Diversity: includes all the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. While diversity is often used in reference to race, ethnicity, and gender, we embrace a broader definition of diversity that also includes age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance. Our definition also includes diversity of thought: ideas, perspectives, and values.

Inclusion: is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect for all people.

Equity: fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. Improving equity involves increasing justice and fairness within the procedures and processes of institutions or systems, as well as potentially their distribution of resources.

We believe that diversity is our greatest strengths, but we also believe we can and must do m

Because diversity counts on our campuses. We also believe we can and must do more to expand, enhance and celebrate our unique differences, helping to create an environment where all students and staff feel that they belong.

Students are encouraged to participate and make your voices heard!

• It’s easy – the Diversity Self-Identification Survey takes about two minutes to complete.\
• It’s voluntary – staff and students can choose to participate and chose which questions to answer.
• It’s confidential – only limited individuals will have access to information and only aggregate data will be reported.
• It’s impactful – your participation will help us assess diversity and representation within RRC Polytech, and in turn, support with informing future inclusive programming and initiatives.

RRC Polytech aspires to reflect the diversity of students and the community we serve. The collected data shows us the diverse demographics of who’s at RRC Polytech and will help us better support our college community in realizing their academic, research and employment goals.

No this is a voluntary process. However, all individuals are encouraged to complete the Diversity Self-Identification survey.

Diversity language is an evolving field and therefore we have used terminology in this survey that is consistent with what is used by the Employment Equity Act (Canada) and Statistics Canada. Language was also shaped through consultations with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, other Canadian post-secondary institutions, and internal EDI working groups at the College. The five equity-deserving groups are:

• Women
• Indigenous Peoples: An Indigenous person is recognized as “one of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada” within the meaning of Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, which further states that the “Aboriginal peoples of Canada includes the Indian, Inuit, and Métis peoples of Canada”. For the purposes of this survey the term First Nation will be utilized in place of Indian. For more information, visit Statistics Canada
• Persons with disabilities: A person with a disability includes someone who has a significant, recurring or long-term physical, intellectual or learning disability, a sensory challenge, chronic illness and/or a mental health issue which may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. This also may include persons who, due to a disability, have been currently accommodated in the workplace or college life. For more information, visit Manitoba Human Rights commission.
• Racialized Persons: A Racialized person in Canada is someone (other than an Indigenous Person) who self-identifies as a Person of colour regardless of birthplace or citizenship (sometimes referred to as “visible minority” or racialized person in Canada’s Employment Equity Act and by Statistics Canada). For more information, visit Statistics Canada
• Persons of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community: A person of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is someone who identifies as Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning Intersex and additional sexual orientations and gender diverse identities. For more information on the terms, visit CCDI’s Glossary of Terms.

Yes, self-identification is about making your representation known and the information collected is not limited to particular groups or individuals. For optimal results, all individuals should complete the survey. Policies and programs that support diversity and inclusion is developed to benefit all employees and students.

Yes. If you identify as being a member of more than one equity-deserving group. You should identify yourself under all of the equity-deserving groups that apply to you.

For People with Disabilities, the sub-groups are:

• Chronic health condition (e.g., diabetes, chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, kidney disease, seizure disorders)
• Mental health (e.g., anxiety, depression, eating disorder, mood disorder, schizophrenia, etc.)
• Hearing (Deaf or hard of hearing)
• Cognitive/ Neurological (e.g., Learning, remembering, or concentrating)
• Learning Disabilities (dyslexia, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND))
• Seeing (blind or visual impairment)
• Mobility/physical (e.g., Stair climbing or walking distances)
• Manual Dexterity (Using your hands or fingers, or doing other physical activities)

For Racialized Persons, the sub-group are:

• Arab
• Black
• Chinese
• Filipino
• Japanese
• Korean
• Latin American
• South Asian (e.g., East Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, etc.)
• Southeast Asian (including Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Thai, etc.)
• West Asian (e.g., Iranian, Afghan, etc.)
• Person of Mixed Origin (with at least one parent in one of the racialized groups listed above)

Diversity language is an evolving field. How you identify is personal and the choices provided in the self-identification form may not fit with how you see yourself as an individual. The terminology used in the Diversity Self-Identification survey is consistent with what is used by the Employment Equity Act (Canada) and Statistics Canada. Language was also shaped through consultations with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, other Canadian post-secondary institutions, and internal EDI working groups at the College.

As difficult as it may be to group people in this manner, we cannot assess our equity, diversity and inclusion progress without this data. It is important to note that we are asking you to consider whether you identify as part of these groups to help the College understand the diversity of its students, faculty and staff.

We recognize that some people may be on a journey to discover their identity, and along the way difficult emotions may arise. Completing the Diversity Self-Identification survey is voluntary, and you can change how you self-identify at any time by re-completing the survey.

Supports are available within and outside of RRC Polytech for those on self-identification journeys. Don’t hesitate to reach out to or access the following resources:

Mental Health Coordinator
rrc.ca/well-being/mental-wellness

Healthy Minds Healthy College
rrc.ca/wellness/supports

First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline
1.855.242.3310 or online chat at hopeforwellness.ca

Klinic Crisis Line (24/7)
Phone: 204.786.8686 Toll free: 1.888.322.3019

A person with a disability includes someone who has a significant, recurring or long-term physical, intellectual or learning disability, a sensory impairment, chronic illness and/or a mental/emotional health issue which may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. Learn more ›

Yes. All persons with disabilities, including those who have been accommodated academically can identify as a person with a disability.

If you require an accommodation for a disability, please contact Student Accessibility Services at accessibility@rrc.ca. If you require ASL-English interpreter or transcribing services to provide access, please complete the booking form.

Gender identity refers to one’s internal and psychological sense of themselves as female, male, both or neither. A person’s self-concept of their gender may be the same as or different from their sex at birth (male, female or intersex). A person may also define their gender identity as being more fluid than either male or female. In other words, their gender identity may encompass parts of masculinity, femininity and/or other non-traditional gender expressions.

For more information on the terms, visit CCDI’s Glossary of Terms.

Sexual orientation refers to how a person characterizes their emotional and sexual attraction to others. Some terms include asexual, bisexual, gay, heterosexual, lesbian, queer, and Two-Spirit. For more information on the terms, visit CCDI’s Glossary of Terms.

We recognize that there are groups outside of the equity-deserving groups, which have historically been discriminated against in society in ways that limit their full and active participation in society. The inclusion of the gender and sexual identity questions in the Diversity Self-Identification survey are intended to signify the College’s recognition and its commitment to creating an inclusive and discrimination-free environment.

No. The information you provide on the form is stored in a strictly confidential database. Information will be presented in summary formats and used to develop initiatives to develop programming that is beneficial to all individuals and to remove barriers faced by designated groups.

Self-identify by filling out the survey on HUB, click here to access it. Please note that if you are not already logged in, you will be prompted to provide your College credentials (academic email and password).

If you require accessible accommodations, please email diversity@rrc.ca.

As an appreciation for completing the Diversity Self-Identification survey, the Students’ Association is sponsoring the following student prizing.

Rules and Eligibility:

The Self-Identification Survey Campaign period will start on September 22, 2022 and end on Friday November 4, 2022, at 11:59:59 pm CST.

Eligibility:

• To be eligible, you must be a current RRC Polytech student (enrolled in at least one course), during the campaign period.
• RRC Polytech staff and faculty are not eligible for the draw.

How to Enter:

• Students must complete the Self-Identification Survey during the campaign period.
• Completion means answering the 5 questions of the Self-Identification Survey.
• Any respondent who “chooses to not declare” for any or all questions, is considered complete, thus eligible for the draw.

Prizing:

• 40 gift cards are available as prizes and will be distributed as follows:
  • 15 gift cards, each with a $10 value, are available to students registered at the Notre Dame Campus (NDC).
  • 25 gift cards, each with a $10 value, are available to students registered at the Exchange District Campus (EDC) and Regional Campuses.
• Gift Card Redemption:
  • NDC students receive a Hard Drive Café gift card.
  • EDC and Regional students receive a Tim Hortons gift card.
• One prize per person while quantities last.

Winner Selection Process:

• Odds of winning will depend on how many students complete the RRC Polytech Self-Identification survey.
• Winners will be selected by a random draw. Students must provide their academic email and campus they are attending.
• The draw will occur on Friday, November 18th, 2022, 12 noon at the NDC SA office (CM20)
• Winners will be contacted through their Academic email (@academic.rrc.ca)
• Prizes will be distributed through the Students’ Association Office at NDC (CM20) and EDC (P110)
• Any Regional Campuses winners will have their card emailed to their academic email
• Any unclaimed prizes will be redrawn on Friday November 25th, 2022 at 12 noon and be gifted to another student

An Indigenous person is recognized as “one of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada” within the meaning of section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, which further states that the “Aboriginal peoples of Canada includes the Indian, Inuit, and Métis peoples of Canada”. For the purposes of this survey the term First Nation will be utilized in place of Indian.

In accordance with the RRC Polytech admissions policies, by declaring Indigenous identity, you will be linked with the RRC Polytech School of Indigenous Education (SIE) staff who will provide support during every stage of your academic journey (including application, admission and transition to employment). In addition, it is important for students to self-identify so that we can better understand and support the diverse student populations here at RRC Polytech.

Proof of ancestry will NOT be required to complete the self-identification process.

However, documentation may be required to maintain eligibility for certain academic initiatives, programs, scholarships, awards or bursaries.

Yes. When filling out the self-identification form you will be able to pick more than one Indigenous ancestry if applicable.

RRC Polytech has identified a number of seats in specific programs reserved for Indigenous Applicants. Designated seats will be filled by Indigenous Applicants on a competitive basis. In order to be considered for such designated seats in programs, an applicant must:

1. Self-identify as an Indigenous Applicant
2. Meet the definition of an Indigenous Applicant with documentation, which will be submitted to the Admissions Office
3. Meet the minimum admission requirements as indicated in the general admission requirements and for specific program requirements

If you have any concerns about the proof of ancestry requirement or circumstances that have prevented you from obtaining the above identification, please contact the Indigenous Student Support Centers at Notre Dame Campus F205 & F209 or at the Exchange District Campus P407 for more information.

No. Students who do not want to be considered under the Indigenous Admission policy will still be considered with the general pool of applicants.

Yes. The Indigenous Student Support Centres are open for all Indigenous students attending RRC Polytech to access support and guidance throughout their college experience. Please visit Indigenous Student Support Centres at Notre Dame Campus F205 and F209 or at the Exchange District Campus P407 for more information.

This data will be used to set goals, develop action plans, and report on program as we live Commitment 2 of the strategic plan: Commit to Truth and Reconciliation. Pursue equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. It will also be used to inform strategies for improving the work and learning experience for all employees and students.

The survey responses are treated confidentially, but are not anonymous. Having a unique identifier help ensure data integrity and maintain the accuracy and completeness of this data over time. In addition, this allows us to analyze the representation of equity-deserving groups in job categories and academic programs helping us identify and address potential barriers to equity and inclusion.

Yes, we are committed to ensuring your information will be kept confidential. The data you provide will be stored in a strictly confidential database and will not be used for any other purposes. Only select individuals who require access to this raw data to perform their jobs from Human Resource Services, Student Services and the Research team will have access to this information. When reporting on this data all analytics will be aggregated and stripped of identifying information. Data will be summarized in broad categories (ex. job categories, departments, academic programs etc.) which will ensure the privacy of individuals.

At the conclusion of the Self-Identification campaign, the gathered data will be compiled and analyzed at an aggregate level. This information will be used to assess representation within our employee and student populations; continue to support corporate EDI action plans; inform the development of future events, programs, and policies; and, advance work on Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous supports.

For more information, please email diversity@rrc.ca.