January 2012
As the Winter semester is set to begin and over 60 new international students from India (and elsewhere) are arriving, a look at the Fleming student profile helps us see where we are at. The wiki linked via the gold Diversity logo in the right corner of this blog contains a short presentation of Fleming equity statistics, as well as a profile of current international students. Open it now and have a look.
We see a relatively unchanging profile, a culturally homogeneous college with a large rural and First Generation population (first in their family to pursue a post-secondary education). We also see a significant jump in numbers of students who are members of visible minorities or 'racialized communities' as is more current language now (have you read the Inclusive Language Fact Sheet on the wiki yet?). This is partialy due to the impact of a large cohort from India this fall but is only part of the picture of a diversifying student body.
What does this mean for students who are members of equity groups? What does it mean for teachers in the classroom, or service providers across the college?
First of all, the isolation of small groups of Aboriginal, racialized or immigrant students challenges us to collaborate in their social integration and academic success at college. No one area of the college can change their experience without all of us working together. Secondly, we know we will be challenged to grow past our limits and the stereotypes we all carry. What do the following myths say about our prejudices?
Myth #1: International students are wealthy
In fact, the majority of Fleming international students have middle class families back home who sacrifice enormously to put a child through school here, usually with the hope of them building a new life in Canada. Very few will return home after graduating, some experience hunger and poor housing conditions while here and most work extremely hard to succeed.
Myth #2: Immigration is not a significant factor in our communities
The Peterborough Partnership Council on Immigrant Integration (PPCII) is a network of over 100 agencies and individuals working together to support the integration of hundreds of newcomers every year. Recently the PPCII published a guide to Multicultural Organizations in Peterborough.
http://ppcii.ca/pdf/Multicultural%20Organizations%20of%20PeteboroughPUBLICDisplay.pdf
The growing list of groups is evidence that cultural diversity is growing in Peterborough (and Cobourg) and this trend can only intensify over the next few years as immigration to the GTA becomes saturated and people look beyond Toronto for new opportunities and a lower cost of living. Lindsay and Haliburton have slower growth but their residents are asking the same questions about their future without immigration. Luckily, both the PPCII and the New Canadians Centre also serve Cobourg and the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Myth #3: Diverse students are best served by specialized departments like the International or Diversity Office
Diverse students are served by all parts of the college and their everyday experience is affected by each of us. No one office or team can have an impact on the integration of immigrant/ international, Aboriginal, LGBT or any other group of students without inclusion being an important role for every teacher, support staff and manager.
The Diversity wiki now also has an updated list of films shown in the World Cafe Series at Brealey. There is a short description of the film, suggested clips for classroom use under 30 minutes, as well as where the film is available. More films will be added to the list this winter and the World Cafe Film Series will move to Frost and Haliburton campuses soon.
Finally, I am posting the January New Canadians Centre monthly newsletter, full of interesting community information for newcomers. If you would like to receive it monthly, contact Maryam at maryam.ncc@gmail.com
This is an interactive blog so please feel free to share your comments, questions or resources.
