Programs & Initiatives
A Campuswide Commitment
Carthage College believes in nurturing an enlightened and inclusive college community that inspires meaningful contributions toward a better world. The following programs and initiatives reflect this commitment.
Green Zone Initiative
Green Zone is to train members of the Carthage community to know more about the issues and concerns faced by military-affiliated students and to identify the ways in which they can be supported both inside and outside the classroom as they make their way through their college education. To better serve these students at Carthage, this training will focus on the retention, academic support, and assets that these highly motivated students bring to their Carthage education.
Learn more about the Green Zone Initiative
Intercultural Development Inventory
The Intercultural Developmental Inventory (IDI) is the only theory-based assessment of intercultural competence. Carthage administers the IDI to faculty and staff in the Equity & Inclusion Certificate Program, and to all first-year students through the ARISE Program.
Gender-Inclusive Housing
Carthage offers gender-inclusive housing so residents can feel safe in their housing assignments with respect to their gender identity and gender expression. Gender-inclusive housing allows individuals to live together regardless of biological sex. The gender-inclusive floor is located in Madrigrano Hall. This floor will be available for students who identify as LGBTQIA+ and allies. Non-binary and transgender students will be prioritized in the room assignment process in efforts to create a safe and supportive community for these students. Learn more
ARISE Program
The ARISE Program, for all first-year students, includes a two-semester process of personal and relational growth in four phases, including the completion of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). Students will work with an assigned IDI coach — a Carthage faculty or staff member who is trained to administer and review the IDI assessment — to develop an intercultural project with both academic and experiential components.
Learn more about ARISE
Engagement & Inclusion Center
In fall 2020, Carthage opened the new Engagement & Inclusion Center, open to all members of the Carthage community. This center serves as the hub for inclusive campus programming related to equity and inclusion; partners with community social justice organizations in Racine and Kenosha to form strong coalitions and support networks for students, faculty, and staff; and delivers collaborative programming and training, such as Safe Zone LGBT training. The center itself, located in the Todd Wehr Center, is a space to gather and is intended to facilitate a welcoming, inclusive campus for all.
Learn more about the Engagement & Inclusion Center
Bias Education Response Team
Also in fall 2019, Carthage College formed a Bias Education Response Team to carefully and thoroughly review all reported bias incidents. Bias incidents are those where speech or expressive conduct is directed toward an individual or group that is based on or motivated by the individual or group’s real or perceived gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, ability/neuro-ability, gender identity/expression, national origin, military/veteran status, and/or age. The Bias Education Response Team determines an appropriate response. Interventions may include education, restorative practices, community dialogue, disciplinary proceedings, and/or referral to local law enforcement. Although not every incident is a violation of College policy or law, all reported incidents are reviewed.
Read more about the Bias Education Response Team
Title IX
Carthage College is committed to providing a learning, living, and working environment free from gender-based discrimination and sexual violence. This applies to academic, educational, athletic, residential, and other College operated programs. Carthage complies with applicable state and federal statutes, including Title IX of the federal Higher Education Amendment of 1972 and the Campus SaVE Act.
Learn more about Title IX
Equity & Inclusion Certificate Program
Started in December 2016, the Equity and Inclusion Certificate Program is designed to assist administrators, faculty, and staff in expanding and deepening their intercultural competency to foster a positive campus community and climate that is equitable and inclusive of all individuals. Several cohorts of 15-25 faculty and staff complete the year-long program each year, engaging in 30-50 hours of professional learning experiences. Through this program, participants enhance their knowledge, disposition, and skills essential for equity and inclusion work; complete research-based, valid intercultural assessments; and develop a deeper understanding of the effects of stereotypes, implicit bias, and microaggressions.
Learn more about the Equity & Inclusion Certificate Program
SafeZone Training
Carthage participates in SafeZone, a national effort to develop, enhance, and maintain environments that are culturally competent and supportive to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Carthage College “SafeZones” are inclusive spaces for individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ communities, and where all people can feel welcome and safe to talk about LGBTQ+ issues.
Learn more about SafeZone Training