Joliet Junior College
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Joliet Junior College developed an Inclusion/Diversity Plan to show its commitment to fostering respect, collaboration, and productive relationships within the workplace.

The Diversity Advisory Council provides a coordinating function for diversity groups and issues on campus including serving as a clearinghouse for information and acting as a champion for diversity.

JJC developed a workforce analysis and corresponding availability analysis and was able to identify the areas of underutilization in its workforce (areas where actual participation in JJC’s workforce is less than the availability identified in the relevant labor market). As a result, JJC has:
• Standardized the search committee process and procedures by providing mandatory training for search committee members, technical assistance and support
• Held college-wide diversity forums to gain insight into issues as they pertain to staffing patterns and communication issues
• Gained additional community partners as a result of our outreach efforts with local high schools, churches and community organizations
• Broadened its approach to recruitment by collaborating with area colleges and universities to tap into their alumni as prospective candidates
• Targeted “special” recruitment sources to increase minority applicant pool.

JJC also collaborated with the South Metropolitan Higher Education Consortium (SMHEC) on the following two projects:
• Diversifying Faculty in Illinois Initiative, which recognizes the positive impact of minority faculty within institutions
• The Brother 2 Brother Initiative, which promotes networking among students and staff

The Committee of African American and Latino American Concerns promotes the empowerment and advancement of African Americans and Latinos at JJC.

The Safe Zone Ally Project aspires to create a safer environment through training allies for all members of the campus community regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

The Student Speakers Bureau Program is designed to use personal storytelling to promote understanding and respect for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people and dispel myths about these communities.

Student Accommodations and Resources (StAR) supports students who have documented disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. StAR arranges accommodations for eligible students and assists college administration, faculty, and staff to provide required accommodations.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) provides outreach, academic guidance, personal support, cultural resources, and leadership opportunities to enhance the educational experience and facilitate the academic and personal growth of underrepresented students.

Project Achieve is an integrated TRIO/Student Support Services program dedicated to enhancing college experience for eligible students, including first-generation college students, low-income students, and/or students with a documented disability.

Veterans Resource Center
The Veterans Resource Center is open to all veterans attending the college and provides a dedicated area for veterans to gather and socialize, study, have computer access, and space for counseling and meetings.

Veterans Coordinator
JJC has a full-time Veterans Coordinator to serve as the primary contact and campus advocate to student veterans, their families and college staff concerning eligibility for veteran's educational benefits through institutional, state, and federal agencies.

Veterans Alliance Club
The Veterans Alliance Club provides support and resources for JJC student veterans, their families, and the community.

The following websites provide information about the support programs for underrepresented groups:
Diversity Advisory Council: http://www.jjc.edu/about/committees/diversity/Pages/advisory-council.aspx
Safe Zone Programs: http://www.jjc.edu/about/committees/diversity/Pages/safe-zones.aspx
StAR: http://www.jjc.edu/disability-services/Pages/default.aspx
OMSA: http://www.jjc.edu/multicultural-affairs/pages/default.aspx
Project Achieve: http://www.jjc.edu/project-achieve/Pages/default.aspx
Veterans: http://www.jjc.edu/financial-aid/Pages/veterans.aspx

FACULTY and STAFF: Upon receipt of a complaint or concern regarding alleged discrimination, the Executive Director of HR, or an HR Manager (EE Relations, Labor, or Recruitment) will meet with the employee/complainant to conduct an initial assessment of the nature of the claim and evaluate any supporting evidence. Typically, complaints are recorded on an “Employee Complaint” form and can either be completed by the employee or HR. Human Resources will make a decision as to what type of investigation is needed, and will conduct the appropriate investigation, consulting with the college’s attorneys, if needed. It is the goal to complete any investigation in a timely, comprehensive and confidential matter as possible. HR will maintain documentation of investigatory interviews and prepare a confidential report of findings. As appropriate, corrective action will be taken to remediate the situation.

STUDENTS: The college has an anti-discrimination policies infused in various areas of the college through Human Resources and Student Development. Students are protected from such discrimination through the code of student conduct as well as a new policy revisions that are awaiting approval. The Sexual Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures, and the Pregnant and Parenting Students this fall.

We assist student that experience these challenges by avenues of complaints through the student complaint process, http://www.jjc.edu/academic-behavior-standards/Pages/student-complaint-procedures.aspx and the student code of conduct http://www.jjc.edu/academic-behavior-standards/Documents/Code%20of%20Conduct%20FINAL%208x11%202-09-new%20logo.pdf .

In addition, we work with complainants through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (formally Dean of Students Office) Case Manager. This individual is responsible for working with respondents, complainants, and witnesses that need assistance with life skills, coping skills, and referral to counseling or outside agencies to support the students in becoming whole. This case manager is a licensed counselor and has other certifications such as sexual assault crisis counseling.