You Are Welcome Here.
At UC’s College-Conservatory of Music, we believe that equity, inclusion and community are at the core of who we are and what we strive to achieve. We dare to lead by seeking, discussing, debating and presenting inclusive opportunities. This is our fundamental purpose as a college and university. Our commitment to inclusive excellence is affirmed in our university’s very mission statement.
We work to bring out the best in our students, faculty and staff by valuing their unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives — welcoming and leveraging individual contributions to collaborate, create, innovate and compete in a global society. We address issues of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and retaliation so members of our community can work, learn, grow and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Ultimately, we aspire toward inclusive excellence by leading with courage and compassion, treating everyone with dignity and respect, and enhancing the quality of life for everyone with whom we connect.
CCM believes that equity, inclusion and community are inextricably linked to artistic excellence.
CCM commits to creating and maintaining an equitable environment of belonging. We will recognize, support, and reward the work of all of our community members, especially those who have been historically excluded, through:
By fulfilling this mission, CCM will continue to be an innovative model for peer professional and academic organizations.
Members of CCM's 2023-24 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
513-556-9505
513-556-1987
312-882-5647
513-556-5803
CCM Student representatives:
The CCM DEI committee is seeking out students to serve as a representative voice of bettering the CCM community, especially pertaining to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility. If you are interested in this position, please fill out the application. The DEI Committee is accepting applications on a rolling basis.
The DEI committee will select appropriate candidates based on the application process. We encourage students of all backgrounds to apply, including those of the global majority, LGBTQIA+, and those with disabilities, to create a healthy range of voices. We also invite folks with passion and excellent skills in interpersonal and social media communication.
Representatives will be responsible for attending monthly DEI meetings and bridging the gap between the student experience with that of the faculty/staff. Additional duties may be assigned for assistance with events and other initiatives. Members may stay on this committee as long as they choose.
The dean’s office has designated $15,000 of funding for student, staff and faculty projects that address current themes of community impact and inclusive practices in the arts and specifically at CCM. Projects might do this by highlighting the work of artists or communities, creating art that speaks to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion; or creating learning opportunities for students and/or faculty such as workshops, trainings, or guest speakers. The CCM DEI Committee will be accepting proposals for these funds in March 2024. The $15,000 will be allocated at no more than $1500 per award. Funds must be used by April 30, 2025.
Important Dates:
The funds can be used for:
Included expenses:
The funds CANNOT be used for:
Proposals should address the following areas and be included on the CCM Inclusive Community Impact Project Application form along with up to 3 additional pages of supporting documents:
Criteria for awarding funds*
*Note that applications should address many, though not necessarily all, criteria.
Role of committee
After funding:
CCMpower has funded the following DEI projects to take place throughout 2023-24:
CCM is committed to expanding the canon of classical music and theatre arts by featuring more diverse works by BIPOC, women and contemporary composers in CCM performances and events. The college presents a variety of free and ticketed events throughout the school year; view our full performance calendar.
1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9
• Guest Lecture •
IN TUNE WITH DEMENTIA: ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH MUSIC, MOVEMENT AND IMPROVISATION
Jude Jones, M. Ed, MT-BC (Board Certified Music Therapist)
This presentation will provide an overview of the universal power of music and the rationale for using this art form in working with clients with dementia from various cultural backgrounds. Creative singing, movement and improvisation interventions for engaging and empowering clients with dementia will be discussed and demonstrated with an emphasis on interactive involvement for participants attending the session. The Power of music lecture as it relates to helping others with dementia will briefly discuss how: 1) Music awakens our memories and emotions, 2) Music makes us move, 3) Music provides opportunities for social interaction, 4) Music reduces anxiety, 5) Music improves cognition. The Creative Singing portion of the session will address working with non-lexical vocals, call-and response methods in singing, songwriting and other creative vocal work ideas to engage folks with dementia in music. The Creative movement section of the session will demonstrate simple easy memorable original movement ideas that can be incorporated into movement routines with emphasis of teaching others how to choreograph their own movement routines for their clients. The Improvisational part of the session will address the use of improvisational games, story weaving and music listening exercises as treatment tools for helping folks with dementia.
Supported by the CCM General Studies Division and BA in Music program, with additional support from CCM's DEI Committee.
Location: Baur Room
Admission: FREE
1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22
CLIMATE JUSTICE
Savanah Sullivan, Senior Director of Programs, Green Umbrella: Regional Sustainability Alliance
Presented by CCM Composition, Musicology and Theory (CMT) as part of its "Amplifying Justice: Music, Activism and Intersectional Advocacy" lecture series, supported by a CCM DEI Committee grant through CCMpower. The series seeks to foster meaningful connections between graduate music students and dedicated community activists. Through engaging discussions and collaborative initiatives, participants will explore pressing issues surrounding climate justice, reproductive justice and trans rights, within the context of music and its potential for social impact. This series serves as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, empowering attendees to enact positive change in their communities and beyond. Join us in this transformative journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
Location: Baur Room
Admission: FREE
1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29
TRANS* RIGHTS
Tristan Vaught, Co-founder of Transform Cincy
Presented by CCM Composition, Musicology and Theory (CMT) as part of its "Amplifying Justice: Music, Activism and Intersectional Advocacy" lecture series, supported by a CCM DEI Committee grant through CCMpower. The series seeks to foster meaningful connections between graduate music students and dedicated community activists. Through engaging discussions and collaborative initiatives, participants will explore pressing issues surrounding climate justice, reproductive justice and trans rights, within the context of music and its potential for social impact. This series serves as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, empowering attendees to enact positive change in their communities and beyond. Join us in this transformative journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
Location: Baur Room
Admission: FREE
1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13
REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE
Rashida Manuel, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio
Presented by CCM Composition, Musicology and Theory (CMT) as part of its "Amplifying Justice: Music, Activism and Intersectional Advocacy" lecture series, supported by a CCM DEI Committee grant through CCMpower. The series seeks to foster meaningful connections between graduate music students and dedicated community activists. Through engaging discussions and collaborative initiatives, participants will explore pressing issues surrounding climate justice, reproductive justice and trans rights, within the context of music and its potential for social impact. This series serves as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, empowering attendees to enact positive change in their communities and beyond. Join us in this transformative journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
Location: Baur Room
Admission: FREE
7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1
TO US, WITH LOVE
To Us, With Love is a devised piece, written and performed by CCM Acting’s BIPOC community. This evening of scenes, poems, and more will explore the students' experiences as people of color- the joys, the heartaches, and the intersectionality that runs through it all. No tickets or reservations- just bring yourself and a friend to enjoy an evening of beautiful, honest art!
Location: CCM Corbett Center, Rm. 3640
Admission: FREE
6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16
AMPLIFIED VOICES: NICOLE WATSON
Nicole Watson will do a brief discussion about her work as a director who focuses on new play development and plays that deal with the past. Additionally, she will work with music performance students on stage presence, storytelling and share some tips for artistic resilience. This is open to all CCM students. Students or chamber groups interested in performing a short section of music for Watson, please contact Prof. Alan Rafferty, rafferan@ucmail.uc.edu. Co-created by CCM faculty Alan Rafferty and Demarre McGill, the Amplified Voices series was created to promote and connect trailblazing diverse artists to the students and faculty of CCM. Amplified Voices seeds to created opportunities for the community to learn more about the variety of artistry happening around the country.
Location: CCM Corbett Center, Rm. 1630
Admission: FREE
1:30-3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23
ADEI WORKSHOP - PERSPECTIVES: BLACK HISTORY MONTH, MUSIC, MOTHERHOOD AND THE RIGHT TO EXIST
Black History Month would not be complete without a discussion of music and the right to exist today and throughout history. Join us as Rachel R. Citak, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law attorney, UC Law graduate, and President of Right to Life of Greater Cincinnati will provide an enlightening and empoweringdiscussion on music, Civil Rights, and cultural issues today. Rachel Citak is a Constitutional Law and Civil Rights attorney. She is a graduate of UC Law and a classically-trained violinist. She serves as President of Right to Life of Greater Cincinnati and was recently selected to be a member of the Presidential Advisory Council for Xavier University. She has authored multiple Op-Eds published and featured in the USA Today network and other publications. She has appeared as a guest expert on local and national TV and radio, including 700WLW and 55KRC. She previously served on the Board of Contributors for USAToday Network affiliate Cincinnati Enquirer (2022-2024).
Location: Baur Room
Admission: FREE
2-4 p.m. Friday, March 8
AMPLIFIED VOICES SERIES: KARLOS RODRIGUEZ
The Amplified Voices Speaker Series is pleased to present Karlos Rodriguez, cellist of the Grammy winning Catalyst Quartet. Rodriguez will give a presentation on the Catalyst Quartet’s groundbreaking album UNCOVERED, their Grammy nominated recording project celebrating historically important Black composers. Additionally, CCM cello students will have the opportunity to perform solos for Rodriguez in a master class.
Location: Mary Emery Hall, Rm. 3230
Admission: FREE
7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11
• Guest Artist Series •
KABIR SINGERS WITH PRAHLAD SINGH TIPANYA
Prahlad Singh Tipanya is a folk singer from the village of Lunyakhedi, Madhya Pradesh, who is internationally celebrated for his musical renderings of the poetry of Kabir. Kabir was a poet of the fifteenth century, famous for both his profound mystical insight and sharp social commentary. His voice is often invoked as inspiring communal harmony and social equality. Among Prahlad-ji’s many honors is the prestigious Padma Shri award given by the Government of India. He has delighted audiences in the US on various visits since 2003. He is a featured figure in the book Bodies of Song: Kabir Oral Traditions and Performative Worlds in North India (Oxford University Press, 2015) by Linda Hess. Linda will be traveling with the group and offering onstage translation. This concert is supported by Nrityarpana School of Performing Arts (NSPA), a dynamic cultural arts center and a leader in multicultural education, celebration and collaboration in the Greater Cincinnati Area, and CCMpower, a group of friends and alumni working behind the scenes, setting the stage for our students to be and to create what comes next in the performing and media arts. We are grateful to the Indo-American Association of Houston, for their invaluable help and support in making this tour possible across 20 and more cities.
Estimated Run Time: two hours
Location: Patricia Corbett Theater
Admission: FREE
Traffic and Parking Advisory: Please note that UC will also be hosting a special event in Nippert Stadium on April 11. On-campus parking options may be extremely limited, and traffic on and around campus may be much heavier than normal. Please plan accordingly.
4-6 p.m. Monday, April 22
MAKE-UP MASTER CLASS WITH MARIETTA CARTER-NARCISSE
Planned and organized by CCM Make-Up and Wig Design graduate student Tiara Jones, 2024 National USITT Make-Up Design Award recipient. Marietta Carter-Narcisse's MakeUp Master Class seeks to educate entertainment professionals and students on her journey working as an educator and celebrity make-up artist. Join us for a detailed conversation on how to navigate the Industry, as well as tips, tools and techniques on working with BIPOC Talent. Open to UC and CM community members. For more information, contact Tiara Jones at jones4ta@mail.uc.edu
Location: MainStreet Cinema at UC's Tangeman University Center (TUC)
Admission: FREE
UC offers a range of services related to equity, inclusion and support for students, faculty and staff. Browse this list to discover the range of resources available to you, from academic centers to accessibility services to crisis counseling to veterans affairs.
African American Cultural & Resource Center (AACRC)
The AACRC’s primary focus is to address the academic, social, spiritual, and cultural needs of the Black student population. The AACRC supports the mission of the university by recruiting and retaining students at UC.
Bearcats Pantry
The UC Bearcats Pantry and Resource Center provides free food, hygiene items, cleaning supplies and professional clothing to students of all backgrounds with food and other insecurities.
CCM Black Student Association
The CCM Black Student Association (BSA) strives to support, empower, engage and connect (SEEC) the black students of CCM. The association's goal is to build strong positive relationships within our college, across our campus and throughout our community.
Dean of Students
The Dean of Students Office serves students and their families as they navigate the collegiate experience through support services and resources committed to students’ advocacy, safety and well-being.
Ethnic Programs & Services
The Office of Ethnic Programs and Services provides quality programs and services that encourage academic excellence, positive social interaction, cultural enrichment, student leadership development and community service.
International Student Services
The International Student Services office exists to support UC’s global students, scholars and staff. We advocate for you and work every day to meet your needs, from immigration advising to social interaction. We want to make sure that this message is clear from the moment you step foot on campus: You are welcome here.
Ombuds Office (Conflict Management)
The Office of the University Ombuds is a safe place for all members of the UC community to talk about university related conflicts, issues or concerns.
Student Organizations
One of the best ways to get involved at UC is by joining a student organization. The University of Cincinnati is home to over 500 student organizations that support a variety of interests. These interests range from political/activist, cultural, academic, social and many more!
UC Counseling and Psychological Resources (CAPS)
Students and members of the UC community concerned about students have access to mental health crisis care and consultation 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
UC Crisis Emergent Services/Suicide Prevention
We offer 24/7 phone crisis access to students wo are in need of immediate support through telephone consultations or after hours crisis support.
UC Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact
A comprehensive resource that shares university-wide initiatives focused on Equal Opportunity and Access, Gender Equity and Inclusion (Title IX), Community Impact, Title IX Sexual Harassment procedures, Workshops and Events.
UC LGBTQ Center
The LGBTQ Center supports the mission of UC through a commitment to diversity, equity, leadership development, and intellectual inquiry with particular respect to sexual orientation and gender identity.
UC Student Wellness Center
The Student Wellness Center empowers students to make informed decisions regarding their health and wellness by providing evidence-based education, inclusive resources, and non-judgmental support.
UC Veterans Programs and Services
If you are a current member of the United States Military, a veteran, or an eligible dependent of a veteran, you can expect to receive quality and expedient services from our dedicated staff.
UC Women’s Center
The UC Women's Center is committed to the personal and professional growth of women and gender non-conforming students by facilitating action toward intersectional gender equity, promoting social justice, and fostering connections for all students.
Faculty and staff members are encouraged to take advantage of multiple workshops offered by the Office of Equity and Inclusion through Faculty OneStop. There are also Community Education and Workshops offered by UC's office of Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact.
Students can find a variety of workshops and virtual events on CampusLink.
December 18, 2024
A three-year, $3.75 million grant from the Department of Education aims to address critical gaps in the mental health and educational landscape by providing tuition stipends for UC graduate students majoring in school and mental health counseling, school psychology and social work.
December 13, 2024
Thousands of family and friends filled Fifth Third Arena to celebrate the accomplishments of the fall class of 2024 at the University of Cincinnati.
December 11, 2024
This fall, the Cincinnati Reuse Collective hosted a public workshop at the Smoke House in Camp Washington — a vacant building currently being transformed by artist Mark de Jong — to launch a board game called Holding Pattern, designed to teach participants about the often-complex process of vacant building reuse.