student giving mascot a high five

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

College of DuPage values the innovation, creativity and richness of our college community. We believe our strengths lie not only in the talents and skills each of us brings, but also in the unique perspectives born from our diverse backgrounds. We recognize the importance of fostering and embracing a culture of inclusion and we are dedicated to creating a space for learning that enriches the lives of our students, employees and the community. These efforts aim to unite us as One COD. 

At COD, we are proud to offer a wide range of programs, resources and opportunities for students and employees. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) website provides links to DEIB-related resources. This is one way we aim to foster a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, experiences and challenges. We believe a strong community is not one that never disagrees but one that is empowered with tools to work toward mutual understanding. 

Through our collective hard work, open dialogue and dedication to best practices, we are intentional in creating a culture of care and belonging that not only represents the best of who we are as individuals, but also the essence of our college community. 

College of DuPage Equity Statement

Student access and success in higher education continue to be impacted by the effects of systemic inequities. 

College of DuPage believes in the right to a high-quality education in an equitable and inclusive environment. 

Through intentional design, the College will ensure that each student receives the information, resources, and supports necessary to achieve their educational goals. Learn more about the Illinois Equity in Attainment Initiative.

At COD, we strive for excellence in creating an educational community where everyone belongs by following these definitions:

Diversity

Encompasses the multidimensional aspects of human identity, culture and experience.

Inclusion

A culture of belonging and empowerment where all people are welcomed, valued and celebrated for their contributions.

Equity

The removal of barriers to empower all to achieve their goals.

Belonging

Encompasses the feeling of being valued, accepted and connected to a group or organization. 

Message from Chief Organizational Culture Officer, Dr. Nevien Shaabneh

Dr. Nevien Shaabneh

Dr. Nevien Shaabneh

In order to facilitate meaningful connections and streamline the process of accessing information, we created the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) website. In pursuit of this goal, COD wants to enhance accessibility to resources and foster a sense of community and belonging.
 
By empowering individuals with knowledge that fosters a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, experiences and challenges, we can foster an environment where each student and employee is acknowledged and embraced for their unique contributions. 

Support for Students

College of DuPage is committed to greater equity, diversity and inclusion of underrepresented populations in our campus community through the development of proactive, strategic, and sustained initiatives.

Student Club Contact Information
Club Advisor Email
Asian Student Association Naheed Rouf hasann@cod.edu 
ASL Club Adam Wasilewski wasilewskia54@cod.edu 
Black Student Alliance David Swope swoped28@cod.edu
Casa de Amigos Elizabeth Mares marese@cod.edu
Feminist Alliance Lori Klose klosel@cod.edu
German Club Miglena Nikolova nikolovam@cod.edu
International Student Club Gabi Carr carrma@cod.edu
Japanese Culture Club Shingo Satsutani satsutan@cod.edu
Latinos Unidos Elizabeth Gomez De La Casa gomezdelacasae@cod.edu
Muslim Student Association Sameena Parveen parveens430@cod.edu
Seoul of COD (Korean Club) Miran Lee leem195@cod.edu

 

 

Autismerica

 

Elyse Pelzer
Sheryl Ebersold
Michael Duggan
Jennie Nicodem 
Danise McGrath 

 

neriel@cod.edu
ebersold@cod.edu
duggan@cod.edu
nicodemj@cod.edu
mcgrathd370@cod.edu

 

Pride Alliance  Lauren Chlebanowski chlebanowskil@cod.edu
CIAO – Italian Club  Anna Serrano serranoa902@cod.edu

 

Promotion of Underrepresented Minorities in Academic STEM 

(PUMA Stem Club)

 

Susan Fenwick
Emily Whitis

 

fenwicks@cod.edu
whitise@cod.edu
Model United Nations  David Goldberg goldberg@cod.edu
Employee Committee Contact Information
Committee Contact Email
Safe Zone Michael Duggan  duggan@cod.edu
Global Education on Campus Shamili Ajgaonkar sandifor@cod.edu
Africa and African Diaspora Robert Moorehead mooreheadr@cod.edu

 

Asia

Naheed Rou
Maria Ritzema

hasann@cod.edu
ritzemam@cod.edu

European Studies Miglena Nikolova nikolovam@cod.edu

 

 

Latin American Studies 

Tim Arroyo
Elizabeth Gómez de la Casa

 

arroyot@cod.edu
gomezdelacasae@cod.edu

 

Middle East

Leslie Wolf

wolfl214@cod.edu

Native American Studies

John Paris

parisj@cod.edu

 

RISE team group photo

Respect Inclusion Support Equity (RISE) Team

The Respect Inclusion Support Equity (RISE) team is composed of diverse stakeholders representing various departments and roles across the college. Entrusted with the creation and implementation of the College's comprehensive equity plan, the RISE team ensures that equity and belonging efforts are integrated in all aspects of college life.

Committed to the ethos of "Rising Together,” the team evaluates and enhances DEIB initiatives in order to foster an inclusive environment that supports the success of both students and employees. Through data analysis, program evaluation, and strategic planning, we work to address opportunity gaps, promote fair access to resources, and foster a culture of belonging. The RISE Team is proud to lead these efforts, collaborating with the entire College of DuPage community to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Contact Information

Nevien Shaabneh
Chief Organizational Culture Officer
Student Resource Center (SRC) 2137
Email: shaabnehn@cod.ed
(630) 942-2211