Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion

Ethics Statement

The Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion is to maintain justice, civility, integrity, and respect towards all persons. We are here to foster a learning environment throughout the college years and promote learning, development, professionalism, and good citizenship.

Inclusivity at York College

York College of Pennsylvania aims to provide access to high-quality education. To reach our mission, we value bringing different voices together to share their strengths. In this diverse environment, when we create a sense of belonging and equity, we enrich the learning experience and better serve our local and global communities.

As such, York College:

• Welcomes and recognizes diversity in all of its forms and expressions.
• Encourages civil conversations across our campus to promote understanding.
• Stands up against prejudice and injustice in our college community.
• Advocates for the well-being and dignity of our community members.
• Enables marginalized identities to be their authentic selves.

Anti-Discrimination/Ethnic Intimidation Policy

All students are encouraged to participate in college activities regardless of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, social affiliation, Veteran status, or age. York College does not tolerate and takes a firm position against all forms of discrimination as noted. Discrimination and ethnic intimidation include, but are not limited to: threats or bullying of any kind, physical harm or threats thereof, defacing or destruction of campus property or an individual’s personal property. Any student, who feels that they are a victim of discrimination, ethnic intimidation, or any such harassment, may initiate a complaint by submitting a Bias Incident Report.

The SDI Office works to enhance the academic and cultural experience of international students by providing the highest level of knowledge and expertise in advising, immigration regulations, and advocacy. 

International students on F-1 visa status are responsible for maintaining their nonimmigrant status while studying in the U.S. Maintaining your status means:

• Fulfilling the purpose for why the Department of State issued you your visa.
• Following the regulations associated with that purpose.

Your Designated School Official (DSO) is your biggest resource as an F-1 student. DSOs can answer your questions and guide you through the process of studying in the United States and maintaining your status. Speak to your DSO before doing any of the following:

• Working in the United States
• Applying for a driver’s license
• Applying for a Social Security number
• Changing your major, program, or degree level
• Transferring to a new school
• Traveling outside the United States
• Moving to a new address

DSO:
Ines Ramirez
Assistant Director, International Student Support
iramirez@ycp.edu
717-815-1786

The Spartan Pantry serves York College students who experience food or basic needs insecurity at any time during their studies by offering non-perishable food items, quick microwaveable meals, personal hygiene products, and school supplies free of charge. The pantry is managed by the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion and supported by generous donations from members of York College and the community. It is located in the lower level of the Student Union, across from the SDI office.

Interested in Donating to the Spartan Food Pantry?

• In-person: You may bring your donations to the SDI office, Iosue Student Union, Suite 101 (lower level) during office hours.
   
• Online: You may purchase items online from the Spartan Pantry Amazon Wishlist. These will be delivered directly to the SDI office.
   
• Monetary: You may donate online. Please select OTHER in the gift designation and indicate the Spartan Food Pantry.

York College of Pennsylvania strives to educate students who will be future leaders in society, providing them with the ability to engage with the world as citizens who are mindful of the inclusion of others.

We know diversity is needed to achieve excellence, and with this in mind, we are committed to offering a learning environment that reflects the cultures and experiences of all community members. York College of Pennsylvania is dedicated to social justice and upholding the dignity of all people. 

Behavior or actions that go against the College's principles of community, or display themes of hate, bigotry, bias, and discrimination, are not welcome at York College of Pennsylvania and will be addressed. Any member of our community who witnesses concerning activity may submit a Bias Incident Report for review by the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion and the Bias Response Team.

Organizations

• National Diversity Council
• Pennsylvania Diversity Council
• Tri-State Diversity Council (CT, NJ, and NY)
• NAME
• USHLI
• NASPA
• ACPA

Journals

• Journal of Underrepresented & Minority Progress
• Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology
• Equal Opportunity Publications
• Minority Nurse
• Insight Into Diversity
• Diversity Employers
• Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education
• Black Enterprise

• Sueño Latino (Hispanic/Latinx)
• Owning My Blackness (OMB)
• Lambda
• Black Student Union (BSU)
• International Student Association (ISA)
• Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority Inc.
• Chi Upsilon Sigma, Sorority Inc.
• Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity Inc.