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.

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 Red River College (RRC) admissions policies, by declaring Indigenous identity, you will be linked with the RRC 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.

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.

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

This data will be used to set equity, diversity and inclusion goals; develop action plans; and report on progress. It will also be used to inform strategies for improving the work and learning experience and climate 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 designated 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 support the development of comprehensive Equity, Diversity and Inclusion action plans for the college.

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