Lake Land College is committed to developing and maintaining an environment that embraces and actively supports diversity. We aspire to be an institution where the quality of education is enhanced and enriched by an inclusive campus community. We strive to provide dynamic learning and working environments that encourage multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas.
Lake Land College students and employees can submit original artwork that answers the question “What do Inclusion, Diversity and Equity mean to you?” for the chance to earn exciting prizes and show off the many talents of our Laker community! The show will feature a Student category and a Faculty/Staff category. Everyone is encouraged to submit their art and share their unique perspective with the campus!
For more information, CLICK HERE to download the submission form including specific guidelines.
Questions? Contact idec@lakelandcollege.edu
You may have noticed available copies of the book “So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo at several recent events.
We as a College feel that the content of this book is important because we understand that many people have questions. Many of these questions feel difficult to ask, and it is very easy to feel that you are getting the conversation “wrong.” In this book, the author addresses many of these questions as well as many that she said she wishes more people would ask.
Issues such as intersectionality, micro-aggressions and many other situations people of color face on a regular basis are explored in this book, with the author sharing personal experiences about living life as a black woman.
We understand that some of the concepts and topics explored in these pages can be difficult to read or may make you uncomfortable. As Ijeoma says in the introduction to the book, “I hope that if parts of this book make you uncomfortable, you can sit with that discomfort for a while, to see if it has anything else to offer you.”
We hope you will take a book to read and we look forward to sharing discussions with you on this important topic.
Visit the Library Website to learn more!
This month we celebrate the many women who have played pivotal roles throughout history and their contributions to our culture and society. Click the link below to check out a timeline about notable people and events put together by Darrius Frazier!
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
This month we honor the rich history, culture and accomplishments of Black and African American people as well as celebrating the adversities they have overcome and recognizing the challenges they still face.
Join the Student Activity Board and the Inclusion and Diversity Education Committee for Black History Month Bingo on February 22 at 11 a.m. in Laker Point! Learn about contributions of African Americans to the United States and play bingo to earn prizes. Be sure to pick up your copy of our campus read book “So You Want to Talk About Race,” by Ijeoma Oluo while you’re there.
Also, take a moment to brush up on this information with the timeline below, researched and compiled by Lake Land student Darrius “Doc” Frazier!
Timeline of Events in Black History
Take a look at these links to learn more about many of the influential Native American and Indigenous people throughout history!
20 Famous Native and Indigenous Americans in Hollywood, Politics and More
20 Influential Indigenous Americans You Might Not Know About | Stacker
This month, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Laker alumna and campus-wide friendly face Brandy Verdin! Here is something she had to share about the significance of this event. “Finding the beauty in our culture and values is very heartwarming. I appreciate and love when other people who are not of my culture learn and celebrate people like me and our traditions.”~ TRIO Student Support Services Enrollment Assistant Brandy Verdin
CLICK HERE to read more of Brandy’s story on our Laker Life Blog!
Lake Land College is coming together with the community to celebrate Juneteenth and recognize the struggles and hardships enslaved peoples fought bravely to overcome as well as the challenges people of color still face today.
“We want to take this opportunity to express honor and appreciation for all of the members of our Lake Land College community who have been and continue to be impacted by the events of Juneteenth,” President Josh Bullock said. “It is our pleasure and privilege to be home to a diverse and inclusive community, and we strive to maintain a sense of belonging for everyone within that community.”
Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day and Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is celebrated each year as a day to honor the culture, lives and accomplishments of the Black community and celebrate this liberation from slavery.
With the original day arriving a full two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, Juneteenth is a special way to honor the brave and inspiring individuals who fought for the rights and privileges they deserve.
Read what Juneteenth means to a member of our Laker community!
Join us in recognizing the history and continued effort to raise awareness and inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community, including the students, staff, allies and other community members who make up our diverse and supportive Laker community!
Take a look at this video to learn more about the experiences of several LGBTQIA+ members of the Lake Land College community!
Looking for more education and resources? Visit The Safe Zone Project website for all kinds of helpful resources to help you learn how you can best support and encourage members of the LGBTQIA+ community!
The Safe Zone program was implemented by the Inclusion & Diversity Education Committee to address the concerns of the LGBTQIA+ community at Lake Land College and the surrounding area. Safe Zone is a way to reach out to these students and welcome them in all areas of the Lake Land community. Safe Zones are areas on and around campus where supportive people provide information and work toward the elimination of myths, misconceptions, and stereotypes.
By participating in the Safe Zone Program, one pledges that their Safe Zone is a place where members of the LGBTQIA+ community can:
Contact Katie Parrish at kparrish@lakelandcollege.edu with questions or to schedule Safe Zone training.
Those interested in the Lake Land College Student Pride Club can contact Marcy Satterwhite at msatterw@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5359.
This month we celebrate and support those living with mental or behavioral health issues in an effort to help reduce the stigma surrounding many people living with these challenges.
Lake Land College believes in supporting the success of our students on both a personal and academic level, and we know that this all starts with their mental health and wellness. We have established these mental health resources, including free online mental health counseling through BetterMynd, for our students.
We are also excited to introduce the Calm app as our newest resource available to students at Lake Land College! Whether you have 30 seconds or 30 minutes, Calm’s diverse content library offers resources to suit your schedule and needs. Explore guided meditations and specialized music playlists to help with studying, stress, and focus, mindful movement video and audio, relaxing Sleep Stories, tailored content for children, wisdom-filled masterclasses led by experts, and much more.
Simply follow the instructions below to gain full access to Calm—the #1 app for mental fitness.
To get started:
Once complete, you can download the Calm app and log into your new account. Your Calm subscription gives you unlimited access to the full library of content at calm.com and in the Calm app.
If you have questions about accessing the Calm app, contact Counselor for Accommodations and Mental Health Initiatives Amber Niebrugge at aniebrugge71503@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5259.
This month we join The Autism Society to #CelebrateDifferences of the many individuals in our society living with Autism. To recognize and empower these people, take a look at these 20 Famous People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Also, since 2017, our very own Laker Darrius Frazier has been listed among the 100+ People with Autism to Know. Thank you to Darrius for contributing so much to our monthly celebrations! Be sure to take a look at this exclusive video with Darrius on his amazing story!
This month we honor the rich history, culture and accomplishments of Black and Brown people as well as celebrating the adversities they have overcome. Click the link below to learn more about influential people, events and movements in African American history put together by our very own Laker, Darrius Frazier!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH TIMELINE
Would you like more information on resources available to you? Do you have a story to share? Contact the Inclusion and Diversity Education Committee at idec@lakelandcollege.edu!
Campus & Community Resources Lake Land College Campus Resources TRIO TRiO Student Support Services is a program with the sole purpose of helping students in need succeed at Lake Land College. Students who are eligible for TRiO Student Support Services must be pursuing an associate degree or certificate and meet at least one of the following requirements: Be a first-generation college student, which means neither parent or legal guardian graduated from a four-year institution; or Meet certain income requirements, like being eligible for a Pell grant; or Be a student who is eligible for Student Accommodations at Lake Land College. Office of Student Accommodations Lake Land College is committed to providing a qality educational experience to all students. As such, Lake Land provides academic support services for students who have a documented disability. Academic support services are coordinated by the Counselor/Coordinator of Student Accommodations who is located in the student services wing of the student services/administration building. Those eligible are the following: Persons who have a learning disability Persons who have a physical impairment Persons who have a mobility impairment Persons who have mental/emotional or psychological disorders Persons who are blind or visually impaired Persons who are deaf or hearing impaired Persons with a serious contagious or non-contagious medical condition Persons recovering from drug addiction or alcoholism Tutoring Center The Tutoring Center offers tutoring for college courses; basic skills courses in memory, test taking, and computer anxiety; and supplemental services for students with disabilities. Located in Webb Hall 130, the Tutoring Center hours are 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday and later by appointment (Monday through Thursday during summer session.) LEAP The Lake Land College Early Advantage Program (LEAP) provides collaboration between student services departments and faculty members to ensure students are aware of the support services provided on campus and in the community. Through the Lake Land College Early Advantage Program, students are provided with immediate contact information via their student email account. The information identifies services on campus that might be beneficial to achieving success in the course. Anti-Harassment Policy and Resources Lake Land College is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Faculty, staff and students have a right to work and learn in an atmosphere that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices such as harassment. Safe Zone Safe Zone was created by the Inclusion & Diversity Education Task Force to address the concerns of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and ally community at Lake Land College and the surrounding area. Safe Zone is a way to reach out to these students and welcome them in all areas of the Lake Land community. Safe Zones are areas on and around campus where supportive people provide information and work toward the elimination of myths, misconceptions, and stereotypes. By participating in the Safe Zone Program, one pledges that their Safe Zone is a place where lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and allies can: feel comfortable and safe in a confidential environment. express any issues and concerns in an atmosphere of acceptance and support. access informational and educational resources including: organizations, phone numbers, web sites, and books. Contact Katie Parrish at kparrish@lakelandcollege.edu with questions or to schedule Safe Zone training Community Resources Counselors can refer you to community agencies that can assist you with personal concerns. Visit the Counseling Office webpage to view resources for the following concerns. Health Related Services Mental Health Services Community Action Agencies Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Crisis Pregnancy & Family Assistance Food Assistance The UP Center of Champaign/Urbana The UP (Uniting Pride) Center of Champaign County is a multi-service agency, for youth and adults, with a purpose to support and promote human care, education, and community-building activities directed at furthering the well-being and development of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and ally community of Champaign County. Visit their website for more information, or call them at 217-550-4248. Additional Resources: Understanding Gender Identities | The Trevor Project The Coming Out Handbook | The Trevor Project Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People | The Trevor Project LGBTQ Health (illinois.gov) Human Rights (illinois.gov) Uniting Pride of Champaign County PFLAG Charleston, IL (pflagcharlestonil.blogspot.com) PFLAG Council of Northern Illinois – Support – Education – Advocacy (pflagillinois.org) It Gets Better – The It Gets Better Project exists to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe. ACORN EQUALITY FUND – Home Equality Illinois – Equality Illinois The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance (ilsafeschools.org) Home – LAGBAC Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families & Friends Home | AFSP Gay Affirming Christian Churches; Homosexuality & the Bible (gaychurch.org) GSA Network You Can Play Project Free, 24/7 Help for Youth & Teens – National Runaway Safeline (1800runaway.org) How do I know if I have an intersex condition? | Intersex Society of North America (isna.org) Classroom Activities Classroom Activities & Resources Below are links to diversity related classroom activity directions that can be downloaded and used in a variety of classes. Click on a link below to access a PDF of instructions for each activity. Brown Eyes Blue Eyes Online Video Crossing the Line Activity Diversity Poster Examining Our Own Prejudices How Does the World See You My Groups Perception Game Privilege Walk Write About an Incidence of Discrimination Lake Land College Library Resources for Classroom Activities The Lake Land College Library has several resources on a variety of diversity related topics. Below are direct links to some of the topics we have available. For more information about these library resources, contact the Lake Land College Reference Librarian in the Library. Veterans African Americans Native Americans Hispanic Americans Women’s History LGBTQ Student Organizations Lake Land College offers several student organizations specifically designed to meet the needs of certain diverse groups of the student population. Those student organizations include: PRIDE PRIDE is the LGBT+ student club dedicated to promoting understanding and equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender + community. Advisor: Marcy Satterwhite | msatterw@lakelandcollege.edu | 217-234-5359 International Student Association This club aims: to consolidate and promote a mutual understanding among international students; to promote a better understanding and stronger ties with the American community; to promote a better understanding with students and other student organizations in and around the College; and to help incoming international students better adjust to life at Lake Land. Advisor: Kimberly Hunter | khunter@lakelandcollege.edu | 217-234-5382 Collegiate Veterans Alliance This club provides peer support and networking for student veterans and their families. Advisor: Danielle Downs | ddowns@lakelandcollege.edu | 217-234-5255 Lake Land College Student Life Visit the Student Life Website to check out more clubs, events, and activities related to Lake Land’s student population. Events The Lake Land College Inclusion & Diversity Education Committee facilitates several events on campus each year to bring awareness to diversity related topics. Look for poster displays and events around campus celebrating diversity. Monthly celebrations include: Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender History Month (October) Native American Heritage Month (November) Veterans Day/Week (November 11) Winter Holidays including Christmas, Chinese New Year, Diwali, Eid, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Yule & Winter Solstice (December) Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January) Black History (February) Women’s History (March) Mental Health Awareness (April-May) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month (June) Inclusion & Diversity Education Committee The “Inclusion & Diversity Education Committee at Lake Land College consists of representatives from the following divisions/departments, but is open for additional volunteer members. To join, contact any of the committee members: Chair: Kimberly Hunter (elected by committee) Sponsor: Valerie Lynch, Interim Vice President for Student Services Director of Student Life Director of International Studies At least one representative from each of the following Human Resources Supervisory/Support Paraprofessional Custodial At least three faculty At least two students selected by the Student Government Association One faculty member also serves on the Employee Development Committee Goals & Objectives Provide educational opportunities for students and staff Provide opportunities for staff training Provide diversity-awareness focused student events Collaborate with Employee Development Committee to offer at least one diversity-focused staff development event annually and to integrate multicultural perspectives in the learning environment Provide ongoing diversity education information Create a website and newsletter including information regarding college and other local resources for diversity related activities, events and interests Coordinate campus celebrations related to diversity Continue to implement programming celebrating the heritage of diverse groups (Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month, Multicultural Awareness, for example) Facilitate development of a more inclusive environment for students and staff free of bias Assess outcomes of work through surveying students and staff and develop programs accordingly Make recommendations to college administration
TRiO Student Support Services is a program with the sole purpose of helping students in need succeed at Lake Land College. Students who are eligible for TRiO Student Support Services must be pursuing an associate degree or certificate and meet at least one of the following requirements:
Lake Land College is committed to providing a qality educational experience to all students. As such, Lake Land provides academic support services for students who have a documented disability. Academic support services are coordinated by the Counselor/Coordinator of Student Accommodations who is located in the student services wing of the student services/administration building. Those eligible are the following:
The Tutoring Center offers tutoring for college courses; basic skills courses in memory, test taking, and computer anxiety; and supplemental services for students with disabilities. Located in Webb Hall 130, the Tutoring Center hours are 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday and later by appointment (Monday through Thursday during summer session.)
The Lake Land College Early Advantage Program (LEAP) provides collaboration between student services departments and faculty members to ensure students are aware of the support services provided on campus and in the community. Through the Lake Land College Early Advantage Program, students are provided with immediate contact information via their student email account. The information identifies services on campus that might be beneficial to achieving success in the course.
Lake Land College is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Faculty, staff and students have a right to work and learn in an atmosphere that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices such as harassment.
Safe Zone was created by the Inclusion & Diversity Education Task Force to address the concerns of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and ally community at Lake Land College and the surrounding area. Safe Zone is a way to reach out to these students and welcome them in all areas of the Lake Land community. Safe Zones are areas on and around campus where supportive people provide information and work toward the elimination of myths, misconceptions, and stereotypes. By participating in the Safe Zone Program, one pledges that their Safe Zone is a place where lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and allies can:
Contact Katie Parrish at kparrish@lakelandcollege.edu with questions or to schedule Safe Zone training
Counselors can refer you to community agencies that can assist you with personal concerns. Visit the Counseling Office webpage to view resources for the following concerns.
The UP (Uniting Pride) Center of Champaign County is a multi-service agency, for youth and adults, with a purpose to support and promote human care, education, and community-building activities directed at furthering the well-being and development of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and ally community of Champaign County. Visit their website for more information, or call them at 217-550-4248.
Below are links to diversity related classroom activity directions that can be downloaded and used in a variety of classes. Click on a link below to access a PDF of instructions for each activity.
The Lake Land College Library has several resources on a variety of diversity related topics. Below are direct links to some of the topics we have available. For more information about these library resources, contact the Lake Land College Reference Librarian in the Library.
Lake Land College offers several student organizations specifically designed to meet the needs of certain diverse groups of the student population. Those student organizations include:
PRIDE is the LGBT+ student club dedicated to promoting understanding and equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender + community.
Advisor: Marcy Satterwhite | msatterw@lakelandcollege.edu | 217-234-5359
This club aims: to consolidate and promote a mutual understanding among international students; to promote a better understanding and stronger ties with the American community; to promote a better understanding with students and other student organizations in and around the College; and to help incoming international students better adjust to life at Lake Land.
Advisor: Kimberly Hunter | khunter@lakelandcollege.edu | 217-234-5382
This club provides peer support and networking for student veterans and their families.
Advisor: Danielle Downs | ddowns@lakelandcollege.edu | 217-234-5255
Visit the Student Life Website to check out more clubs, events, and activities related to Lake Land’s student population.
The Lake Land College Inclusion & Diversity Education Committee facilitates several events on campus each year to bring awareness to diversity related topics. Look for poster displays and events around campus celebrating diversity.
Monthly celebrations include:
The “Inclusion & Diversity Education Committee at Lake Land College consists of representatives from the following divisions/departments, but is open for additional volunteer members. To join, contact any of the committee members:
At least one representative from each of the following