Diversity and Equity

Ban Righ Centre

The Ban Righ Centre supports the continuing formal and informal education of women, especially mature women returning to Queen’s University. The Centre maintains an environment which supports academic endeavor, encourages mutuality and equality, and nurtures and respects women.

The Centre offers academic counselling and support, financial assistance to re-entry women students, and an educational program to all women. The Centre is widely known for its Brown Bag Lunch Series whereby faculty, visiting scholars and friends speak on a variety of topical issues. The Centre also houses a Drop-in Centre equipped with a student computer lab, individual and small group study space, a kitchen and library.

Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL)

The CTL provides the Focus on Diversity program designed for individuals who wish to increase their understanding of diversity issues in teaching and learning and to incorporate such issues into their teaching. The program is informed by the most current research literature relating to social justice, race, gender, class, sexual orientation, ability/disability, and other issues relating to the experience of difference in the context of the university.

The sessions will be interactive and participants will have numerous opportunities to engage in experiential exercises, individual critical reflection, case study analyses, examination of theoretical frameworks, and cross-faculty discussions. The sessions will be led by a diverse team of experienced facilitators from various units across campus including the CTL, the Human Rights Office, Office of the University Advisor on Equity and the Office of Health, Counselling and Disability Services.

Equity Office

The Equity Office provides leadership, information, and liaison on equity matters throughout the University. This includes identifying those structures, practices and policies which create inequities; facilitating the development of new policies, procedures, and programs that remove barriers to equity; and ensuring greater and equal participation of marginalized groups and individuals in the University.

The Equity Office provides seminars to all faculty, staff and students who participate on faculty hiring and/or renewal, tenure, promotion, and continuing appointments committees. The Equity Office also provides workshops and resources on educational equity, employment equity, accommodation and accessibility to any community member or group that requests such information.

Four Directions Aboriginal Student Centre

The Four Directions Aboriginal Student Centre welcomes and encourages all students to develop an awareness and appreciation of the Aboriginal experience in Canada. The Centre strives to support individual Aboriginal Students in balancing their academic, spiritual, physical, and emotional needs. The Centre provides personal and academic counselling, community outreach and cultural activities. In addition, the Centre provides students with information on scholarships, bursaries and employment opportunities. Located at 146 Barrie Street the Four Directions Centre has a computer lab, lounge, community kitchen, meeting/conference rooms and an extensive Aboriginal resource library.

 

Human Rights Office

The Human Rights Office administers the Queen's Harassment and Discrimination Policy and Procedure and in so doing provides confidential advice and assistance to those with human rights concerns. In addition the Human Rights Office provides educational training and resources to those interested, or directly involved, in the area of human rights. Such information sessions and workshops are developed in consultation with the individual or group requesting training. Topics covered include, but are not limited to: human rights legislation and how it pertains to Queen's faculty, staff and students; sexual harassment; discrimination on the basis of race or race related grounds; accommodation; sex and gender diversity; and information about the Positive Space Program; End to Hate project; and Stopit (email harassment). In addition the Office publishes several pamphlets about these and other support services at Queen's and in the greater Kingston community, and administers a library that includes both audiovisual and print resources on a variety of human rights issues.

Positive Space Program (Human Rights Office, OPIRG, EQUIP, KLGBTA)

The Positive Space Program raises awareness of sexual and gender diversity at Queen’s and provides welcoming symbols to queer faculty, staff and students. Program volunteers post a Positive Space indicator (sticker) at the entrance to their work, study or living space. This informs others that the occupant is supportive of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identified individuals and is able to provide resources if requested. An information session for instructors is generally held early in the winter term.

Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC)

The Queen’s University International Centre supports the academic and personal development of international students and staff, their families and internationally minded Canadians. Through its core of services and programs, the Centre aims to promote an internationally informed and cross-culturally sensitive university community.

Along with the existing cross-cultural, study/work abroad and international student resources, the Centre's Resource Library includes an "International Education" section in its holdings. These holdings, including reports, statistics, training manuals and more, are intended for use by professionals in international education-related fields. The Centre also engages in research, professional development and training activities at Queen’s and amongst educators around the world.