Fall 2013 - welcome back!

Welcome to all new students, faculty, and staff! The Diversity Network blog is a place you can find information and resources on a range of diversity issues that affect the environment we learn and work in. I hope you check in from time to time and catch up on the news.

This summer was a busy time preparing for the launch of our new Positive Space Level 3 Train the Trainer program, working with community partners to improve local ESL services, and preparing for my sabbatical starting September 21st. Stay tuned for my post the week of September 16th to learn more about the interim Diversity Coordinator starting that week. I will be checking in from time to time over the year and will be back in my position full-time next August.

Positive Space Level One will start up beginning Monday September 16th, 3pm to 5pm in room 377. If you are just joining this blog for the first time, scroll through some of my older posts to learn more about this anti-homophobia education program. You can register by emailing me at my new email address debbie.harrison@flemingcollege.ca


Meredith Pilley SSW faculty takes a pie from coordinator
Kirstin Parry for FAQS fundraiser

Train the Trainer is an exciting new session for those who have completed Level One and Two. While the focus is on giving students an opportunity to develop facilitation experience, we also welcome support staff and faculty who want to attend. It will be held Tuesday September 17th from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm and will include dinner. Students who complete the session and 2 practice facilitation sessions will be able to train other students in future Level One sessions. We have a new tool kit full of useful resources and lots of support lined up to ensure students enjoy the experience.

Karen Tembo and Kaitlin Hartford are Student Accessibility reps this year and they are busy making their presence known around campus, gathering feedback from students about their accessibility needs. A new accessibility action plan is approved and available on the Accessibility web page found under Services. New provincial laws are promoting a barrier-free Ontario by 2025 and the Fleming plan contains many great initiatives that will make the college more universally accessible to students and employees with disabilities. Later in September, Ontario Colleges is releasing a new Human Rights online learning module and all employees will have access through the portal.

We are also looking for new Diversity Network members who will help share information in their areas and give the Inclusive College Committee feedback on how to make the College more welcoming, safe, and inclusive. All employees are welcome, and all student feedback is appreciated.

Finally, for all student and employee human rights complaints, please contact the Fleming Human Rights Officer, Nick Duley, in Human Resources; nick.duley@flemingcollege.ca or ext. 1982.