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Pittsburgh Technical College

Pittsburgh Technical College

Office of the President

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Articles

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Articles

DEI Day @ PTC

A speaker at DEI Day.
A group photo from DEI Day.
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I sincerely appreciate everyone who attended the Inaugural Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Day at Pittsburgh Technical College. February 15thmarked my second anniversary at the college, and I am grateful and humbled by the enormous showing of employer partners, friends, colleagues, and students. To our employer partners and individual sponsors, Vibrant Pittsburgh, JobAdvertising.com, Range…

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Ibram X. Kendi Livestream

The library is sponsoring an event the evening of March 9th, 6:00 pm in the gallery.  We have paid to have Ibram X. Kendi, livestreamed, to discuss his latest book which is a children’s book based on an African folk tale.  If you are unfamiliar with Dr. Kendi, this is a…

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A festive photo for Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa

Official Kwanzaa Website Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration held in the United States that honors African heritage in African American culture. Kwanzaa is observed from December 26th to January 1st and culminates in gift giving and a big feast. Unity:Umoja (oo–MO–jah) Self-determination: Kujichagulia (koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah) Collective Work and Responsibility: Ujima (oo–GEE–mah) Cooperative…

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A logo for World Aids Day, December 1.

World AIDS Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WEtxJ4-sh4 One of my favorite groups is TLC.  The song “Waterfalls” was released in 1995.  I remember hearing the song and listening to the lyrics.  It was in 1996, I recall listening to an interview, and they discussed the lyrics to the song and its relevance. The song brought attention to…

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A festive image of pine branches and berries on a grey background.

It’s the Holiday Season

An So, as the Andy Williams song goes, Whoop de do. The Holiday Season means different things to everyone reading this. Each of us has a solid idea of what this means to us. We are probably sure in your belief and your faith in our holiday season. And I, respect…

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PCHE BIPOC

Jaclyn Smith and I attended the PCHE BIPOC New Faculty & Staff Welcome & Reception at Chatham University.  It was a great opportunity to network with other colleges and universities.  Thank you, Karina Chavez, Dr. David Finegold, President and all the participants for making it a memorable event. 

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DEI values: SAFETY

Safety is one of the five values of the DEI office. I was told that despite communication regarding the importance of wearing badges, employees perceive they are exempt and give some of our officer’s problems when asked to wear their badges or have them visible. We cannot have certain freedoms without…

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Q4 Pittsburgh Diversity Council Chapter Meeting

PTC hosted the Q4 Pittsburgh Diversity Council Chapter meeting, Tuesday, October 18th.  The topic was Allyship: “I’d like to solve the puzzle”:  Allyship presented by Dr. Paul Spradley, VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Dollar Bank).  Thank you, Haleigh McDonald, Business Development and Event Programmer (National Diversity Council) for coordinating the…

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Cultural Competence & Workplace Diversity Training

Cultural Competence & Workplace Diversity Training Shout out!! Congratulations to the Graphic Design students who completed the Cultural Competence & Workplace Diversity training.  Thank you, Alicia Cerullo for your commitment to expanding access to our students as they prepare to enter the workforce.  From left to right:Nathan Lambert, Emma Kuzminsky, Rohmen…

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A flyer advertising the testing center.

Testing Center is open

Hello PTC Community, We are pleased to announce that the Testing Center in Room 604B will be open to students who are approved for testing accommodations beginning in the October quarter!  Currently, the Testing Center is used for Accuplacer Testing.  This will continue, but now students who are approved for a…

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A photo of the back of a student id card.

Student ID card changes

Dear PTC Community, We are excited to announce a change to the back of Student ID cards: they will now include a QR code that links students to the Health & Wellness Center webpage where students can book appointments for both health and counseling services.  We hope that by making booking…

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Connect With Us on TikTok

Follow us on TikTok to hear from other students about what’s on their minds this back-to-school season, and join in by sharing how you support your mental health and tackle challenges. Click here to connect Hashtag #MentalHealth #JEDCares #SchoolMentalHealth #BackToSchool #MentalHealthMatters

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NAMI x JED’s Mental Health Guide to College

Find expert advice for college students on everything from creating healthy relationships to taking care of your emotional health and staying safe on campus in this easy-to-follow, information-packed guide. Click here to learn more

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Going to Campus Mindfully: How to Plan for a Supported, Connected, Less Stressful Year

We know it can be stressful as you head into a new school year, which is why we put together a guide to help you think about what you want out of this year, how you can stay connected to yourself and others, and plan for a year that feels good to you.…

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You Are Here

You Are Here is an experience from JED and our partners at PINK offering tips, practices, and resources for navigating transitions like back to school with intention, connecting with your authentic self, pressing pause when you need to, and embracing your next chapter. Click here to learn more

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JED is here to support you

This back-to-school season, JED is here to support you with useful advice, tips, and resources to plan for a strong start. Beginning right now, exactly where you are, you can take the first steps to have a year that feels good to you.   Feeling Stressed? We can’t always control the…

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Transition to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline The 10-digit Lifeline number 1-800-273-TALK (8255) will continue to be operational after July 16 and will route calls to 988 indefinitely. Need Support Now?If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org Stephanie A. Svilar, Ed.D., LPC, NCC (She/Her)Dean…

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Cheryl Lumsden

The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and DEI Task force wish to thank Cheryl Lumsden for her dedication, commitment, and service to Pittsburgh Technical College and her passion and persistence in serving on the task force.  I had the privilege of working alongside her and other members for over a…

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Wellness Walk Campaign

In collaboration with the Dr. Stephanie Svilar, I am pleased to launch the Wellness Walk Campaign.  The purpose is to promote physical activity as one of many ways to improve mental health and well-being.  Walk for 15-30 minutes between the hours of 11 am-1 pm with a colleague or student around…

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A photo of the Surgical Tech Class of 2022.

Training & Development

Congratulations to the graduating Surgical Tech class of 2022!!  First class to complete the Cultural Competence and Workplace Diversity training.  Instructor:  Gabrielle Muzina  Students: A Johnson, A. Pritt, D. Abrantes, D. Matson, G. Thomas, J. Illig, K. Schulmeister, L. Mills, M. Forry, T. Gozur  We are so proud of your commitment…

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A photo of Dr. Harvey-Smith posing for a picture with Jonayah Boyd at the pride month finale camp fire.

Pride Month Finale

Thank you, Shane McGarvey and the Rainbow Alliance, for hosting the Pride Month Camp Fire finale. We had a wonderful time celebrating with students, faculty, and staff. I am privileged to work for an institution that promotes an authentic, not aspirational culture. The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusions values (civility, advocacy,…

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A graphic for Juneteenth.

Juneteenth

Juneteenth, the official name of the federal holiday Juneteenth National Independence Day, also called Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day, is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, observed annually on June 19. This year Juneteenth falls on Sunday, June 19, 2022.  In 1863, during the American Civil War, Pres. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation,…

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May Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) has been observed in May in the United States since 1949.  The purpose is to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses as well as sharing strategies for maintaining mental health and wellness.  Additionally, MHAM strives to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health. …

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Cultural Competency Professional Development

April 6th kicks off DEI’s cultural competency training, which are as follows: What’s in a Name?  Understanding and Respecting Preferred Names and Gender Pronouns Session description:  The session covers best practices for using preferred names and gender pronouns. It will provide information on how faculty can promote inclusivity and belonging in the…

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Celebrating Women’s History Month

We had a wonderful time celebrating Women’s History Month.  On behalf of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office, and DEI Task Force, we wish to extend a heartfelt appreciate to everyone who attended the Women’s History Month program. Special Thanks… Program participants:Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-SmithFrank SchurterDr. Melissa WertzDr. Stephanie SvilarMr. Shane…

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Pittsburgh’s Hill District

Have you ever read about the history of Pittsburgh’s Hill District? It has a phenomenal history. At its height (about 1930s-1960s), it was a thriving, vibrant community that inspired August Wilson’s Fences, and a nationally recognized hub of culture, business, and music for the African American community. The Pittsburgh Courier had…

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Combating Racism Through Knowledge

Ignorance is a root cause of our race and culture wars. This is a bold statement. Let me describe my support and then discuss ways to overcome it. Most people and cultures fear what they do not understand. You can see this in your daily lives. Think about the anxiety most…

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CompTIA is changing the language used on all Certification Exams:  Here’s why.

Inclusive Technical Language | CompTIA In support of DEI initiatives, IT organizations have recognized that terminology and concepts that had become common industry promoted racial and cultural bias. In response to our current social justice movement, there is a push toward replacing that identify and replace language that does not foster…

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Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month Reflection Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African American History Month. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada, and more recently has been observed in Ireland, and the United Kingdom.…

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In honor of the Tuskegee Airmen

The Tuskegee Airmen Memorial

This memorial honors the nearly 100 Tuskegee Airmen from Western Pennsylvania (more than any other region of the United States.). It is the largest memorial of its kind in America. These pioneering African Americans overcame racial prejudice and discrimination along with opposition of the US Army High Command to become an…

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Pittsburgh Technical College

With more than 30 programs, Pittsburgh Technical College, a nonprofit institution, prepares students for career success. Degree-seeking students experience internships, clinical rotations, or employer partnerships in capstone projects before they graduate.

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