Accessibility and Opportunity Committee

About Us

Mission

The CBCS Accessibility & Opportunity Committee supports the mission of the College of Behavioral & Community Sciences by fostering a welcoming, accessible, and supportive environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. Guided by CBCS's commitment to interdisciplinary teaching, research, service, community engagement, and inclusion, the committee works to promote the well-being, success, and engagement of students, faculty, staff, and community partners. Through collaboration, open dialogue, education, and shared learning opportunities, the committee strives to create a community where everyone can thrive academically, professionally, and personally while having equitable access to the resources, opportunities, and connections needed to reach their full potential.

Goals

Goal 1: Advance CBCS and USF Core Values Through Accessibility and Opportunity

Support the mission and values of CBCS while promoting the following USF Core Values:

Creating Engaged and Responsible Citizens
  • Encourage active participation in the CBCS community through educational programs, service opportunities, advocacy, and shared responsibility for creating a respectful and supportive environment.
  • Promote awareness of accessibility, opportunity, and community well-being as a collective responsibility.
Fostering a Sense of Community
  • Create opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community partners to connect, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships.
  • Strengthening a culture where all individuals feel welcomed, respected, valued, and supported.
Supporting Intellectual Growth
  • Promote educational opportunities, dialogue, and evidence-informed practices that advance understanding of accessibility, community engagement, behavioral sciences, and community sciences.
  • Encourage the exchange of professional ideas that contribute to learning, innovation, and professional development.
Developing Personal Leadership Competencies
  • Support leadership development through committee service, advocacy, mentorship, and engagement opportunities that empower individuals to promote positive change within CBCS and the broader community.
Building Interpersonal Relationships
  • Foster respectful communication, collaboration, and relationship-building across disciplines, identities, experiences, and perspectives.
  • Promote cultural responsiveness and constructive dialogue that strengthens community connections.
Encouraging Service to Others
  • Support service-oriented initiatives and community partnerships that improve the well-being of individuals, families, and diverse communities.
  • Encourage engagement with local, state, and national organizations consistent with the CBCS mission of community collaboration and impact.

Goal 2: Promote a Culture of Belonging and Support within CBCS

Promote a culture where students, faculty, staff, and community members feel respected, valued, supported, and empowered to fully participate in academic, professional, research, and community activities.

Goal 3: Promote Education, Awareness, and Shared Learning

Provide educational opportunities, resources, and programming that increase understanding and promote the application of practices that support accessibility, opportunity, and community well-being, including:

  • Accessibility and accommodation resources
  • Cultural responsiveness and respectful engagement
  • Community well-being and belonging
  • Best practices that support inclusive and supportive environments
  • Issues affecting individuals, families, and diverse communities

Goal 4: Strengthen Communication and Resource Awareness

Increase awareness of university and college resources, support services, reporting pathways, and opportunities that help students, faculty, and staff succeed academically, professionally, and personally.

Goal 5: Promote Community Engagement and Collaboration

Support the CBCS commitment to community science by fostering partnerships and collaborative initiatives with campus and community stakeholders that advance accessibility, opportunity, service, and community well-being.

Goal 6: Support Understanding of Institutional, Policies, and Processes

Promote understanding of institutional policies, reporting requirements, and procedures related to accessibility, respectful engagement, and community well-being, and help students, faculty, and staff navigate these processes when needed.