Okanagan College
PAE-8: Support Programs for Underrepresented Groups

We provide a wide array of support services via the Student Services Department. The services provide financial, emotional, spiritual, mental, physical and culturally relevant support. The services include but are not limited to Financial Aid and Awards, Disability Services, Aboriginal Access and Services, the Multifaith Prayer Room as well as a host of other services.

Additional service oriented supports that are not specifically administered by the Student Services Department but are sponsored by the institution to support under-represented students include but are not limited to the Okanagan College Women’s Resource Centre, Little Scholars Daycare and International Education.

We also provide a number of curricular programs designed to support under-represented students. They include programs such as Adult Special Education Programming which offers programs for adults with special learning needs, Literacy Skills for Adults Programming which provides small classes or tutoring to improve basic reading, writing or math skills for adults and Adult Basic Education which offers tuition-free upgrading courses for adult learners.

Okanagan College has also recently embarked on a Positive Space Campaign. The Okanagan College Positive Space Campaign is a program that identifies safer and more inclusive spaces for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Intersexed, Queer, Questioning, and 2-Spirited students, employees, and alumni at Okanagan College. It is a campaign that is meant to foster a welcoming atmosphere and inclusive, respectful dialogue on campus for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities by identifying spaces where sexual and gender diversity is supported and valued.

Finally, the institution works under the provision of a Harassment and Discrimination Policy which clearly states that all persons covered by the Policy (board members, employees, and students) have a responsibility to maintain a working and learning environment which is free from Harassment and Discrimination.

A number of key programs are sponsored by the institution to support under-represented groups within the faculty including:

• Harassment and Discrimination Policy - all persons covered by the Policy (board members, employees, and students) have a responsibility to maintain a working and learning environment which is free from Harassment and Discrimination.
• Accommodation of Employees Policy - if a candidate or employee indicates they require accommodation, we will consider reasonable accommodation as outlined in this Policy.
• Institute for Learning and Teaching - administers the ILT mentor program for instructors looking for general support and instructional support. The ILT provides workshops and presentations on enhancing support and learning with diverse students (e.g. international students, students with disabilities).
• Professional Development Funds - Supports professional development around diversity
• Annual Connections Conference - an annual conference for employees of Okanagan College that offers workshops focused on diversity issues

Each of the programs sponsored by the institution to support under-represented groups within the faculty, as indicated above, are also available to staff. In addition to these programs, staff members have access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program.

• Employee and Family Assistance Program - Okanagan College has contracted with an external provider to provide confidential counselling and referral services to employees who are on a continuing/regular appointment. A significant focus is placed on individuals from diverse backgrounds. Feedback is provided by all individuals who use the service and change is made based on the feedback.