Equity, Inclusion and Community

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.

What Equity, Inclusion and Community means to us

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:  

  • Institutional Representation  
  • Resources 
  • Research 
  • Education 
  • Programming  

By fulfilling this mission, CCM will continue to be an innovative model for peer professional and academic organizations. 

CCMpower Funding Applications Open Until April 14, 2023!

If you are a CCM staff, student, or faculty member, please check your email for an opportunity to apply for funding from CCMpower for projects related to diversity, equity, and/or inclusion projects.

If you have questions, please reach out to the CCM DEI Committee (contact info is below).

Members of CCM's 2022-23 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Headshot of Amy C. Beegle

Amy C. Beegle

Associate Professor of Music Education (General Music)

513-556-9505

Headshot of Joshua Chal

Joshua Chal

Senior Academic Advisor

513-556-9500

Headshot of Anne Cushing-Reid

Anne Cushing-Reid

Assistant Dean and Director of Preparatory and Community Engagement Division; Adjunct Instructor of Arts Administration

513-556-1987

Headshot of Jenny Doctor

Jenny Doctor

Head of the CCM Library, Associate Professor of Musicology

Headshot of Michele A. Kay

Michele A. Kay

Associate Professor of Stage Management

513-556-9440

Headshot of Jessica Brynne Lucas

Jessica Brynne Lucas

Director of Performance Operations

513-556-9429

Headshot of Demarre McGill

Demarre McGill

Associate Professor of Flute

513-556-4476

Headshot of John W. Owens

John W. Owens

Associate Professor of Media Production

513-556-9493

Headshot of Alan B. Rafferty

Alan B. Rafferty

Associate Professor- Educator of Violoncello

847-571-8097

Headshot of Shauna L. Steele

Shauna L. Steele

Chair and Associate Professor of Dance

513-556-9594

CCM Student representatives:

  • Ranease Brown
  • Clark Comstock
  • Tiara Jones
  • Ay Kawasaki

Spring 2023 Updates from CCM’s DEI Committee: Past, Present and Future Initiatives

CCMpower funded the following DEI projects:

  • Training in Designing Hair and Makeup for BIPOC Students
    Lead Applicant: Wig/Makeup Graduate Student Tiara Jones  

  • Resounding Peace Concert 
    Lead Applicant: Voice Graduate Student Jaime Sharp

  • Short Film: Wax Dolls 
    Lead Applicant: Media Production Student Chloe Otterback

  • Commission for LGBTQ+ Flute Choir
    Lead Applicant: DMA Student Vincenzo Volpe 

  • Folk Elements in Latin American Music Research Database 
    Lead Applicant: DMA Student Hyrum Arensen
  • Giving Skin Color Voice: Microphone Cords that Match Skin Tone
    Lead Applicants: TAPAA Faculty Elizabeth Payne and Emily Porter 

  • Art and Social Justice Guest Speaker for CCM Prep Summer Program 
    Lead Applicant: Education Director/Associate Director of Community Engagement Dan Doerger 

  • Celebration of Women in Music Recital 
    Lead Applicant: Graduate Voice Student Maya McGuire 

  • Indian Classical Music Commission for Saxophone 
    Lead Applicants: DMA Student Aaron Cantu

Expanding the Classical Canon: Spotlighting CCM Performances and Events

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.

"Amplifying Justice: Music, Activism, and Intersectional Advocacy" is an innovative workshop series that 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. This workshop series is hosted by the Division of Composition, Musicology and Theory (CMT) and supported by a CCM DEI Committe grant through CCMpower. In the spirit of inclusivity, all CCM graduate students are welcome to attend. Join us in this transformative journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

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



Centers and Resources

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. 


Upcoming Trainings, Workshops and News

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.

1

UC celebrates Marian Spencer Scholars

September 22, 2023

The University of Cincinnati celebrated the legacy of UC alumna Marian Spencer by recognizing 20 students awarded her namesake scholarship during a Sept. 9 induction ceremony. The Marian Spencer Scholars are all high-achieving graduates of the Cincinnati Public School system.

2

UC and GE partner to introduce high schoolers to engineering

September 21, 2023

Rising 9th and 10th graders experienced a free, weeklong, immersive engineering camp at the University of Cincinnati as part of GE's Next Engineers program. Students completed hands-on engineering design challenges while being mentored by GE Aerospace volunteers, industry professionals and current College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) students.

3

With UC, you see the world

September 19, 2023

Study abroad is back to 75% of pre-COVID levels at the University of Cincinnati, and a wide variety of international study options is available to students in any program. Where do you see yourself in the world?

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