At the College of Coastal Georgia, we celebrate our diverse student population. Our students represent many races, ethnicities, nationalities, and cultures - all of which enhance our community.
Through diversity initiatives, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion helps students gain the cultural competencies they will need to succeed in their careers and in life. The office also strives to help students find their place and make their mark here at the College.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion's mission is to offer programs that foster the understanding of and respect for cultural differences. We help to ensure that the campus community supports cultural and academic initiatives through multicultural programs, advocacy, and intercultural understanding.
Celebrating culture and heritage are valued parts of the College of Coastal Georgia.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is proud to lead several programs celebrating the rich traditions and histories of various cultures.
Each January, the College of Coastal Georgia is proud to celebrate the
life, legacy, and contribution of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each year, the week culminates in our annual Dr. MLK Commemorative Walk.
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson, and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day, or Dia de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period. Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month here.
Every day in October, LGBT History Month recognizes the achievements of men and women in the LGBT community. LGBT History Month encourages informative discussions to learn more about the leaders in the movement who drove equality forward. In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history. He gathered other teachers and community leaders. Together, they selected October because public schools are in session, and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month. Gay and Lesbian History Month was endorsed by GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association, and other national organizations. Learn more about LGBTQ+ History Month here.
Black History (Heritage) Month was created to be celebrated in February to pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society. To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. The first celebration took place on February 12, 1926. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for this celebration to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, as part of the nation's bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month. Each year, U.S. presidents proclaim February as National African-American History Month. Learn more about Black History Month here.
Women's History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28, which authorized and requested the president to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as "Women's History Week." Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as "Women's History Week." In 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women's History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9, which designated the month of March 1987 as "Women's History Month." Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the president to proclaim March of each year as Women's History Month. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as "Women's History Month." These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States, as well as recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields. Learn more about Women's History Month here.
The President's Commission on Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) is committed to strengthening diversity and inclusive practices here at the College of Coastal Georgia.
We aspire to establish the college as a local and national leader in diversity initiatives. We envision the future of Coastal Georgia as being a preeminent college that truly represents the rich array of human and intellectual diversity evident within the state of Georgia and beyond.
Here, you will see that the Intercultural Resource Center (IRC) is not only a physical space located in the Student Activity Center, but it is also the center of support for our ALANAM (African-American/Black, Latino/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American, Alaskan Native, and Multiracial) communities and the convener of student diversity education campus-wide.
It is intended as a social and educational resource space, where students can hang out with friends, meet with organization leaders, study, and learn about tutoring and mental health support.
Join the Office of Diversity & Inclusion for the very first ODI Leadership Academy. The Academy will feature daily seminars and workshops to help you develop your leadership abilities, become successful academically, and sharpen your professional skills. You will also be assigned a campus mentor to help you navigate your time here at Coastal. Email diversity@ccga.edu for more information.
Coastal Georgia has many organizations for students to get involved in. Of these organizations, we recognize the ones below who are cultural or identity-based. Our goal is to support and encourage them to provide unique and diverse programs for the College community.
Black Student Union: The purpose of BSU is to act as a chief liaison between the black students and the College administration, actively participate in functions on and off campus, and provide enrichment and enlightenment to the plight of black students attending a predominately Caucasian university. It also strives to provide a comfortable setting for social interaction, which in turn, helps unify and improve success of black students at Coastal Georgia.
Gender & Sexuality Alliance: GSA is a group of students who strive to create an atmosphere of respect and acceptance of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Its goal is to facilitate a school climate in which difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to generating a more vibrant and diverse community. It is dedicated to the advancement of LGBTQ people, as well as forming a common understanding and alliance between the LGBTQ community and the straight community.
International Association: The International Association's mission is to promote awareness and education of the different nationalities, cultures, and issues, to offer resources and assistance to international members and members of the international community, and to recruit international students and engage in studies abroad.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion partners with a number of community organizations committed to diversity and inclusion, including Historically Black Fraternities and Sororities, non-profit agencies, local business leaders, and more. Community partners often serve as mentors, help students find jobs and internships, or get more connected with the greater Golden Isles community.
This Minority Outreach Program focuses on African-American elementary and middle school males and females from Glynn and McIntosh counties. The purpose is to enhance academic skills in reading, writing, and math, as well as to empower a belief in their ability to succeed in school and in life. In the early days of the 1990s, the College became concerned that only a small number of African-American males were graduating from local high schools. In an effort to improve the drop-out rate and encourage these young men to attend college, the minority outreach program (commonly known as Boys of Summer) was developed.
