Safe and Respectful Community
Our Commitment to a Safe and Respectful Community
Each member of the College community has a responsibility to foster a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and rights of each individual in all areas of the learning and working environment. This includes providing fair treatment, being inclusive and not bullying, harassing, or discriminating.
We all share the responsibility to treat each other, and those who interact with the College, with civility and respect. Every member of the College community has the responsibility to uphold our values and to understand the impact of their behavior. Members of the community are expected to collaboratively resolve concerns, maintain effective relationships, and contribute to a positive, inclusive community culture.
Community members must consider how social identity, culture, values, and beliefs impact perceptions of what is civil and respectful behaviour. Perceptions can also vary by place, time and context. While factors such as identity may influence perception of behaviour, we will consider the impact of the behavior and respond to concerns in an effective, inclusive and equitable way.
~ NSCC Respectful Community Policy[1]
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.
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.
NSCC Campus Housing: Building Respectful Communities
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. Through these interactions, we hope to create a Campus Housing community that is inclusive and safe. 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 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.
Campus Housing is not for everyone. Community comes first. Much like the social solidarity that is a focal point of our culture in Nova Scotia, living in Campus Housing requires a commitment to living in a shared space.
If you are not prepared to live in a shared space, we encourage you to explore alternate housing options. Please refer to other housing supports found on the NSCC housing webpage.
- NSCC. (2020). Respectful community policy. https://www.nscc.ca/about/publications/policies-procedures/policies/respectful-community-policy.asp ↵
