Education and Awareness

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.

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.

Read more about your rights in the Discrimination, Harassment, Bullying FAQ [PDF]

Workplace conflict checklist

Consider using this workplace conflict conversation checklist as a tool to prepare for a conversation about workplace conflict.

• Workplace Conflict Checklist [PDF]

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.

• How to give and receive feedback [PDF]

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.

• Respectful Conference/Video Call Etiquette [PDF]
• Respectful Email Etiquette [PDF]

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. Increasing respect, diversity and inclusion on your committee