What Can I Do?

As a member of the Conestoga community, it is expected that each person should endeavour to maintain self-conduct in a manner consistent with respect for others, a thoughtful consideration for the needs of the academic community and society in general.

In addition to that, the Respect Campaign encourages you to be a member of a community that is considered welcoming, respectful and inclusive for everyone.

Some of the ways we encourage you to be ambassadors of the message of Respect include:

1. Wear Respect!

Wearing the lanyard or button helps to raise public awareness that Conestoga is a community that does not allow any excuse for disrespect! Wearing it lets others know that you support Respect’s message, and that you want to learn, work or live in an environment that values respect, courtesy and civility.

 

Don’t forget! By agreeing to wear the Respect swag, you hold a powerful role as an ambassador for Respect. It means you are spreading the message that:

• We all have the ability to agree and disagree civilly
• We consider the needs and rights of all people in the college community
• We do not allow any excuse for disrespect.

2. Lead Respect!

We encourage you to show leadership in respecting the diversity of perspectives, experiences and differences we proudly share on our campus.

Encourage classroom discussions about respect and ways that the Campaign’s message is ingrained within your everyday learning. Consider the ways you encourage participation in group work to ensure that everybody feels a sense of inclusiveness in the task at hand. Model respectful behaviour in the classroom while your instructor is teaching and be mindful of how your behaviour can impact others' learning. The respectful behaviour expected in the classroom is often similar to what Respect looks like in the workplace once you graduate!

Just by being an ambassador of the Respect Campaign’s message, you can Be the Difference. Respect.

3. Educate yourself on Respect!

As per Conestoga’s Human Rights policy, the College commits to providing a learning environment that is free of discrimination and harassment based on race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, handicap, age, marital status, same-sex partnership, family status, receipt of public assistance (accommodation only), and/or record of offenses.

We encourage you to learn more about your Rights & Responsibilities as a student by referring to the College Policies section on this website.

4. Celebrate the Differences!

Conestoga is a campus with an array of diversities in individual differences and opinions. Celebrate every interaction with each person you come into contact with as a fresh start and consider the needs and rights of all people in the college community. Remember that each contact we have in a day has an impact.

Remember that learning also takes place outside the classroom. Be open to and respectful of others' perspectives and what qualities they bring to the table. Don’t forget to also listen; sometimes that’s all a person needs you to do.

5. Speak out about Disrespect!

A great way to squash disrespect is to respectfully share your feelings when you hear it happening.

It’s not about being politically correct—it’s about being inclusive to all. Let your fellow classmates know that a comment they said has made you feel uncomfortable or offer a more positive way to rephrase something. If you’re wearing your Respect swag, feel free to give it a friendly tap to remind others that you want to learn, work or live in a culture of Respect!

If there is a problem you enter with another member of the college community, we encourage you to speak to the person about the problem first and be able to discuss any problems you have with the person. Should you feel you need assistance with the concern, consult the College Policies section on this website.