University of Manitoba
PA-4: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The University of Manitoba Diversity & Inclusion Program promotes diversity and fosters a culture of inclusion where all people feel valued, respected, and included and a place where talented people choose to work. The Mission of Diversity & Inclusion is to assist in creating the initiatives that support the goals of the President’s Advisory Committee on Respect and three of the five institutional priorities: Creating Pathways to Indigenous Achievement, Building Community that creates an outstanding learning and working environment and Forging Connections to foster high impact community engagement in the Strategic Plan. The University of Manitoba Diversity and Inclusion Office within the University's Department of Human Resources promotes and champions equity and diversity requiring continuous engagement from all members of the University's community. Diversity and equity officers are also available for students through the International Center for Students and Indigenous Student Center.

Staff and faculty receive cultural competence training during orientation from the Diversity and Inclusion Office. Student have cultural competence training available through the International Center for Students and through the Student Leadership Program. Chapter one of the University of Manitoba's Teaching Handbook provides information and resources on how to build equity culture and a respectful culturally competent environment. This handbook is also a resources for working with international, Indigenous or non-traditional age students. Sessional instructors and instructors, librarians and pre- and tenured faculty members have Cultural Competence training available to them through the Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning. In this workshop, the challenges international students may experience while studying in a Canadian university are discussed, and the role of culture in teaching and learning are explored through case studies. Internationalization of the curriculum is introduced as a solution to the challenges, with the help of which the participants will be able to design one sample of a course element that integrates an awareness of cultural diversity. The Socio-Cultural Competency Training is an optional communication skills training that utilizes cultural theories, role playing, video clips, group discussions and cultural coaches to help international students navigate cultural interactions and communication. The training is offered each term, and students must apply to participate.