Peninsula College welcomes all students and is committed to equity.
Equity is at the Center of Our Mission
The college’s mission has equity at its core: “Peninsula College educates diverse populations of learners through community-engaged programs and services that advance student equity and success.” Its core themes and vision align to this mission.
| Core Theme | Definition | Objective |
| Fostering Equity and Inclusion | College-wide policies and practices close equity gaps in enrollment and academic achievement | Eliminate systemic disparities in educational outcomes |
In addition, our strategic plan includes specific equity goals and measures:
- Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles
- Peninsula College's Strategic Plans
- Peninsula College's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) definitions
Peninsula College DEI Definitions
|
Overall Qualifier |
Given that race is a socially defined construct, some of these definitions are dynamic and evolve across time. |
|
Communities of Color |
Communities of color are self-defined communities that share an identity based on racial characteristics among community members. The community typically has a shared history and shared current/historic experiences of racism. |
|
Community organizations, also known as community-based organizations |
Organizations aimed at making improvements to a community’s social health, well-being, and overall functioning. |
|
Culturally appropriate |
The understanding of what is suitable given a particular context as defined by that community. Being sensitive, understanding, non-judgmental and respectful with people whose culture is different from your own; being flexible and skillful in responding and adapting to cultural contexts and circumstances. |
|
Cultural Competence (Culturally competent) |
Understanding the effects of culture on oneself and others. Developing a range of communication skills that lead to appropriate interactions with people. |
|
Diversity |
We understand that the term “diversity” requires attention to power, privilege, social justice, and change and points to a commitment to examining political and cultural dynamics including but not limited to race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability. |
|
Equity |
Peninsula College aspires to ensure that all students, faculty, and staff have access to resources and support in proportion to their needs and that they feel respected, connected, and can thrive in their goals. |
|
Historically marginalized communities |
Groups who have historically been and may continue to be denied political, economic, and social equity. Many of these communities were ignored or misrepresented in traditional historical sources. |
|
Inclusion |
Authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities, and decision/policy making in a way that shares power. SOURCE: OpenSource Leadership Strategies | OpenSource Leadership Strategies: Power to Change |
|
Low-income communities |
A local community, neighborhood, or rural district in which 20% of people live below the poverty line or the median income does not exceed 80% of the median family income for the area. |
Commitment from Our Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees and President lead our commitment to equity. In June 2020, our Trustees adopted “a resolution condemning racial bias and violence, and affirming the College’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable college community.”
Guided Pathways
Equity is also central to our Guided Pathways work. The Guided Pathways structure allows us to look for ways to better serve specific student groups using data, tracking student progress by program, and taking a team approach to advising and student supports.
Equity Work Group
Through our Guided Pathways initiative, an Equity Work Group collaborated with administration, faculty, staff, and students on a definition of equity at PC:
“Peninsula College ensures that all students have access to resources and support in proportion to their needs and to feel respected, connected, and successful in their learning goals.”
The Work Group is currently drafting a proposal for an equity standing committee that will guide a college-wide equity plan focused on analyzing and revising the college’s policies and practices to keep equity at the forefront.
Title III Grant
In 2018, the College was awarded a Title III Grant by the federal Department of Education, which includes building a culture of equity and inclusion as one of its three goals.
https://pencol.edu/about-pc/title-iii
Center for Teaching and Learning
Created through the Title III Grant, our Center for Teaching and Learning is committed to leading professional development events for faculty and staff to foster a culture of equity at PC through the adoption of evidence-based practices.
https://pencol.edu/outcomes-assessment/center-teaching-and-learning
ʔaʔk̓ʷustəƞáwt̓xʷ | House of Learning | Longhouse
ʔaʔk̓ʷustəƞáwt̓xʷ House of Learning, Peninsula College Longhouse is the first longhouse in the nation built on a community college campus. The Longhouse, located on tribal territory, was created in collaboration with six local tribal nations: Hoh River Chalat’, Quileute, Makah, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Jamestown S’Klallam, and Lower Elwha Klallam.
Opening its doors in 2007, the Longhouse:
- Serves as a cultural and educational resource for understanding, honoring, and sharing our cultural heritages.
- Creates a special place to gather and learn for cultural ceremonies, community events, classes, workshops, study groups, and individual study.
- Serves as a tool for recruitment and retention of Native American students.
https://pencol.edu/aboutpc/longhouse
Multicultural Services
Peninsula College’s Multicultural Student Services provides information to all students of color who are part of the many diverse cultures located on the Olympic Peninsula and elsewhere, and helps all students to come to a greater understanding and appreciation of these cultures.
Multicultural Student Services include:
- Academic advising for transfer and professional/technical programs of study.
- Support, referral and resources for students of color.
- Coordination of special learning opportunities such as the annual Washington Students of Color Conference.
- Multicultural club advising.
- Coordination of special students and faculty learning opportunities such as Washington Students of Color Conference.
- College wide co-curricular programming in increase awareness and understanding of the issues of regional diverse populations.
Contact:
(360) 417-6354
Toll-free in Washington:
1 (877) 452-9277, Ext. 6354
Diversity@pencol.edu
Cultural Events Calendar
PC hosts cultural events throughout the year for both students and community members.
Other Student Supports
Our faculty and staff are always available to help guide students toward resources that can help them succeed.
The Peninsula College Library has created online guides for students regarding campus services:
https://pencol.libguides.com/c.php?g=1074670&p=7826802
And community services: