Ithaca College Community Agreement: What It Is and Why It Matters
Ithaca College, located in Ithaca, New York, is a private college with a diverse student body and a strong commitment to social justice. To support this commitment, the college has established the Ithaca College Community Agreement, a set of guidelines designed to promote respect, inclusivity, and safety on campus.
The Community Agreement was developed in 2015 by a diverse group of students, faculty, and staff, and it reflects the college`s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive community for all members. It outlines a number of expectations and responsibilities for all members of the community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Some of the key elements of the Community Agreement include:
Respect for diversity: Ithaca College is committed to creating a diverse community that values and respects differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and other aspects of identity. The Community Agreement encourages all members of the community to respect and celebrate this diversity.
Inclusion and accessibility: The agreement emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all members of the community, including those with disabilities. This includes the need to provide accommodations and support services to ensure that all members of the community can participate fully and equally in campus life.
Safety and well-being: The Community Agreement also addresses the importance of promoting safety and well-being on campus. This includes a commitment to preventing and addressing harassment, discrimination, and other forms of harm, as well as providing support and resources for those who have experienced such harm.
Sustainability and social responsibility: Ithaca College is committed to promoting sustainability and social responsibility, and the Community Agreement reflects this commitment. It encourages all members of the community to engage in environmentally sustainable practices and to work towards social justice and civic engagement.
The Community Agreement is not just a document – it is a living commitment that all members of the Ithaca College community are expected to uphold. It is regularly reviewed and revised by a committee of students, faculty, and staff to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.
So why does the Ithaca College Community Agreement matter? Simply put, it sets the tone for the entire campus community. By outlining a set of shared values and expectations, it helps to create a sense of community and belonging among students, faculty, and staff. It also provides a framework for addressing issues and conflicts that may arise on campus, and it serves as a reminder of the college`s commitment to social justice and inclusivity.
In addition, the Community Agreement can have a positive impact beyond the Ithaca College community. By publicly committing to these values and expectations, the college can serve as a model for other institutions and organizations that are working towards creating more inclusive and equitable communities.
In conclusion, the Ithaca College Community Agreement is an important document that reflects the college`s commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and safety. It provides a framework for creating a welcoming and inclusive campus community, and it serves as a model for other institutions and organizations. By upholding the values and expectations outlined in the Community Agreement, all members of the Ithaca College community can work together towards creating a better, more equitable world.