5 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion on Campus

Indigenous Centre

The Wabnode Centre for Indigenous Services aims to build community between and among their Indigenous students, work to advance reconciliation projects and efforts on campus, and advocate for the integration of Indigenous ways of learning and existing into your college.

Such initiatives aim to connect with Indigenous students through meet & greet sessions, networking events, cultural counselling, peer mentorship, Indigenous academic advising and events and socials that highlight Indigenous-related activities and knowledge.

Human Rights & Equity

Cambrian College’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion works to address and alleviate human rights abuses on campus through the provision of human rights advisors who actively respond to and support those affected by a human rights concern or violation. Moreover, these offices advocate for human rights practices and policies that target the needs and experiences of equity-seeking student groups.

International Centres

Cambrian College’s International Student Services Office offers a variety of resources and support for students who live outside of Canada and have travelled to Ontario for their college studies. These include international internships and awards, assistance with Canadian study and work permits, information about health insurance, language development assistance, and counselling services that assist with intercultural communication and community building.

First-Generation Students

Cambrian’s First Step Centre is for first-generation students whose parents or guardians have never attended a post-secondary institution (i.e. college or university). It’s common for first-generation students to experience additional barriers and obstacles upon entering college. These can include a lack of knowledge about the college experience, the pressure of family expectations, economic challenges, and socio-cultural barriers. Many institutions in Ontario have partnered with various external organizations to help recruit and support first-generation students. Moreover, first-generation students might benefit from their institution’s mentorship programs.

Gender & Sexuality Resources

There are several different campus groups and resources for students seeking connections or support regarding their gender and/or sexuality. These can include counselling services for LGBTQ+ students, gender advocacy centres, sexual health resource centres, gender-neutral washrooms, and additional welcoming communities for students who wish to embrace or learn more about their gender or sexual backgrounds.

The KPMG Pride Centre provides a non-judgmental, welcoming space where students, staff and faculty of all attractions, identities and expressions can be themselves.  The centre aims to bring people together and create a greater sense of community on Campus. The KPMG Pride Centre is a place to meet new and old friends.  A safe space to study, eat, watch movies, and get support, information, and resources. Staff at Pride Centre hosts a variety of activities throughout the year, including Pride Week, Pink Shirt Day, Movie Nights, discussion groups and Trans Day of Remembrance.

Women’s Resources

There are various women’s and female-targeted supports aimed to embrace feminism and amplify female voices, faces, and perspectives at Cambrian College including the Women’s Resource Centre. These types of resources include sexual violence supports, female networking groups, conferences dedicated to showcasing and empowering women’s involvement in male-dominated job sectors, and women’s mentorship/peer support programs.

Faith & Spiritual Life

It’s typical for students to drift away from or lose touch with their religious roots upon entering college due to the increase in academic demands and an amplified social life.  Students are encouraged to explore themes of mindfulness of their own and others’ spirituality, advocate for religious freedom, and provide avenues for exploring faith-based identification and morality. Some specific initiatives and supports that Cambrian can offer are religious, and academic accommodations, maintaining reflection spaces on your campus, ceremonies for various religious holidays and events, and forming partnerships with community churches and religious communities.

Cambrian College’s Spiritual Centre is a welcoming spiritual wellness, and observance space where students, staff and faculty can connect with themselves, pray and reflect. The Spiritual Centre is inlusive to all, a space to express one’s spirituality. Cambrian understands spirituality differs from person to person, across all genders, ethnicities, and cultures and the centre was designed to meet the needs of the community.