Sheridan College (Ontario)
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

- Accessible Parking - Gender and Sexual Diversity Taskforce comprised of both employees and students - LGBTQ+ student clubs at Davis and Trafalgar campuses - counselling services - group for students living with autism spectrum disorders - Multi-faith Prayer room at all campuses Sheridan focuses on improving access and success for underrepresented groups including: First-generation post-secondary students: The College offers specialized orientation for first-generation post-secondary students. The Ontario First Generation Bursary is also available to these students. Aboriginal students: The Aboriginal Initiatives office was established at Sheridan in 2014 through a collaborative partnership with the Mohawk College Aboriginal Education Council. One of the main goals of the office is to provide First Nation (status and non-status), Inuit, and Métis students with culturally sensitive information and support. We also seek to empower First Nations, Inuit and Métis students to see themselves as a vibrant, creative and important part of the Sheridan community. The following is a breakdown of the major services provided by the Aboriginal Initiatives office: - Creating opportunities for cultural knowledge and exchange - The Student Success & Transition Advisor visits classrooms upon invitation to provide accurate cultural information to both students and educators - Daily smudging ceremonies take place in the Aboriginal Initiatives Office - Helping students navigate the college system - Assisting with status and education funding information - Educational funding information is different for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students compared to non-Aboriginal or International students - Hosting visiting elders, crafting, and cultural events - Fosters discussion between visiting elders and students - Promotes creativity and relaxation - Creating a safe, culturally sensitive network for students   Students with disabilities: The Accessible Learning Services Office facilitates equal access for eligible students with disabilities by co-ordinating reasonable academic accommodations and support services, such as: - The EmployAbility program is designed to provide students with disabilities with the skills and support they need to get hired after graduation. - Testing Accommodations: Eligibility for extended test time scribes or readers can be determined in consultation with the Accessible Learning Advisor/Counselor. - Note taking and Photocopying Notes: Instructors and/or students may identify note takers with the assistance of the Accessible Learning staff. NCR paper is available through the Accessible Learning Office. Photocopying is available as well. - Extended Program (Reduced Program Course load): Students may reduce the number of courses they take at one time. - Interpreters and Computerized Note taker for the Hearing Impaired: Students are entitled to their choice of either Sign Language Interpreting Service or Computerized Note taking Service. - Peer Mentors/Tutoring: Peer Mentors for organizational issues, time management etc. - Lockers: Accessible Learning has reserved lockers throughout the College. - Taped Texts/Alternate Format Texts: Students requiring books on CD or through AERO must contact Accessible Learning who will place an order for the required materials. Due to copyright laws, students must purchase the book. - Print Enlargements: Equipment for enlarging print is available at Accessible Learning. - Orientation: Students are encouraged to participate in the college-wide orientation. Where required, individual orientations may be arranged in conjunction with Accessible Learning. - Specialized Equipment/Software: Specialized equipment such as adaptive devices can be accessed through Accessible Learning or in the Assistive Technology Labs. - Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD). - Support Group for Students with Autism: FACE IT is offered at Davis and Trafalgar (based on demand). - Enhanced Services for students: Services of Learning Strategists and Assistive Technologists to support academic challenges. - Disability Advising: Students have access to an Advisor for disability-related academic concerns. - Bursary for Students with Disabilities through OSAP: approve eligibility to the BSWD fund for disability-related educational expenses. - Transition Programming: Transition Sessions and STEPS transition programming for students entering Sheridan College. - Study Skills Workshops: offered primarily for students with disabilities, but open to all. International students: A comprehensive orientation program for international students includes in-country pre-departure orientations, orientation webinars, and a separate International Orientation program. The ‘Smash Stress’ program, which uses racket sports to engage groups of international students, also exists at the College. As well as physical components related to the sports played, this program contains an educational component around identifying and dealing with the specific challenges with which international student might be dealing. Internationally-trained individuals: The College organizes directed recruitment events for this population.   Mature students: The College organizes targeted recruitment events for mature students. Websites: https://www.sheridancollege.ca/life-at-sheridan/student-services.aspx https://www.sheridancollege.ca/life-at-sheridan/student-services/accessible-learning-services.aspx https://www.sheridancollege.ca/life-at-sheridan/student-services/counselling-services/links.aspx https://www.sheridancollege.ca/about/accessibility.aspx https://www.sheridancollege.ca/admissions/financial-aid-and-awards/awards-and-scholarships/bursaries/ontario-first-generation-bursary.aspx

Sheridan’s response to discrimination and harassment is multifaceted. It involves policy and procedures that address harassment and discrimination experienced by employees and students, including sexual violence. Discrimination and Harassment responses for employees and students: Sheridan’s Harassment and Discrimination Policy Through this policy, Sheridan’s commitment to providing a work and learning environment that is free of discrimination and harassment is stated. This policy prohibits discrimination and harassments in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and applies to all members of the Sheridan community including employees, students and visitors to campus. Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Policy and Response Protocol As of March 31, 2015, Sheridan College will have a Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Policy and Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Response Protocol which states that all members of the Sheridan College community have a right to a work and study in an environment that is free from any form of sexual violence. Sexual violence is a form of sex harassment and therefore discrimination. These document sets out Sheridan’s policy and response protocol to sexual violence and ensures that those who experience sexual violence are believed and their rights respected, that the College has a process of investigation that protects the rights of individuals and holds individuals who have committed an act of sexual violence accountable. Employee specific discrimination and harassment response: Workplace Harassment Policy Through this policy Sheridan prohibits harassment of or by any of its employees, in the workplace, and at any work related functions, or in any other work related circumstances. The intention of this policy and its procedures is to prevent harassment from taking place, and where necessary to act upon complaints of such behaviour promptly, fairly, judiciously and with due regard to confidentiality for all parties concerned. Resolving Harassment & Discrimination and Workplace Harassment Issues This procedure document outline steps to be taken by employees of the Sheridan to address issues of harassment and/or discrimination or workplace harassment. They are in accordance with the “Harassment and Discrimination Policy and the “Workplace Harassment Policy. Sheridan’s Code of Conduct Sheridan affirms the following principles, which guide this Code: - Diverse identities, including, but not limited to, race, culture, religion/creed, gender identity and sexual orientation, are a source of enrichment and strength for the Sheridan community   Student specific discrimination and harassment response Student At Risk and Intervention Policy The purpose of this policy is to establish a framework for the identification of Students at Risk and the coordination of early preventative intervention(s). Sheridan is committed to fostering the success and safety of its students, and will take all reasonable steps to ensure individual needs or periods of crisis and distress do not hinder a student’s academic, personal or social growth. Sheridan’s Student at Risk and Intervention Policy is designed to support students experiencing physical, mental, and/or emotional difficulties. This policy and the associated procedures establishes the Student at Risk Intervention Team, which is a multi-disciplinary group of professionals that provide a coordinated response and meet on a regular or as-needed basis to facilitate the identification and management of students at risk while encouraging access to support services. Sheridan’s Student Code of Conduct A safe and respectful learning and work community is a cornerstone in the vision of Sheridan and further, is an underlying essential to Sheridan’s stated values of academic excellence, commitment to lifelong learning, creativity and innovation, inclusiveness and diversity, service and accountability. Sheridan’s Student Code of Conduct plays a key role in reaching Sheridan’s vision and supports Sheridan in achieving its stated values. Sheridan’s Student Conduct Process and Appeals Procedure Student violations to Sheridan’s Student Code of Conduct and/or Policies are dealt with through the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office (SRRO). The Student Conduct Process outlines the procedures followed when dealing with non-academic violations. Harassment and Discrimination Policy: https://www.sheridancollege.ca/~/media/Files/Sheridan%20College/About/Human%20Rights/Harassment%20and%20discrimination%20policy_Aug%202002_verdana.pdf Student Conduct Process and Appeals Procedure: https://www.sheridancollege.ca/~/media/Files/Sheridan%20College/Life%20At%20Sheridan/Student%20Services/Student%20Rights/Student%20Rights%20and%20Responsibilities/student%20conduct%20process%20final%20web%20version.pdf