide achievement and changes in policies and procedures, with the overarching values of equal access and treatment as the foundations. Simply recruiting a more diverse student body without attending to other aspects of campus life, such as intergroup relations, curricular change, faculty, and staff professional development, and diversifying faculty and staff, can result in difficulties for traditionally under-represented students. Comprehensive institutional change and integrated efforts are critical to providing positive educational outcomes within a climate of acceptance and respect for cultural diversity and equal opportunities for education, training, and employment.
Globalized and Diversity General Education Requirement
Candidates for the associate of arts degree must satisfy specific general education requirements including globalization and diversity. HCC students must choose one course from the approved list according to the specific requirements of their program of study. These courses are designed to explore and analyze new ideas, and understand the value of moral sensitivity and cultural diversity.
Diversity & Inclusion Committee
The Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Committee was established following a decision to transition the long-standing Multicultural Committee to a more encompassing group of employees charged with providing strategic guidance on college diversity and inclusion issues. The Committee is co-chaired by the Dean of Students, Dean of Planning & Institutional Effectiveness, and the Executive Director of Human Resources. The D&I Committee is comprised of volunteers representing different areas of the College. The D&I Committee has access to funding to expand diversity and inclusion trainings and awareness programs for the campus community. Anyone interested in joining a subcommittee may contact the co-chairs at di@hagerstowncc.edu. The following subcommittees are currently available:
- MLK Celebration Planning Group
FY25 Diversity Events
- Campus Big Read “Dignity – Seeking Respect in Back Row America" - Author Visit | September 26th, 10:00am, Kepler Theater
Author of the 2019 book Chris Arnade will speak about his experience living within “back row communities” across America rifled with inequality, addiction and poverty; speech to be followed by a question and answer session. - Community Resource Fair | September 26th, 11:00am - 2:00pm, AC&T Student Center, Main Dining
Connecting students from diverse backgrounds with health and wellness resources within the local community and through TimelyCare. Free and open to the public. - Hispanic Awareness Celebration | October 2nd, 12:00noon-1:00pm
Featuring Isolina, snacks and drinks (Student Activities) - HCC Student Listening Session | October – TBD
Hosted by Washington County, Maryland’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Students are invited to share their thoughts concerns regarding diversity, equity and inclusion in Washington County. - Native American Heritage Month Celebration | November 6, Noon - 1:30 p.m. | Student Center main dining
Featuring Chief Rocka with a powwow dance performance and workshop. Refreshments included. - MLK Week | January 20 – 24
“I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture of their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits.” Week series of events celebrating the late Rev. Dr. King and reflecting on his audacious dream of the possibility of a life of dignity, equality and freedom for all. - Douglas Day Transcribe-Athon | February 14th time TBD (Library)
- Irish American Heritage Month event | March TBD (Student Activities)
This list is not comprehensive as more events are being finalized throughout the year. Check back often to see what is happening on campus.
FY24 Diversity Events
- Hispanic Awareness Month Celebration | October 4, 2023 - 11:30a.m.-1:30p.m., Live Band, snacks & drinks (Student Activities)
- World Mental Health Day, Student Center | October 10, 2023 - 10a.m.-1p.m. (Student Activities)
- Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil / Awareness | November 14, 2023 - 10a.m.-11a.m., Student Center (Student Activities)
- MLK Week, including Walk | January 16-19, 2024
- Lunar New Year Celebration | February 6, 2024 - 11:45a.m.-1p.m., Student Center (Student Activities)
- Douglas Day Transcribe-Athon | February 14, 2024 - time TBD (Library)
- Women’s History Month Event | March 6, 2024 - 11:30a.m.-1p.m., Student Center (Student Activities)
- Irish American Heritage Month guided tour of Antietam Battlefield | March 22, 2024 - time TBD (Student Activities)
- Holi Celebration | March 25, 2024 - 11:30a.m.-1p.m., Student Center Field (Student Activities)
- One World Festival | April 24, 2024 - 11:30a.m.-2:30p.m., Student Center Main Dining (Student Activities)
This list is not comprehensive as more events are being finalized throughout the year. Check back often to see what is happening on campus.
Stats at HCC
35%
People of Color
60%
Female Student Body
2/3
HCC Students Receive Financial Aid
Conversation for the Soul
