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 what we’re doing is working when it comes to fostering an environment where our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, but we also believe we can and must do more to expand, enhance and celebrate our unique differences that makes Red River Colleges so special.
Students will have the opportunity to voluntarily self-identify as belonging to one or more designated group(s) in their application forms. The information collected from this analysis will illustrate the composition of our college and support the development of inclusive future strategies, programming, policies and practices.
RRC aspires to reflect the diversity of its students and the community we serve. The collected data shows us the diverse demographics of our student population 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 this.
Diversity is an evolving field, however as defined by the Employment Equity Act there are four groups identified:
- Women
- Persons with a Disability(s)
- Indigenous Person (Aboriginal Peoples as per the terminology of the Employment Equity Act)
- Racialized Persons (Visible Minorities as per the terminology of the Employment Equity Act)
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 this form. 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 designated group. You should identify yourself under all of the designated groups that apply to you.
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 existing terminology comes primarily from the federal government’s Employment Equity legislation. When designing this form we have considered the legislation as well as current self-identification terminology used by post-secondary institutions across Canada.
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.
A person with a disability includes someone who has a 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.
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.
We recognize that there are groups outside of the four designated 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 identity question in this form is intended to signify the Colleges 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.