Office of the President

 Dear Colleagues,
 
Connecticut State Community College is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining an educational and working environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
 
In accordance with Connecticut's affirmative action requirements, I am providing this annual notice regarding CT State Community College's Affirmative Action Plan and our continuing commitment to affirmative action, equal employment opportunity, nondiscrimination, accessibility, and civil rights compliance.
 
Our Commitment
CT State's Affirmative Action Plan serves as an important institutional tool for evaluating our employment practices, identifying areas in which improvement may be necessary, establishing goals and objectives, and demonstrating our continued commitment to fair and equitable employment practices.
 
As President, I affirm the college's commitment to the principles and objectives contained within the Affirmative Action Plan. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment and personnel administration, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, professional development, compensation, retention, and other terms and conditions of employment.
 
Affirmative action and equal employment opportunity are institutional responsibilities. Administrators, supervisors, managers, faculty, and staff share responsibility for supporting an environment in which employment decisions are made fairly, consistently, and in accordance with applicable law and college policy. Individuals with supervisory and managerial responsibilities are expected to support and comply with the college's affirmative action and equal employment opportunity obligations.
 
Review of the Affirmative Action Plan
All CT State employees can review and comment on the college's Affirmative Action Plan, which was approved by the Commission of Human Relations Office (CHRO) on May 13, 2026.
 
The current Affirmative Action Plan, Executive Summary, applicable nondiscrimination policies and procedures, and additional equity and civil rights resources are available through the CT State Office of Equity and Civil Rights webpage.
 
Employees who would prefer to review the Affirmative Action Plan in another available format may contact the Office of Equity and Civil Rights for assistance. Employees are encouraged to review the plan and provide comments, recommendations, or questions regarding its objectives, implementation, or opportunities for future improvement.
 
Employee Review and Comment Period 
September 2, 2026, through September 30, 2026
Comments regarding the Affirmative Action Plan should be submitted to the college's designated Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action official through the Office of Equity and Civil Rights.
 
Comments received during the designated review period will be reviewed and maintained in accordance with applicable affirmative action requirements and considered as appropriate, as part of the college's continuing affirmative action planning process.
 
Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity
CT State Community College prohibits discrimination and harassment based upon protected status under applicable federal and Connecticut law and college policy. The college also prohibits retaliation against individuals for raising concerns regarding discrimination, participating in an investigation or complaint process, or otherwise engaging in protected activity.
 
Employees who believe they have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or other conduct prohibited by college policy are encouraged to contact the Office of Equity and Civil Rights or use the college's established complaint procedures.
 
Moving From Compliance to Institutional Accountability
Our Affirmative Action Plan represents more than a regulatory obligation. It provides an opportunity to examine our employment practices, assess our progress, identify barriers, strengthen institutional processes, and ensure accountability throughout CT State.
 
As a statewide institution serving diverse communities across Connecticut, we must continue to evaluate our practices using data, thoughtful analysis, and meaningful engagement with our employees and communities.
 
I ask each member of the CT State community, particularly those entrusted with hiring, supervision, promotion, and other employment decisions, to understand their responsibilities and support the college's commitment to equal employment opportunity and fair and nondiscriminatory employment practices.
 
Thank you for your continued commitment to CT State Community College and to maintaining a professional, respectful, accessible, and equitable environment for our employees and students.
Sincerely,
 
Christina Royal, Ph.D.
Interim President