Commitment to Diversity

Conestoga College is proud to recognize the diversity on its campus and the Conestoga Residence takes any and all measures possible in encouraging an inclusive community that is free from any discrimination.

We recognize that we are a community of diverse racial, ethnic, national origin and class backgrounds. We encourage and respect many diverse views surrounding religious beliefs and understand that sexual orientations differ.

We seek to create an environment for living and learning that is open and accepting of diverse ideas, values, and cultures. We recognize that individuals come with differing levels of awareness, knowledge, acceptance, and skill in dealing with issues of diversity. We seek to provide a safe, open environment where through dialogue, interaction, and perspective-taking, intentional learning will foster the sharing of ideas and backgrounds.

As such, we ask all students to recognize that ignorance, anger, alcohol or substance abuse are not appropriate reasons, excuses or rationale for any inappropriate behaviours in our Residence.

As a student, it is everybody's responsibility to be a role model and leader to one another, and clearly outline expectations for your community and other residents. Residence is home to hundreds for eight months and as such, the Residence Life Team work hard to ensure it is safe and welcoming to all. All students need to be intolerant of intolerance and build that community on their floor.

Some suggestions on how to improve or build a positive community with others on your floor include:

1. Strengthen the prerequisites for positive use of diversity. For example, nurture respect, make quality dialogue available with everybody.
2. Set aside differences to focus on a common ground. This doesn't mean denying our differences—just don't let them get in the way of all we have in common.
3. Work through differences to resolve conflict. Usually this requires, again, the conflicted people hearing each other well, and feeling heard. Then they can start to see each other as fellow human beings and work together to find good solutions.

Inclusion is NOT:

• Tolerating someone else's presence
• Believing we are the same or that we should all be the same
• Trying to “fix” someone so they can fit in

Inclusion is based on:

• We are all unique in value
• We can all learn and grow
• We all have abilities, talents and gifts to offer
• We all have contributions to make
• We all have the responsibility to give every person the chance to make a contribution

Inclusion is:

• Celebrating our diversity and difference with respect and gratitude
• Accepting and valuing someone for who they are
• Looking beyond the disability or ability and getting to know the person
• Recognizing a person's abilities and strengths
• Being willing to accommodate differences and provide options
• Recognizing the value of person's contributions