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DEI Policy Analysis Essay

Xavier L. Cullen
CLC 120 College Success Seminar
Prof. Ann Zastrow
September 19, 2021

The College of Lake County has set up many services to meet the needs of

every student equally, making equity and inclusion the top priorities for the school. It’s

very easy to mix up equity and equality, but they are not the same. Equality is treating
everyone equally, while equity is making sure every person’s needs are being met; The

College of Lake County made sure their equity statement was enacted by creating the

resource of student advisors. Every single student who attends the College of Lake

County has access to an email address and can email their advisors whenever they

need for any possible need. Even if a student does not have access to a computer,

laptop, tablet, or mobile device at home, a student can rent out a laptop from the CLC

library, or even log onto a computer at the library to browse their email. By allowing

every student access to every material possible, CLC is making the most of every

student’s ability to succeed. Besides equity, inclusion is an essential piece of the puzzle

that describes CLC’s DEI values. A phenomenal example of inclusivity is allowing any

group of students to start a club about anything. I could start a club about astronomy,

architecture, ping pong, capture the flag, or anything to my liking, as long as I have at

least seven others also willing to participate in the creation of the club. Another

substantial part of inclusion is that any student is allowed (and encouraged) to contact

the Help Center, which is open 24/7. Any student can call the Help Desk to ask

questions about technology resources like Canvas, their student email, or Navigate; a

student can additionally ask questions about anything related to College and their future

success and will be directed to a department more knowledgeable on their question. An

example would be if a student wanted to know more about their future career and

desired an internship, the help desk would lead said student towards the “Career and

Job Placement Center.” The student could then either call or visit the department in

person to ask any questions related to job hunting/internships and their future career.

Another important inclusivity statement would be that all students are encouraged and
shown how to apply for financial aid; I have gotten several emails from CLC about

financial aid if I need it, and have asked two of my friends at CLC if they have gotten the

same emails, which they have both received. I am also able to access my financial aid

information from the student center, not just from email; CLC always makes sure there

are multiple ways to complete every action so no student is left out or behind. Fixing an

issue can always be done in multiple ways, a great example would be the library; Any

student can visit the campus during the active hours to meet up personally with a

librarian, or, if they wish, they can talk to one live on the College of Lake County

website. If they don’t want to do that, they can even email the library and receive a reply

within 48 hours. There’s even an online library where students can rent books if they

don’t want to comb alphabetically looking for the book they fancy.

In all, The College of Lake County makes sure that every student can succeed.

The college provides all the necessary tools to complete and pay for classes to every

student. They make sure through their practices of inclusion and equity that every

student of any race, gender, religion, and belief can access information and assistance

no matter what.