Safe and Respectful Community

Building Safe and Respectful Communities Together

NSCC Campus Housing is a living and learning environment, one that encourages students to come together and explore opportunities for social diversity, community connections as well as educational and personal growth. We also want to foster an environment that makes room for students to gain an understanding of the principles of respect, civility, and acceptance for not only different fields of study, but also for those cultural, political and social philosophies that make up our local and global communities. Furthermore, NSCC Campus Housing acknowledges that Anti Black and Anti Indigenous racism is deeply embedded in Canadian institutions and society and commits to action against Anti Black and Anti Indigenous Racism in our Campus Housing communities.

Principle of Respect:

Respect is the foundation of all positive interactions and relationships within our community. It means acknowledging the inherent worth of every individual and treating others with consideration, kindness, and fairness. Respect involves valuing people’s perspectives, cultures, and boundaries, while fostering a safe environment where everyone can express themselves freely without fear of judgment or harm.

Principle of Civility:

Civility is the practice of engaging with others in a manner that is polite, courteous, and considerate, even in situations of disagreement or conflict. It involves communicating thoughtfully, listening actively, and upholding a standard of behavior that promotes harmony and mutual understanding. Civility is about maintaining a respectful tone and demeanor, contributing to a culture of constructive dialogue and peaceful resolution of differences.

Principle of Acceptance:

Acceptance means embracing and valuing the diversity of individuals within our community, understanding that everyone has unique identities, experiences, and perspectives. It is the willingness to be open-minded and nonjudgmental, offering support and encouragement to others regardless of their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or background. Acceptance fosters an inclusive environment where every person feels seen, heard, and empowered to be their authentic self.

By upholding these principles of respect, civility, and acceptance, we aim to build a community where every individual feels valued and supported in their personal and academic journey. Our shared commitment to these ideals will not only enhance the student housing experience but also contribute to the growth of a more compassionate, diverse, and globally-minded community.

Building communities that are civil and respectful helps everyone and;

• Supports good mental wellness in the learning and working environment.
• Holds people responsible for their actions.
• Fosters an inclusive learning and working environment that embraces diversity.
• Improves relationships.
• Improves problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Increases productivity and engagement.
• Reduces stress.

How do we create a culture of respect and civility? Every student can contribute by:

• Recognizing, valuing, and respecting the differences and similarity in others.
• Valuing the contributions of all members of the community
• Maintaining positive communication and collaboration (teamwork).
• Supporting a culture of fairness and equity
• Listening to others
• Apologizing willingly and sincerely to a community member when something you have said or done has offended them or caused them harm.
• Ensuring ongoing communication, feedback, and workload planning.

  Student Accountability

  Individuals found responsible for engaging in any racist, discriminatory, violent or harassing behaviour will be met with compassionate, yet firm consequences designed to protect the dignity and safety of all, which may include immediate removal from NSCC Campus Housing or academic properties. Behaviour expectations, and consequences are outlined within the Community Standards section of the guide.

   

  Campus Housing is not for everyone. It focuses on community and shared spaces. When you sign the Campus Housing Agreement, you agree to live in a place where community wellness comes first.
  If you’re not ready to live in a shared space, we suggest looking into other housing options. You can find more information on the NSCC housing webpage housing webpage.