At the Community College of Aurora
You matter. You are valued. You belong.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
CCA is a community that is committed to our students through the core foundations of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
At CCA, we are intentional in embracing differences in people, perspectives, backgrounds, identities & abilities. We strive to implement responsive practices in recognition of the differing circumstances, resources, and opportunities experienced by our unique student population. We encourage our members to be active, respectful, and mindful of DEI in all aspects of the college community.
We are inspired to foster and engage in an inclusive and global world reflecting the rich diversity of Aurora, Colorado. We seek to include all in a thoughtful and meaningful way.
Diversity is the celebration, acknowledgement, and inclusion of variations in cultures, identities and lived experiences of individuals at our college which contributes to learning and human connection.
Equity is designing systems and processes that provide access and opportunities to meet each individual’s needs and goals; discovering and acknowledging barriers and adapting support.
Inclusion is an intentional environment where authentic experiences, opinions, and identities are considered, respected, and valued.
The Community College of Aurora serves the most diverse population in Colorado
We are a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), with over 30% of our population identifying as Hispanic/Latinx, and a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), with more than half of our student population identifying as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC).
Our student body includes first-time students, adult learners, international students, and Veterans, representing the rich community of Aurora.
Land Acknowledgment
The Community College of Aurora respectfully acknowledges that the land on which our campuses are located and the site on which we are presenting today is on the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux) Nations, Tribes, and peoples, and descendants of the Folsom and Clovis first peoples.
These lands were also the sites of trade gatherings, generational migration routes, and places of harvesting, hunting, and healing for numerous other Native tribes.
We recognize the Indigenous peoples as original stewards of this land and all the living things within it. We pay our respects to these communities, past, present, and future, the land, and the elders.
As these words of acknowledgment are spoken and heard, we renew and reaffirm the ties that Indigenous Nations have to their traditional lands.
Pronoun Statement
The Community College of Aurora is committed to creating and fostering a campus environment that is inclusive of individuals and all of the intersectional identities that one holds. Pronouns (i.e., zir, they, per, she, he) are a vital part of one’s gender identity, especially for folks who are gender non-conforming, transgender and/or non-binary and reflect how we want to be respected in our identities.
Often, incorrect assumptions are made about someone’s gender based off of name or appearance. These assumptions can send a potentially harmful message about gender stereotypes and expectations of name, behavior and clothing. Referring to someone by their personal pronouns demonstrates respect for an individual, and reinforces the fact that CCA is a welcoming space for all.
We support students of diverse identities and abilities through:
Office of Disability and Equity (ODE)
ODE provides services to CCA students with disabilities, including accommodations, assistive technology, sign language, and supportive advocacy.
TRIO Student Support Services Programs
The TRIO programs support students who are first-generation, income-qualified, or have a disability to help students achieve academic success.
Title V Asegurando Program
Title V Asegurando Program serves the diverse student population of the Community College of Aurora by providing inclusive initiatives, programming, and support through a summer bridge experience.
Cultural Center
The Cultural Center is a space for students to connect and celebrate their identities in community with one another.
Inclusive Spaces on Campus
CCA offers all-gender restrooms, quiet rooms, and lactation rooms for students and staff.
Translation and Interpretation Services
Students can request on-demand interpretation services in over 250 languages. Speak to a staff member today about requesting an interpreter for your conversation!
Student-Led Identity Organizations
Student social groups formed around shared identities, backgrounds and interests, advised by a CCA employee.
Employee Resource Groups
Employee-led and facilitated groups formed around similar interests, backgrounds, and identities to foster community connection across disciplines.
Task Forces & Councils
Action-oriented groups dedicated to supporting and promoting strategic diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across CCA, including the LGBTQIA+ Task Force and the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Task Force.