Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Unity in action

Mission

Portland Community College supports student success by delivering access to quality education while advancing economic development and promoting sustainability in a collaborative culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Scope

PCC’s Unity Crew exists to organize events and recognition opportunities for employees to further a positive and inclusive work environment, support employee well-being and engagement, and foster a sense of community within Portland Community College.

Objectives

• Networking and engagement: Provide a variety of engagement opportunities throughout the year for networking and community building.
• Boosting employee morale: Recognize employees for their hard work and achievements.
• Fostering a sense of belonging: Strengthen and build relationships among employees to create a positive and supportive work environment.
• Improving employee well-being: Build institutional and personal capacity for employee well-being.

Operational framework

Support

The Unity Crew will receive support from the Office of the President, which will provide resources and guidance to ensure the success of the group’s initiatives and activities.

Membership and term limits model

To ensure continuity, fresh perspectives, and equitable participation, Unity Crew members will serve under a staggered term system with both one-year and two-year term options.

Term structure

• Two-year terms (core members and tri-chairs):
  • Members serving in leadership or core planning roles will hold two-year terms to maintain institutional knowledge and event consistency.
  • Tri-chairs will also serve for two years to ensure stable leadership and allow for effective long-term planning.
  • Example roles: Tri-chairs, key event coordinators, and representatives from major employee groups.
• One-year terms (general members and event volunteers):
  • Members who wish to contribute to specific events, assist with short-term projects, or provide fresh ideas can opt for a one-year term with the opportunity to renew.
  • This allows for greater inclusivity and ensures new voices are regularly added to the Unity Crew.
  • Example roles: Event volunteers, engagement liaisons, and employees interested in short-term involvement.

Selection and transition process

• Rolling applications: Employees can express interest in joining at any time, with formal onboarding occurring each fall and spring.
• Staggered transitions: To prevent leadership gaps, half of the two-year term members will rotate out annually, ensuring institutional knowledge is retained.
• Reappointment and renewal: Members can opt to extend their term or shift to a different role within the Unity Crew, allowing for flexibility in involvement.

This model ensures a balance of experience and new energy, keeping Unity Crew dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable.

Application process

To ensure an inclusive, transparent, and engaging selection process, the Unity Crew will implement a structured application and onboarding process. This will allow employees across PCC to contribute based on their interests, skills, and availability.

1. Application submission
   • Employees interested in joining the Unity Crew will complete a short online application form (or submit a written form if needed).
   • The application will include:
     • Contact information
     • Preferred term length (one-year or two-year)
     • Areas of interest (events, recognition, well-being, or general volunteer support)
     • Relevant skills or experience (optional)
     • Statement of interest (why do you want to join the Unity Crew?)
     • Commitment of time to the work
2. Review and selection
   • A panel will review applications based on diversity of representation (locations, employee classifications) and alignment with Unity Crew’s mission.
   • Selection will focus on ensuring broad participation while balancing continuity and fresh perspectives.
3. Acceptance and welcome
   • Selected applicants will receive a welcome email with:
     • Their assigned role (if applicable)
     • Upcoming meeting dates
     • Expectations and responsibilities
     • A Unity Crew onboarding packet
   • New members will be announced at a quarterly meeting and in internal communications.
4. Orientation and kickoff
   • New members will attend an orientation session to:
     • Meet the tri-chairs and fellow members
     • Learn about upcoming events and projects
     • Receive guidance on planning and participation
   • Returning members will serve as mentors to help onboard new recruits.

Ongoing participation and renewal

• Members will have the option to renew their term or transition to a different role within Unity Crew or to complete their term.
• Feedback will be collected at the end of each term to improve the process and enhance engagement.

This process ensures that Unity Crew remains inclusive, organized, and mission-driven, bringing in employees who are excited to contribute while keeping participation open and accessible.

Tri-chair leadership model

Given the diverse range of events and initiatives throughout the year, the Unity Crew will operate under a tri-chair system, ensuring balanced leadership, strategic coordination, and effective execution. Each chair will oversee specific aspects of Unity Crew activities while working collaboratively to enhance employee engagement, recognition, and well-being.

Tri-chair roles and responsibilities

1. Engagement and Events Chair
   • Oversees the planning and execution of Unity Crew events, including logistics, scheduling, and event coordination.
   • Leads large-scale recognition and celebration events such as MLK Jr. Day of Service, Employee Service Awards, Retirement Celebration and Founders Day. Works closely with volunteers, departments, and external partners to ensure smooth event execution.
2. Recognition and Appreciation Chair
   • Manages employee appreciation efforts, ensuring all recognition initiatives align with PCC’s values.
   • Oversees events focused on employee recognition, including Classified Employee Week, National Employee Appreciation Day, Administrative Professionals Day, Faculty/Academic Professionals Appreciation Week, and National Bosses Day.
   • Works with leadership and employee groups to enhance the impact of recognition programs.
3. Well-Being and Inclusion Chair
   • Champions initiatives that promote employee well-being, inclusivity, and belonging.
   • Leads programs such as CARE Week, Juneteenth Parade, Pride Parade PCC Old Schoolers Softball Employee Night and other wellness-focused initiatives throughout the year.
   • Ensures events and initiatives reflect PCC’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Collaboration and support

• The tri-chairs will work together to ensure that all events align with the Unity Crew’s mission and PCC’s institutional goals.
• The Office of the President will provide guidance, resources, and institutional support.
• Quarterly meetings will allow the tri-chairs and Unity Crew members to assess past events, plan future initiatives, and incorporate employee feedback for continuous improvement.

This leadership model ensures that Unity Crew’s initiatives are strategically managed, inclusive, and engaging, making a meaningful impact on employee morale and workplace culture.

Evaluation

The effectiveness of the Unity Crew’s activities on overall impact on workplace morale and engagement will be regularly evaluated through employee feedback and participation rates. Adjustments and improvements will be made based on these evaluations to continuously enhance the positive impact of the group.

For more information on Unity Crew please email Jeannie Winn.