Diversity enriches our learning. We embrace diversity in all contexts, including strengths, perspectives, and people. We seek to increase our capacity to understand issues of difference, power, and privilege as we work to uphold TC3's values of inclusion and equity.
For more information about diversity and inclusion at TC3, contact DEAC@tc3.edu
Diversity Equity Action Council (DEAC)
TC3’s Diversity Equity Action Council or DEAC is a campus-wide collective of students, faculty and staff who meet regularly throughout the year to plan diversity related events and celebrations, educate campus on equity and inclusion, and engage in data collection on equity gaps to inform campus planning.
Equity, Diversity, Justice, and Inclusion Plan
The contents of the Tompkins Cortland Community College | Strategic Equity, Diversity, Justice, and Inclusion Plan are a result of the Diversity Equity Action Council Steering Committee analyzing and synthesizing requested feedback received through survey responses and focus groups of the campus community. Purposefully, the steering committee also reviewed the 2021 SUNY Systems 25-Point Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategic Action Plan, the College's Strategic Plan, and the Academic Plan to influence and complement positive progress toward our mutual success efforts.
That said, the Steering Committee acknowledges that the gap between the vision and current reality is also a source of energy. If there were no gaps, there would be no need for any action to move toward the vision (Senge, 2006).
The contents of the strategic plan highlight the College's vision, mission, and values. Subsequently, the Diversity Mission Statement and Fundamental Definitions are given voice concerning this plan. Priorities followed by subsequent goals, action steps, and key performance indicators comprise a mindful strategy to stimulate essential advancement for our campus community.
Diversity Education and Leadership Training
Staff members from the Diversity Equity Action Council serve as facilitators for presenting workshops in classrooms, residence halls, and for student organizations. Request a program, workshop, or training.
Campus Climate Survey
At TC3, we strive for a welcoming and inclusive academic learning space for all students and a workplace where all employees can be engaged, respected, and thrive in their work environment. Therefore, we must assess our campus climate on a semi-regular basis. The Viewfinder® Campus Climate Surveys for students and employees were administered in Fall 2024. These surveys, part of a SUNY-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) effort, were conducted across the 64-campus SUNY network. As TC3 continues to grow, diversity, equity, and inclusion will remain an integral focal point for the college and its students. As part of our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, the climate survey will help us identify our strengths to build on them while allowing us to take stock of opportunities to strengthen our ongoing DEI policies, practices, and initiatives.
The Diversity Equity Action Council has reviewed the Fall 2024 climate survey data and made recommendations to the President. These recommendations will guide DEAC's work for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Pulse Campus Climate Survey (Historical Data)
The College has completed assessments of the campus climate for students at TC3. The study had three purposes:
- to help College officials gain a better understanding of what it is like being a student at Tompkins Cortland;
- to help college officials be proactive in identifying student concerns; and
- to provide a benchmark for future examinations of the campus climate at Tompkins Cortland.