Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles: Elevating the College Experience
December 10, 2021
Colleagues,
At Westchester Community College, our commitment to student success remains strong and continues to be a vital component of the Strategic Framework Elevate and Integrate the Student Experience. This includes maximizing strong, inclusive, and holistic support systems and reducing barriers to student success. When we need to do this better, we must act accordingly and hold ourselves and each other accountable for ensuring consistency and viability. Our work is guided by our core institutional mission and values and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). It is the responsibility of each of us to create a safe working, teaching, and learning environment where all members are valued.
One of the ways that we ensure this is through annual compliance training and embedding DEI into our daily interactions and practices. The mandatory employee training ensures that all our faculty and staff have a working knowledge of critical policies such as Title IX, bullying, sexual harassment, etc., which help us excel as an inclusive and caring community and avoid institutional sanctions, penalties, and disrepute. If you have not yet completed the Westchester County employee training, please do so no later than Monday, December 13.
The end of a semester can bring increased feelings of stress, especially for students completing assignments and preparing for final exams as well as employees who are valiantly enduring this pandemic era. Please remind students and colleagues of the many services the college has in place to support students and employees. Thank you for encouraging students during this time and referring them to our Academic Support Centers for in-person and remote tutoring services. Also, encourage colleagues to take a break when needed to help them maintain a friendly and helpful demeanor as they provide support and service to students.
Another way to support our students – and welcome our newest Viking Alumni is to join the livestream of our December Completion Ceremony on Thursday, December 16 at 4:00 PM. To ensure the safety of attendees, only registered graduates from our August and December 2021 classes will participate in-person with a small group of college representatives. Family, friends, and the college community are welcome to join remotely. Watch your email for the event link.
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President