Durham College
PAE-6: Diversity and Equity Coordination

Mission Statement To advise and assist in the development and implementation of strategies for advancement and improvement in the climate for students and employees at Durham College, UOIT and Trent in Oshawa; under the direction of the Ontario Human Rights Code with regard to culture, race, gender, religion, ethnic background, socio-economic class, ability, age or sexual orientation. Diversity Working Group 1. Purpose i) The purpose of the Diversity Working Group is to provide consultation on: a) Disseminating information on matters related to diversity b) Strategizing towards the development of institutional goals c) Revising current practices which impede successful implementation of developed goals ii) The goals of the Diversity Working Group is to ensure representation of diverse groups within the campus population and remove barriers that stifle the experience of students and employers for reasons unrelated to merit. The Diversity Working Group will act to ensure that the campus responds to its strategic priority on diversity.

Manager Student Rights and Responsibilities - Natalie O`Rourke UOIT-DC Diversity Officer - Rochelle Ramathe DC Director, (Human Resources) Benefits and Human Rights - Dawn Kurchika UOIT International Student Office - Abu Arif DC International Student Office - Deena Wang UOIT Professor - Molly Dragiewicz DC Professor - Raphael Francis Centre for Students with disabilities - Megan Houghton Student Academic Learning Centre - Eric Student Association - Rachel Calvaligh Women`s Centre- Barb Bryan DC Student Life - Tara Blackburn UOIT Student life - Donna Robbins DC Aboriginal office - Peggy Forbes/Julie Pigeon

MISSION STATEMENT In an effort to educate Durham Region about its rich diversity, the Durham College Diversity office promotes the essential values that help sustain the multicultural diversity of its campus regardless of race, gender, religion, socio-economic class or sexual orientation, including: Respect for others; Close personal relationships; Effective communication; and Engaged concern for the common good. Durham College strives to foster and sustain an environment of inclusiveness in order to achieve our highest potential without fear of prejudice or bias. We are committed to Building an exemplary educational community; Offering a nurturing and challenging intellectual climate; and Respect for human diversity. We expect every member of our academic family to embrace this mission and demonstrate a strong commitment to attracting, retaining and supporting students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of today’s society.

Rochelle Ramathe, diversity officer, is responsible for supporting and advocating for all students as well as helping mediate conflicts over diversity/pluralism on campus. She works on a grassroots level with students, faculty and staff and also co-ordinates diversity events and training sessions. Ramathe is always available to hear both student and staff concerns. If you have a question, problem or idea; are looking for information; or want to talk to an individual or support group, the diversity officer will offer complete confidentiality and/or will explore actions to help bring about a resolution if you have a complaint or concern.