Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles: Opportunities for Engagement – September 14
September 14, 2018
Colleagues,
This morning, I had the privilege of joining my SUNY president colleagues at the inauguration of Dr. Kristina Johnson, SUNY’s 13th Chancellor. Representing the Westchester Community College campus governance team was Dr. Heather Ostman who participated in the SUNY flag processional. In addition to the fanfare, celebration, and acknowledgement of achievements at SUNY’s 64 campuses, Dr. Johnson announced the creation of a new program meant to assist campuses in hiring outstanding, diverse faculty — PRODI-G.
PRODI-G, which stands for Promoting Retention and Opportunity for Diversity, Inclusion, and Growth, aligns with work already underway at the college. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is working to stimulate a teaching, leading, and learning environment where creativity and different ideas contribute to innovative 21st century practices. We have a strong foundation upon which we can continue to build including:
- our designation as SUNY’s first Hispanic Serving Institution,
- cohort management and guided pathways work that advance equitable outcomes, and
- specialized programming like the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, the NIH funded Bridges to Success in the Sciences, TRIO, EOP, Quest for Success, and BHMI.
This week, our students are continuing to settle into their classes guided by faculty and many other individuals and departments. In registration services and in all administrative processes, we continuously learn through both our triumphs and challenges. One such challenge was the inadvertent drop of students from classes Sunday evening, which a cross-collaborative team expeditiously addressed. This situation provided an opportunity for valuable interaction with students and colleagues across the institution and reinforced the need for thorough checks and balances. I appreciate the efforts of faculty, counselors, IT staff, and all who assisted in identifying and resolving this matter.
Thanks to each of you for all you do to make Westchester Community College a stellar institution.
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President