Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Students talking with papers in hand

You are welcome here. We see you. We value you.

The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion seeks to establish a culture where all constituents feel they belong and have the resources to achieve their goals.

In alignment with the institution’s mission of improving people’s lives through learning, the ECC guiding philosophies, and the NADOHE Standards of Professional Practice, the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts include accelerating and increasing student success, assessing institutional policies and practices, supporting employee development, and engaging with the local community on equity and diversity initiatives.

Equity Student Success and Action Council

The Equity and Student Success Action Council (ESSAC) is the institution’s Achieving the Dream leadership team. This entity engages in deep analysis of student success data and oversees the strategy and implementation teams designed to eliminate barriers and increase the attainment of student success metrics. This work increases success for all students while closing gaps for underrepresented and underserved student populations.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that Elgin Community College currently sits on the traditional homelands of the Anishinaabe peoples, also known as the Three Fires Confederacy: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi. Many other Native peoples also lived on this land and in this region.

Forced removal and violence, including the 1804 Treaty of St. Louis and the 1829 Treaty of Prairie du Chien, made way for European settlements, eventually including the land where our campus sits.

Native peoples have survived attempts to erase their culture, language, and heritage but continue to thrive on this land.

Elgin Community College commits to sharing this history and promises to help cultivate a bright future for Native peoples on campus and beyond.

Let this statement allow us to open our ears and sincerely listen to the voices of Native peoples. Let it begin a continuing, deep, and respectful relationship between ECC and Native peoples.

Read More

ECC Equity Plan

In 2019, ECC joined the Illinois Equity in Attainment (ILEA) Initiative with over 20 other regional institutions to reduce student success gaps for Black, Latinx/Hispanic, and low-income students. This plan highlights institutional commitments and efforts made at that time and is subject to revision based on IL H.B. 5464 that expands on student populations and areas of focus.

Open current issue

Campus Diversity


Citizenship Preparation Program

Citizenship services are provided through a partnership of education, training, and social services specialists.

Clubs and Organizations

Students can build confidence, make friends and gain leadership skills through participation in campus life.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Students can gain confidence in written and spoken English skills regardless of language group or nationality.

Events on Campus

The college experience outside the classroom is just as important as student success inside the classroom!

Homeless Assistance

Need help accessing basic needs resources? ECC has networks of support to respond and support students facing food and housing insecurity.

TRiO Support

This program encourages and assists traditionally underrepresented students in preparation for the completion of a college education.

TRIUMPH Mentorship for Men of Color

Transforming and Impacting Undergraduate Men Pursuing Higher Education (TRIUMPH) helps men of color navigate their ECC journey.

Undocumented Students

Student applications do not require an SSN or ITIN to register for classes. Connect with an Undocumented Student Liaison today!

Veterans Services

ECC’s campus includes veterans’ experiences.