From the Editor

Welcome to the Spring 2007 Edition of Expressions, Maricopa’s vehicle to inform the community about its diversity and inclusion initiatives. This is a very exciting edition focusing on Student Success.  Dr. Steve Helfgot, Vice-Chancellor for Student and Community Affairs, sets the tone by addressing essential components of student success. Dr. Helfgot challenges us, “For all students, and for non-traditional students in particular, are we all doing the best we can with campus environments to invite the kinds of student behaviors that will lead to student learning development and success?”

 The remainder of the newsletter highlights initiatives for faculty, staff, students and community that help to answer this question by building on the compelling relationship between diversity/inclusion and student success. Articles about infusing diversity in the curriculum, specialized outreach education programs, diversity and supervisory training address ways in which we are working to meet this challenge.

We are especially excited to be presenting Maricopa’s Inaugural Awards of Excellence: Weaving Threads of Change, and want to congratulate this year’s twelve recipients. The awardees represent the diverse ways we look at diversity/inclusion at Maricopa, from celebrating individuals for their long-term efforts (Ricardo Provencio – SMCC, Mike Green – CGCC and Michelle Marion – PVCC), to appreciating focused programs from Scottsdale, Mesa, Phoenix and GateWay; from recognizing the entire Cosmetology department at Maricopa Skills Center to acknowledging the importance of physical space in building community at GCC, and to comprehensive and collaborative efforts throughout a college at Rio and district wide.  Awardees have acted locally and globally to increase our ability to work effectively and be treated equitably together.

In years to come we hope to strengthen strategic linkages among diversity/inclusion initiatives and district wide strategic visions into a comprehensive plan for Inclusive Excellence. We hope that the Governing Board Work Session was a significant step in making this a reality.

Help us to continue to recognize and celebrate the committed work toward an inclusive Maricopa.  Consider submitting an article for the Fall 2007 issue of Expressions – due out in September, and check out the new Maricopa Diversity website which will have opportunities for interaction and dialogue shortly. 

Have a great summer! Congratulations to our graduates and to everyone who contributes to their success!!!

Rory Gilbert

Manager for Diversity Initiatives
480-731-8211
rory.gilbert@domail.maricopa.edu