Equity, Inclusion and Community

Members of CCM's 2023-24 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

CCM Student representatives:

• Clark Comstock
• Tiara Jones
• Ay Kawasaki

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.

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:

1. Proposed Project (no more than two pages; additional documentation may be attached to the application) 
   1. Name(s) and positions of CCM students, faculty, and/or staff involved 
   2. Main contact, including email address, for one individual from the group above. 
   3. Project description 
   4. Timeline and plan for execution 
   5. How will the project contribute to creating a more diverse, inclusive, and/or equitable community? 
   6. How will you evaluate and measure the impact of this project? (Examples: attendance, post-activity survey, community responses, storytelling, continuing relationships, etc.) 
       
2. Proposed Project Budget (one page) 
   1. Include a list of expenses including needed physical supplies, software, stipends, speaking fees, honoraria for artists or other workers 
   2. Include a list of potential sources of funding including this award 

Criteria for awarding funds*

• Clearly stated, measurable goals that connect directly to creating a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable community 
• Demonstration of potential impact (Examples: creativity, timeliness, innovation, relevance, workforce preparedness, collaboration, depth and/or breadth of impact, etc.) 
• Demonstration of ability to execute and follow-through on the project within the time period.

*Note that applications should address many, though not necessarily all, criteria.

Role of committee

1. Rank projects using the criteria above 
2. Recommend recipients and amounts to the Dean

After funding:

• Appropriate personnel will purchase any supplies and/or equipment using the assigned account string and following the policies from the CCM Business Office 
• Any performances or installations will be done in consultation with Performance Management and CCM Business Office 
• At project’s completion, all receipts and award letters must be uploaded to Concur by the purchaser and confirmed with Alison Tritschler tritscak@ucmail.uc.edu 
• All purchases and paperwork must be completed and turned in by April 30, 2025

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

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.