ILEA Equity Plan | Elgin Community College (ECC)

History of Equity Work
We joined Achieving the Dream (“ATD”) in 2009, the Higher Learning
Commission (“HLC”) Student Success Academy in 2018, and ILEA in
2019. These three efforts work through the lens of equity to bring
about student success at ECC. ATD is a national network; the HLC
Student Success Academy operates regionally; and ILEA is a statewide
organization. Student success is front and center in our Mission and
all of our operational plan goals are in service of student success, and
together these three affiliations provide context that guides our
efforts. Prior to any decision we make, we always ask ourselves, “how
will this impact students?”
ECC
ATD
Student
Success
ILEA
HLC
Student
Success
Academy
Figure 3.
ECC Equity Framework
Given its history and institutional context, ECC is well-positioned to dramatically impact student
success and achieve equity in attainment. The College’s Mission, the demographic shifts within
the student and community populations, the current reality of student outcomes, and an
opportunity to design a systemic student success framework call us to urgently address issues
of equity in our institution. While the College has significant achievement gaps to close, a solid
foundation has been laid to execute this plan.
1C: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statements
During the Fall 2019 semester, faculty, administrators, and staff developed the following
statements with direct and indirect input from students and community members. These
statements are used to frame the work of this plan, providing common definitions and tone
needed to advance our work from 2019 until the end of 2025.
Equity Statement
As a Leader College, Elgin Community College believes intentional and meaningful inclusion of
diverse experiences, backgrounds, and social identities in all aspects of the institution is a moral
imperative which deepens and enriches the educational and workplace experience for
everyone. At the core of ECC’s mission to improve people’s lives through learning is the
recognition that as a community college we are successful only when we are providing access
to quality education—as well as appropriate and equitable support in an inclusive
environment—to all members of our community. We are aware of the persistent pernicious
effects of structural racism, systemic poverty, and other societal barriers on members of our
community. As such, the College is committed to the on-going intentional review and design of
resources, policies, and procedures to ensure that effective supports exist throughout the
student and employee experience. Moreover, the College is dedicated to dismantling the
structures and systems, and challenging the attitudes that create or sustain inequities in the
first place.
Diversity Statement
Elgin Community College recognizes that diversity is an invaluable resource to teaching,
learning, and personal growth. Understanding that the pursuit of excellence requires a diverse
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ILEA Equity Plan
Introduction