Our goal is to foster a respectful and inclusive working and learning environment by creating awareness and belonging through education, events, and training. We have developed and gathered the information found on this page to assist the BCIT community.
Inclusion Lens for the Learning Environment
The Inclusion Lens for the Learning Environment guide [PDF] is to help instructors create a more inclusive learning environment. The document will help instructors to review their course content through an inclusion lens so as to better identify and address barriers to inclusion within the materials. The guide will also provide information and resources on accessibility and universal design in the classroom. Finally, instructors will find a list of tips to include inclusivity.
Instructor Resource – Creating a Respectful Learning Environment
The RDI office has created a power point presentation that Instructors can use to further respectful interactions in their class. The presentation, which comes with detailed speaking notes, covers the topics of why a respectful learning environment is important, what is considered discrimination, harassment, and bullying, and what students can do if they witness disrespectful behaviour. To get a copy of the presentation email rdi@bcit.ca and ask for the “Respect at BCIT Instructor slides.”
Student Accommodation Requests (non-disability related)
BCIT recognizes that although a process exists to address accommodation requests for students with disabilities as well as a policy that outlines attendance, students may face circumstances that need additional consideration. This student accommodation request (non-disability related) document [PDF] outlines considerations for such requests and a process for making decisions.
For accommodation requests that are disability related, please refer to Accessibility Services.
Respectful Learning Environment for Students
Learn more about what is considered harassment, bullying, and discrimination and what to do if you observe this behaviour at BCIT.
Human Rights Fact Sheet
The Human Rights Code (BC) as well as BCIT’s Harassment and Discrimination Policy prohibit discrimination and harassment in the learning and working environment on the basis of personal characteristics. The Human Rights Code also prohibits discrimination in other areas of life, such as when accessing public services, facilities, or accommodation (e.g. hotels, restaurants, stores, recreation centres, government programs), or in the purchase or rental of your home. For further information please read our Human Rights Fact Sheet [PDF].
Workplace conflict checklist
Consider using this workplace conflict conversation checklist as a tool to prepare for a conversation about workplace conflict.
How to give and receive feedback
People are sometimes reluctant to provide feedback for fear of offending others or creating conflict. Likewise, hearing feedback can sometimes cause one to feel defensive. However, when properly given, feedback can be an invaluable tool to help others improve and succeed.
Like all skills, giving and receiving feedback is something that can be improved with preparation and practice. Please click on the link below to help you start down the right path.
Communication
When communicating with our colleagues in person we interpret their words based on many factors such as tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. Given that we do a lot of communicating via email, instant message, or video calls, it is important that we take care so as to avoid misunderstandings that may result from the lack of non-verbal or visual cues and remember that electronic communications should still relay the same respectful tone you would normally use.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources at BCIT
Please visit the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Guide for further resources found in our libraries
Gender
Understandings of gender continually evolve. In the course of a person’s life, the interests, activities, clothing and professions, that are considered the domain of one gender or another, evolve in ways both small and large. This has perhaps never been more true than it is now. The data shows that today people have different understandings of gender than previous generations.
- Supporting Gender Diverse Folks [PDF]
- Gender Unicorn [PDF]
- Gender Roles and Stereotypes video
- Inclusive Washroom Guidelines [PDF]
- All Gender Washroom Upgrades
Creating a Culture of Consent
Consent is about someone enthusiastically, freely choosing to agree to do something with someone else. The best way to get that confirmation is to talk about it, ask questions, and be open to and mindful of your partner’s body language. If you’re unsure about doing something — even just a little bit — always ask first. If you don’t feel comfortable, in any form, at any time, you can always speak up and say “no.” And remember that the absence of “no” is NOT the same as a “yes.”
For further information please visit BCIT’s Sexual Violence and Misconduct website.
These courses are available to employees in the Employee Learning Centre and also as Massive Open Online Courses that are open to anyone. We encourage you to share this information out to family, friends, and others who may want to help us create better communities.
- Navigating Conflict in Working and Learning Environments: Learn about conflict styles, tools, and how to manage conflict productively.
- Human Rights 101: Understand your rights, obligations, and the duty to accommodate under human rights legislation.
- Relearning Gender: Explore how to create safer spaces for 2S/LGBTQIA+ communities.
- Anti-Racism: Begin or deepen your anti-racist practice by examining societal systems and personal responsibility.
- Understanding Unconscious Bias: Explore your own biases and how they influence your perceptions and interactions.
- Respectful Workplaces: Learn the factors that create respectful, inclusive, and accommodating work environments.
- Safer Campuses for Everyone – Preventing and Responding to Sexual Violence: This course is only available to BCIT employees and can be found in Employee Learning on your BCIT Dashboard.
*Note: If you are not an employee or student at BCIT, you will first need to create a BCIT ID, log in with your ID and password to register. Once registered, log in to learn.bcit.ca with your BCIT email address and password to access your online course, it may take up to 24 hours for the course access to become active. As these are not credited courses, and you are not paying a fee, there may be student resources you come across that you are not entitled to access. This would include Student Aid and other financial assistance.
BCIT Events Checklist
When hosting an event we would like you to keep this checklist in mind. To view dates related to religious observances and holy days, please refer to a helpful resource found here, prepared by one of our peers at University of Calgary and the BCIT Events Calendar when planning events.
Respectful and Inclusive Event Checklist [PDF]
BCIT Inclusive Committee Checklist
When hosting an event we would like you to keep this checklist in mind. Employees can also check the Multifaith Calendar found on the RDI Loop page and the BCIT Events Calendar when planning events. Respectful and Inclusive Event Checklist [PDF]