The new EDI Blueprint and action plan is guiding many positive changes already underway at the College.
Niagara College and its students are proud to launch an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Blueprint, reflecting a shared commitment and a clear plan to support and enhance EDI initiatives where all members of our community are engaged, valued, and supported.
A reflection of the voices of the College community, the EDI Blueprint was born from tremendous collaboration between NC and the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC). The plan - a living document that will evolve with the changing needs of students and employees - was informed by more than two years of work by the joint Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce and extensive consultations with students, employees, and community members.
"As we write the next chapter in our College's history, NC's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Blueprint is a tremendously important guide for our continuous efforts in support of a learning environment and workplace that is respectful, inclusive, and welcoming for all," said NC President Sean Kennedy. "The lived experiences and collective wisdom of our NC community will guide us as we move forward with this work."
"The EDI Blueprint is more than a simple document," said outgoing NCSAC President Sam Jemison. "It is a testament to continuous improvement and a commitment to ensure that all students are welcomed, included, and accepted - during every step of their NC journey."
The EDI Blueprint aligns with the College's five-year Strategic Plan and includes steps that will take place over the short and long term to ensure all NC programs, services, physical spaces and policies are accessible and equitable.
Based on feedback collected through the consultation process, four interconnected areas of focus emerged to shape the EDI Blueprint, including:
- Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing
- Student Experience
- Employee Experience
- Organizational Culture and Structure
Within these areas of focus is a list of actions. Some examples include hiring an Indigenous curriculum consultant, increasing EDI learning opportunities for students during orientation and co-curricular activities, regular and ongoing recognition of days of significance, increased representation across physical and digital spaces including artwork by Indigenous and racialized artists, updating pride crosswalks on campus, and the use of gender-neutral and accessible language on signs and forms.
In 2021, the College hired Samah Sabra as Workplace EDI Manager. Sabra consults and advises on this important work, supporting ongoing leadership for inclusive workplace programs, practices and initiatives. In 2022, an EDI Coordinating Council formed at NC to support cross-College collaboration on EDI events and initiatives.
"As we celebrate the launch of our EDI Blueprint, we are propelled by the momentum of work that is already underway at our College," said Sabra. "Collaboration, engagement, and continuous learning are key to the success of this work and will support the strong culture of inclusion and belonging at NC."
"The creation of the EDI Blueprint will ensure that everyone is included throughout our NC Community," said Dipal Patel, new President of NCSAC for the 2023-2024 school year. "Its existence will inspire and encourage us to have open minds and hearts, making NC a safe space for our students, staff, and faculty. The student body has and will continue to play a crucial role in bringing about this positive change."
Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 9,500 students from over 80 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada's top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.
-30-
Media inquiries, please contact:
Jessica Torok
Communications Consultant
Niagara College
905-932-1520
[email protected]
Michael Wales
Director, Communications
Niagara College
905-328-4101
[email protected]
