Equity and Inclusion
The Office of Equity and Inclusion at Montgomery College upholds a culture that values civil discourse, a safe environment for sharing, and one that observes, measures, and rewards success so that we can create an extraordinary educational institution. Montgomery College’s Board of Trustees adopted an Antiracism Goal, which will “Promote social justice, radical inclusion, and racial equity within the College and the broader community and continue the Board focus on the journey to being an antiracist institution.”
We will promote and create a working and learning environment rooted in the basic tenets of fairness, diversity, and inclusiveness.
Read our Roadmap to Success (PDF, 
) , and the new Roadmap Addendum (PDF, ) .
What We Do
The charge of the Office of Equity and Inclusion is to build a program that addresses ten critical areas of work:
- Student Access, Inclusion, and Equity around the Student Completion Agenda
- Climate and Culture Assessment, Responsiveness, and Action
- Planning, Benchmarking, and Best Practices
- Staffing Resourcing and Succession Planning
- Recruitment and Hiring
- Promotion and Retention of Employees
- Faculty Teaching, Research, and Curriculum
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programming and Policies
- External Community Engagement, Collaboration, and Linkages
- Business Practices, Workforce/Career Pathways, and Procurement
Inclusion
Diversity
Engagement
Equity for Students, Employees, Business Partners
Access and Achievement
Leadership
Social Justice
- We aspire to be welcoming, equitable, inclusive, and culturally competent.
- We are polite in our interactions by:
- greeting and acknowledging others;
- saying please and thank you;
- respecting others’ time, space, and individuality;
- being direct, sensitive, and honest.
- We listen for common ground.
- We treat each other with respect by:
- welcoming feedback with an open mind and giving others the benefit of the doubt;
- acknowledging the contributions of others and recognizing successes;
- acknowledging the impact of our behavior on others with a caring heart.
- We Address incivility in a polite, courteous, and responsible manner.
Inspired by Mastering Civility by Christine Porat
Let’s Cultivate Mindfulness and Connection!
Equity and Wellness October Events @MC
This month, we honor the resilience and strength of our community - students, faculty, and staff - by prioritizing mindfulness and connection. Whether you’re navigating change or seeking comfort, take time for “you” this month with support from MC Wellness and the Office of Equity and Inclusion.
Download October Events Flyer (PDF, )
Collegewide Message (PDF, )
MC Wellness Mini Monday Meditation
October 7, 8:30 a.m.– noon, 10–15 minute sessions, on Zoom
Launch Meeting - Zoomnew window, Password: Meditation
Ongoing Meditation (Live or On-Board) offered by Kaiser Permanent free for all students, employees, and retirees. Mindful Mondays (on24.com)new window Sign-up to join live or receive a recording for their free meditations available ongoing.
October 16, 12–3 p.m., GU 222/224, Rockville Campus (map)
Register herenew window
Description: This workshop centers on the art of dialogue and meaningful discussion, using conflict
as a connecting thread without making it the primary focus. We explore communication
by looking at three important entities: the individual, the group, and the community.
Participants will gain essential communication skills for engaging in respectful and
honest conversations. Our facilitators are from the Institute for Civil Dialogue at
Arizona State University.
October 16, 12:30 p.m.-1:20 p.m., PE 137A, Walk-In and Bring Your Friends
Dance your stress away as we honor those who have battled cancer and the friends and
family we have lost to cancer.
Sponsored by MC Wellness, Student Life, and Exercise is Medicine. Students, Employees
and Retirees.
October 29, Time TBD., Mannakee Building, ignITe Hub, Rockville Campus (map)
Registration: coming soon
Description: As the 2024 election approaches, this program offers a space for the Montgomery College
community to engage in meaningful dialogue about its potential impact. Through discussions
and breakout sessions, participants will have the opportunity to share their thoughts,
concerns, and feelings surrounding the election. Additionally, the program will help
attendees draft a personalized self-care plan to support their well-being, regardless
of the election’s outcome. This event aims to foster understanding and resilience
during this pivotal time.
October 2, 1–3 p.m., Germantown Campus (map)
October 8, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Rockville Campus (map)
October 16, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus (map)
October 17, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Germantown Campus (map)
October 28th -November 1st
Student Wellness Center Quiet Room SV 001, Rockville Campus (map)
Join us at the Student Wellness Center in collaboration with Rockville Counseling and Advising for an immersive, week-long experience dedicated to understanding and honoring grief from around the world. This unique event invites you to:
- Share Your Story: Bring in a photo or post a message to contribute to the Wall of Memory a special space of remembrance and reflection in the SWC Quiet Room.
- Expand Your Horizons: Discover how different cultures navigate and celebrate life and loss through a series of interactive activities discussions. Learn about diverse practices around the world and in our local communities around acknowledging and celebrating life and loss.
- Engage with Experts from the Community: Attend two enlightening talks by a local grief and loss specialist. They’ll offer valuable knowledge on both the nuances and universality of grief and loss.
- Find Support: Learn about local resources on mental health and grief available in our community, whether you’re seeking for yourself or for a loved one.
Support Constructive Disagreement in Classes
October 4, 2:30–3:30 p.m., on Zoom
Registration through MC LEARNS in Workday
First Faculty Friday’s: Using Deliberative Dialogues to Support Constructive Disagreement in Classes - Deliberative dialogues are structured discussions that help participants explore problems together, fostering understanding of differences and commonalities. This workshop will teach participants how to facilitate these dialogues, providing adaptable resources for various teaching formats. While the focus is on using deliberative dialogues in classes, the model also supports action planning for employee groups.
Enhance Action Planning and Communication
October 8, 12–12:45 p.m., Mannakee Building, MK123, Rockville Campus (map)
Registration through MC LEARNS in Workday
Super Staff Tuesday’s: Using deliberative dialogues to enhance action planning and communication - This workshop focuses on deliberative dialogues, structured discussions aimed at addressing specific policies and challenges through collaborative problem-solving. Participants will learn to facilitate these dialogues, which foster constructive disagreement, enhance communication, and support concrete action planning in workplace settings. Attendees will also receive adaptable resources to implement deliberative dialogues in various contexts.
Yoga, Mindful Movement, and Sound Meditation
October 10
Noon, Wellness Webinar for MC Employees: Mental Health 101: Let’s Talk About it and Reduce
the Stigma. Review current data on mental and emotional health to better help yourself,
your coworkers and students. Learn about what influences mental health, and ways to
protect and improve it.
Join Zoomnew window | Led by Brandon Muncy and Megan Cooperman
3:00 p.m. 15-Minute Mindful Movement Break on Zoom
Join Zoomnew window|Meeting ID: 874 277 9389
3:30 p.m., Sound Meditation for Employees and Retirees
In-person: Central Service BOT S108 (map)
Join Zoomnew window|Meeting ID: 874 277 9389
Sound meditation is the use of sound as a tool to cultivate and support deep relaxation. Ultimately, the purpose is to create a gentle, yet powerful, experience that heals the body, clears the mind and helps rein your attention to the present. Blankets will be provided. Bring a mat if you have one. If you need a mat, contact Megan.
Let’s Talk Politics: How to Have Impassioned Disagreements without Damaging Relationships. The session will be recorded for future viewing (please register to receive the session link and recording).
October 15, 12–1 p.m., on Zoomnew window
Well-being Wednesdays (on24.com)new window
October 16, 12 p.m., on Zoom Eastern Daylight Time | Duration: 1 hour
About the webinar: This session provides an overview of breast cancer, the effectiveness of early detection
and prevention, and treatment alternatives. Please contact kp-ma-workforcehealth@kp.org if you have any questions.
Employees - Join MC Wellness at the Open Enrollment Benefits Fairs where we will offer free massage, nutrition consultations, fitness assessments, blood pressure screening, wellness giveaways, healthy snacks to help you destress, and more for all employees (even if you are not benefits eligible.).
October 23, 11a.m.-2p.m., Rockville (Physical Education 137A, Small Gym)
October 24, 11a.m.-1p.m., Takoma Park Silver Spring (Leggett Building)
October 30, 11a.m.-2p.m., Central Services (Board of Trustee, S108)
October 31, 11a.m.-2p.m., Germantown, (High Technology and Science Center and Globe Hall)
Informed or Infirmed? Healthy Media Consumption and Social Media Usage. The session will be recorded for future viewing (please register to receive the session link and recording).
October 22, 12–1 p.m., on Zoomnew window
Managing Your Emotions in the Workplace. The session will be recorded for future viewing (please register to receive the session link and recording).
November 6, 12–1 p.m., on Zoomnew window
