Institutional Self Evaluation Report

Standard IIIA.4

The institution demonstrates through policies and practices an appropriate understanding of and concern for issues of equity and diversity.

Descriptive Summary

Issues of equity and diversity are part of the college’s core values and permeate every aspect of college life. The district as a whole is committed to equity and diversity as indicated by policies, procedures, and practices established and regularly reviewed for relevance and improvement. The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Plan includes policy statements, provisions for an advisory council, complaint mechanisms, training mandates, analysis methods, and steps to improve underrepresentation. (3A.4.1) It is regularly reviewed and is, currently, in a review cycle (2013-14).

The Board upholds policies and implements procedures in a number of areas of specific relevance, including, but not limited to:

• 
  ^{BP/AP 3410 – Non-discrimination (3A.4.2)}
  
• 
  ^{BP/AP 3420 – Equal Employment Opportunity (3A.4.3)}
  
• 
  ^{BP/AP 3430 – Prohibition of Harassment (3A.4.4)}
  
• 
  ^{AP 3435 – Discrimination and Harassment Investigations (3A.4.5)}
  
• 
  ^{BP/AP 7100 – Commitment to Diversity (3A.4.6)}
  
• 
  ^{BP/AP 7160 – Professional Development (3A.4.7)}
  
• 
  ^{BP/AP 7510 – Domestic Partners (3A.4.8)}
  
• 
  ^{BP/AP 7700 – Whistleblower Protection (3A.4.9)}
  

The college prides itself with the richness of its diverse student population which has increased drastically in the last several years. The college continuously assesses ways to recruit, welcome, and help diverse students matriculate and succeed at West Valley College and formulates innovative and effective ways to address equity and diversity at the college. As part of the college’s budget reduction and organizational restructure process for 2014-2015, the President restructured the current administrative structure in the Student Services area, redeployed resources and created a Director of Student Equity and Success position to oversee categorical programs and culturally-focused educational programs including the SUCCESS program for African-American students and PUENTE Project for Latino students. In addition, West Valley College’s Student Equity Plan was revised in spring 2013 to reflect upon college’s current priority and goals. (3A.4.10)

The college developed an Institutional Effectiveness organization structure in 2012-2013 where one of the three major focuses is the Student Success Team. In addition to ensuring that the Student Success Act of 2012 implementation occurs systemically and effectively, this team will be led by a faculty coordinator with a working team consisting of faculty, classified staff, and administrators addressing achievement gaps particularly among African American and Latino students, bringing equity among our diverse student populations with their success.

Self-Evaluation

The college meets this standard. Understanding of and appreciation for diversity is a core value at West Valley College. The college has an extensive collection of practices, policies, and initiatives that afford understanding, appreciation, and celebration of its diverse population. Student equity is also a central focus of the experience at West Valley College.

Actionable Improvement Plans

• 
  ^{Successfully operationalize the Student Success Team in spring 2014 with a newly appointed faculty Coordinator and evaluate its work on equitable student success among our diverse student population.}
  
• 
  ^{Continue to monitor the new implementation of the director of Student Equity and Success starting in 2014-2015 and increasing the number of diverse students who are successful.}
  

Evidence

3A.4.1	WVMCCD EEO Plan	http://www.westvalley.edu/committees/Accreditation/2013/evidence/3a/WVMCCD_EEO_Plan_Board_Approved_2-19-09.pdf
3A.4.2	BP/AP 3410 – Non-discrimination	http://www.westvalley.edu/committees/Accreditation/2013/evidence/3a/3A42_AP_3410.pdf
3A.4.3	BP/AP 3420 – Equal Employment Opportunity	http://www.westvalley.edu/committees/Accreditation/2013/evidence/3a/3A43_AP_3420.pdf
3A.4.4	BP/AP 3430 – Prohibition of Harassment	http://www.westvalley.edu/committees/Accreditation/2013/evidence/3a/3A44_AP_3430.pdf
3A.4.5	AP 3435 – Discrimination and Harassment Investigations	http://www.westvalley.edu/committees/Accreditation/2013/evidence/3a/3A45_AP_3435.pdf
3A.4.6	BP/AP 7100 – Commitment to Diversity	http://www.westvalley.edu/committees/Accreditation/2013/evidence/3a/3A46_AP_7100.pdf
3A.4.7	BP/AP 7160 – Professional Development	http://www.westvalley.edu/committees/Accreditation/2013/evidence/3a/AP_7160.pdf
3A.4.8	BP/AP 7510 – Domestic Partners	http://www.westvalley.edu/committees/Accreditation/2013/evidence/3a/3A48_AP_7510.pdf
3A.4.9	BP/AP 7700 – Whistleblower Protection	http://www.westvalley.edu/committees/Accreditation/2013/evidence/3a/3A49_AP_7700.pdf
3A.4.10	Student Equity Plan	http://www.westvalley.edu/committees/Accreditation/2013/evidence/4a/2013_wvc_student_equity_plan.pdf