Camosun College
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Camosun works with a number of local First Nations community partners to identify and help coordinate culturally sensitive Indigenous programming that responds to the unique education needs of the community. This includes working with the Saanich Adult Education Centre, which serves the people from the four WSÁNEĆ Bands, as well as other Aboriginal students. Camosun works with the center to provide academic upgrading courses, Indigenous College prep and Indigenous Human Services Career Access. Camosun also works with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre to provide academic upgrading courses, tutoring, employment related workshops, training, resume writing and computer access. these services are provided to Aboriginal people living off reserve in the Greater Victoria area as well as to residents from First Nations communities in southern Vancouver Island. Camosun also works with the Songhees Employment Learning Centre and partners with other First Nations Communities on special projects with academic upgrading. Camosun also offers a cultural counselling program that focuses on international students, enabling them to: • cope with the shock of leaving their family, home and culture • adjust to the challenges of a new life in Canada • learn new communication and lifestyle skills • manage stress and uncertainty • increase your confidence in order to be successful in your college programme Peer Connections is a group of international students who help their peers adjust to living in Canada and going to Camosun. As a team they develop leadership skills, help with new student orientation and host social events to engage Camosun students as a whole. The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) provides a wide range of services and educational accommodations for students with a documented disability, including anxiety and depression. DRC faculty and staff are available on both campuses to arrange services and supports such as classroom and exam accommodations, accessibility assistance, and to act as a resource for students, faculty and staff. (http://camosun.ca/services/disability-resource-centre/index.html) Camosun also has a Women's Centre, a Pride Centre, First Nations Student Association, and Prayer Space, in addition to student organized support groups including Camosun for Social Justice and the African Awareness Committee.

Camosun College's Human Rights Policy is for addressing formal allegations of discrimination or harassment. The policy provides information on what to do, when and with whom, in order to submit a compliant. Camosun's Human Resource Office is available to support students and employees with additional, detailed information regarding discrimination policies and response programs. Additionally, the Office of the Ombudsman offers confidential and informal assistance to students with complaints. (http://camosun.ca/about/ombudsman/index.html)