Wilfrid Laurier University
PAE-8: Support Programs for Under-Represented Groups

Rainbow Centre www.mylaurier.ca/rainbow The Rainbow Centre is a safe and inclusive space on campus that is available to all students, faculty, staff and visitors who are interested in learning about the Queer community. The Rainbow Centre is open to those who are GLBTQ identified, as well as anyone who is Queer-friendly or an Ally. Members of the Rainbow Centre assist in providing awareness training, programming, and support to fellow peers and to the greater university community. Women’s Centre www.mylaurier.ca/womens-centre The WLU Women’s Centre is a student service which strives to build a community of people and ideas that challenge and examine gender inequalities. We firmly believe that everyone should have equal access to education in a positive learning environment. We hope to provide a space where women and trans people can feel safe and affirmed, in recognition of the gender-specific barriers and inequalities that they often face. In an effort to instigate change, this woman- and trans-positive space offers an extensive collection of academic, community and informational resources and referral services, as well as opportunities to actively engage in awareness campaigns. That said, the Women’s Centre is also a place to have fun, meet new people, pass the time between classes or unwind at the end of the day. You don’t need to be a volunteer to spend time in the Centre,individuals of any gender are welcome to drop by! Association of Black Students www.mylaurier.ca/abs The Association of Black Students (ABS) emphasizes empowerment, solidarity and progress within the Laurier & Kitchener-Waterloo community by encouraging people to become more aware and involved with the movement of overcoming social and racially based inequalities in our world. Your goal as a member would be to encourage people to listen, support one another in the presence of the adversities and empower other students to be agents of change. Multi-Faith Resource Team www.mylaurier.ca/chaplains The Multi-Faith Resource Team, which includes the university Chaplains, is available to assist students in their efforts to research or discuss ethical and theological issues. Realizing that university is a place that offers opportunity for student to enhance their own religious base and to be challenged by unfamiliar faith stances, the Resource Team is available for support and guidance.

There are currently no formalized support groups for faculty but the Diversity & Equity Office manages the Multi-Faith Prayer Space & Women’s Campus Safety Committee.

There are currently no formalized support groups for staff but the Diversity & Equity Office manages the Multi-Faith Prayer Space & Women’s Campus Safety Committee.

With the creation of the new Diversity & Equity Office, Wilfrid Laurier University is strengthening its commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice at all levels of the institution. As a joint initiative between the Student Services and Human Resources departments, the Diversity & Equity Office will combine the Office of Student Diversity with the diversity and equity programs offered through Human Resources to staff and faculty. During this transition period, the mandate and function of diversity programs, policies and committees are undergoing changes. Please note however that diversity programs, policies and committees have always been in place at Laurier but until recently were rolled out to students by the Office of Student Diversity and to staff and faculty through Human Resources. Laurier is claiming points under the Diversity credits based on the new Diversity & Equity Office as it transitions.