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BMC: Kaleidoscope Continuum of CareConrad Grebel University College[Conrad Grebel University College is a Mennonite College affiliated with the University of Waterloo and located on that campus. Conrad Grebel is the only Canadian Mennonite school to participate in the survey, which shows a commitment to their students and campus community. Students attending Conrad Grebel are also students of the University of Waterloo. This partnership lends strengths to Conrad Grebel, such as their policies, and what services they are able to offer their students. The Kaleidoscope Program suggests that Conrad Grebel University College continue its dynamic partnership with the University of Waterloo, and to work toward advertising their resources to lgbt and supportive students.] All Responses: 73% lgbt Affirming
Conrad Grebel University College Admission Policy and lgbt Recruitment for Conrad Grebel University College[Although Conrad Grebel admits lgbt students, and has resources available to them, it would be helpful to prospective students, and, we believe, even beneficial to the college to advertise their support. Advertising support could not only bring in new students, but increase support from current lgbt students and alumni. Sources from Conrad Grebel bring up a good point in the study here with their answer to a question about admittance of openly lgbt people. Some colleges actually still go after known lgbt students, so that they can be “disciplined” or even asked to leave.] Does your institution admit openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students? Yes “With respect to our graduate theological studies program, we do not ask questions about sexual orientation and therefore do not know which students may be LGBT.” Does your institution have goals for recruiting lgbt students? No Does the institution advertise a diverse campus including sexuality? No Does the admissions department include visual or written messages welcoming lgbt prospective students? No Hiring Policies and lgbt Recruitment for Conrad Grebel University College[Conrad Grebel hires lgbt faculty and staff. Advertising a diverse campus including differing sexualities can go a long way in recruiting not only lgbt people, but also a wide diversity of people who are looking for a progressive campus and community. The Ontario Human Rights Code certainly advances employment protections for lgbt people, which Conrad Grebel is in a unique position to take advantage of this law.] Does the institution hire openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender faculty? Yes “To date, this has not been an issue. We do not ask questions about sexual orientation of our faculty candidates. Our job advertisements and hiring processes attempt to reflect standards of employment equity and non-discrimination that are clearly stated at University of Waterloo and that reflect the Ontario Human Rights Code, ‘The Code makes it against the law to discriminate against someone or to harass them because of their sexual orientation or their same-sex partnership status.’ [From Ontario govt. website]” Does the institution hire openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender staff? Yes “We do not ask questions about sexual orientation of our staff candidates. Our job advertisements and hiring processes attempt to reflect standards of employment equity and non-discrimination that are clearly stated at University of Waterloo and that reflect the Ontario Human Rights Code, ‘The Code makes it against the law to discriminate against someone or to harass them because of their sexual orientation or their same-sex partnership status.’ [From Ontario govt. website]” Does the institution have goals for hiring lgbt faculty? No Does the institution have goals for hiring lgbt staff? No When advertising for positions, does the institution advertise for diversity in sexual orientation? No “Our most recent advertisement for faculty included the following statement: ‘Conrad Grebel University College is committed to principles of employment equity.” Student and On-Campus Policies for Conrad Grebel University College[Being tied to the lgbt-positive regulations of the province, through its affiliation with the University of Waterloo, Conrad Grebel has a unique relation to the policies governing it. These policies aimed at stopping homophobia go a long way to protect human rights. In addition, training faculty and staff can also provide a safeguard against hate.] Does the campus non-discrimination clause for students include sexual orientation? Yes “University of Waterloo and as such, Grebel is guided by the Ontario Human Rights Code. The Ontario Human Rights states, ‘ a person has the right to equal treatment in a number of areas (i.e., services, goods, and facilities, accommodation/housing, employment, contracts, membership in trade unions and vocational associations), free from discrimination based on the following prohibited grounds: race; ancestry; place of origin; colour; ethnic origin; citizenship; creed/religion; sex; sexual orientation; age; record of offences; marital status; same-sex partnership; family status; receipt of public assistance; mental or physical handicap’ [From Ontario govt. website]” What is the non-discrimination policy for students? “Noted just above.” Is staff trained on issues pertaining to lgbt student needs? No Are faculty trained on issues pertaining to lgbt student needs? No What type of training is offered? When an incident of homophobia happens (i.e. hate speech, physical harm) are there procedures for reporting and resolving violations? Yes What are these procedures? “University of Waterloo has numerous policies and guidelines related to ethical behaviour, harassment, and non-discrimination. Students, faculty, and staff at Grebel all have access to the policies and procedures that are followed in cases of homophobia and other human rights violations. As well, the UW Conflict Management and Human Rights Office provides resources for training and procedures for addressing grievances. Faculty and Staff can also utilize the advocacy services available through their respective associations.”
Is there a commitment to education of lgbt issues and countering homophobia in the different departments? Yes
Are there specific departments that make a commitment to this? “There is no overall institutional approach to such education. Individual administrators and faculty may incorporate educational statements into their particular are of responsibility or teaching. Educational services are available from UW’s Conflict Management and Human Rights Office.” Is there a non-discrimination policy for faculty? Yes Is there a non-discrimination policy for staff? Yes What is the non-discrimination policy for faculty/staff? “Grebel does not have its own policy on non-discrimination. The UW Faculty Association clause on non-discrimination is as follows: The Parties agree that all Members have a right to equal treatment with respect to employment and that there shall be no discrimination, interference, restriction or coercion exercised or practised towards any Member in respect to appointment, benefits, dismissal, promotion, rank, reappointment, salary, tenure or any other terms or conditions of employment by reason of age(except for retirement), ancestry, citizenship, clerical or lay status, colour, creed, ethnic origin,family status, gender, language (except where competence in the language is a bona fide occupational requirement), marital status, membership or non-membership in the Association, physical or emotional ill health or disability (except where the Member refuses to seek medical treatment and/or where the physical or emotional ill health or disability would clearly prevent the carrying out of the required duties of the position), place of origin, political or religious affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, sexual orientation, or any activity pursuant to the principles of academic freedom and responsibilities set out in Article 6.” Are there partner benefits including same-sex couples? Yes Are there any difference in policy of procedure regarding living arrangements between lgbt staff and faculty and their heterosexual counterparts? No Is there a lgbt and/or allies student group on campus Yes “Grebel does not have its own lgbt or allies group. UW, however, has an active group called GLOW (Gay and Lesbians of Waterloo - the LGBTQ community on campus). This club is open to any student living, associating or studying at Grebel. GLOW has a hot-line as well as weekly meetings and events that are open to all students. Information about all Student Federation clubs, like GLOW is distributed to undergrad and graduate students.” What type of group is it (support, lgbt only, allied): “We are unsure of how it designates itself.” If there is a lgbt and/or campus group, is it treated the same as other campus groups? (i.e. funding, representation, faculty contact, advertising) Yes “GLOW is a fully recognized Federation of Students group with all the rights and privileges and financial support of other Fed groups on campus.” Are there opportunities for education on lgbt issues, outside of the classroom (conferences, speakers, vigils, etc…), that the institution offers? Yes “GLOW holds regular meetings, vigils, and conferences. From time to time Grebel also holds forums and conversations on lgbt issues.” Does the lgbt and/or allies group have access to campus facilities, fundraising and advertising? Yes If yes, what type of events? “Example: GLOW is part of UW’s website and has its offices in the heart of campus at the Student Life Centre.” Is the administration willing and able to spend time with lgbt students and groups in discussion of policies affecting lgbt students, staff, and faculty? Absolutely Do the campus pastor/chaplain/priest and religious life staff strive to meet the spiritual needs of lgbt students in a positive, non-judgmental way? Yes In what ways are lgbt students included? “They are included like any other UW student – no discrimination occurs.” Are sexuality issues included in discussion of other peace, justice, and cultural issues on campus? Yes Lgbt Student Physical and Mental Healthcare for Conrad Grebel University College[Conrad Grebel, through the University of Waterloo, has good resources for lgbt students’ physical and mental healthcare.] Are campus health and mental care professionals trained to meet the needs of lgbt students and to provide positive resources? Yes “Both Grebel and University of Waterloo have trained counselors equipped to support and provide positive resources.” During intake, is there optional self-identification for gender identity, sexual orientation, inclusive partner status? Yes Are there written policies explaining confidentiality for clients? Yes Is there a comprehensive resource list for appropriate referrals for special lgbt health concerns? Yes “Health Services on the University of Waterloo campus would have a comprehensive resource list.” Overall Continuum and Study Viability for Conrad Grebel University College[Conrad Grebel ranked itself, on a scale of 1-10, a 7 or 8 for lgbt students and a 7for lgbt faculty and staff.] On a scale of (poor) 1-10 (good), how would you rate your institution in terms of quality of life for lgbt students? “For Grebel’s academic, residential, and associate students, we would rate our institution a 7 or 8.” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 On a scale of (poor) 1-10 (good), how would you rate your institution in terms of quality of life for lgbt faculty/staff/administration? “This is difficult to answer, given no comparative models, but perhaps a 7.” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Why would you recommend that a lgbt prospective student attend your institution? “Because we offer a diverse community of living and learning. Grebel offers the small community and values of a Mennonite institution within the context of a large provincial University of 20,000 students. This affiliation with the large university gives students access to an immense variety of resources and support.” Was this survey helpful? “Yes, somewhat.” Why? “The survey helped us to intentionally explore the policies that are in place for students, faculty and staff, and brought us into discussion about the environment we create at Grebel for LGBT individuals.” |
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