National program will provide campus administrators training and resources to create an inclusive and safe environment for Jewish students
(ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY) January 29, 2025 — As part of Rockland Community College’s (RCC) ongoing commitment to maintaining an inclusive campus community for all students, faculty, and staff, the college today announced its participation in Hillel International’s Campus Climate Initiative (CCI). CCI provides senior campus administrators with a comprehensive program to foster a campus climate in which Jewish students feel comfortable expressing their identity free of antisemitism, harassment, or marginalization.
CCI’s program provides campuses with tools to assess their current campus climate and a 10-month educational curriculum through which to explore Jewish student experiences on campus. Following its completion of the program in December 2025, RCC administrators will develop and implement a data-informed Campus Action Plan to create a more inclusive campus climate for all students.
“Joining Hillel International’s Campus Climate Initiative is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to address antisemitism and ensure inclusivity,” said Melissa L. Roy, JD, RCC’s Chief Diversity Officer. “Through this partnership, we are equipping our leadership with the tools and education needed to create a safer, more welcoming space for Jewish students and the entire campus community.”
“I’m pleased to see that the college is taking a proactive stance in combating antisemitism by joining the Hillel Campus Climate Initiative,” said New York State Assemblymember Aron Wieder. “Now more than ever, it is crucial to demonstrate that hate has no place anywhere, especially on college campuses.”
RCC offers a vibrant and active campus community, providing students with opportunities to expand their horizons beyond the classroom. In the Fall of 2024, the college offered more than 40 clubs and organizations that focus on career development, cultural exploration, and fostering lifelong friendships. These include religious life clubs and organizations that offer guidance, leadership, and relevant programs to students of diverse traditions. Additionally, RCC provides a private prayer, meditation, and reflection space on campus for students of all religious backgrounds.
In partnering with Hillel International on CCI, RCC joins approximately 20 campuses across the country, small and large, public and private in this cohort – and 75 campuses over the last 5 cohorts – that all share a commitment to combating antisemitism through effective, meaningful partnership and education. More information about CCI and participating colleges and universities can be found on the Hillel website.
For information of RCC’s commitment to creating an inclusive campus community, please visit the campus Student Involvement and Diversity websites.
About Rockland Community College, State University of New York
Rockland Community College (RCC), located in Suffern New York, provides purpose driven educational opportunities in a supportive, affordable, and accessible environment, empowering individuals to positively transform themselves and their communities. RCC welcomes students from diverse backgrounds who appreciate small class sizes and personal attention from a distinguished, award-winning faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. Many graduates go on to top universities to further their education on their own or through RCCs institutional collaborations. RCC also provides career training and professional development to adult learners looking to change careers or upgrade their skills through a variety of programs and educational opportunities including workforce training, certifications, and microcredentials. Many of the programs are developed with employers in the community in high-demand industry areas to enable graduates to move into a new career upon graduation. More information can be found at sunyrockland.edu.
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