A message from the Centre for Organizational Excellence:
Niagara College employees are reminded to please register now for Day of Reflection on Wednesday, February 28.
The event will take place in the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at the Welland Campus, with light refreshments and networking beginning at 8:15 a.m. and the program starting at 9 a.m. Lunch will follow.
Day of Reflection 2024 will take a deeper dive into NC’s commitment to social inclusion and environmental sustainability, a key area of focus in our Strategic Plan. It will feature a plenary session focusing on the important work being done across the college in sustainability and EDI and break-out sessions that will provide an opportunity to identify ways we can each support these commitments.
Employees will have the opportunity to attend one of seven breakout sessions of their choice:
- EDI Blueprint in Action: EDI Catalysts
Join Samah Sabra and four of NC’s EDI Catalysts to learn how Niagara College’s EDI Blueprint is being put into action. The session will provide you with opportunity to hear from EDI Catalysts – Maija Saari, Katie McQuestion, Baljit Bhamber and Elaine Burgess – who will share about the initiative and how they are moving forward the goals and actions in the EDI blueprint.
- Accessibility in Organizational Design
Join Jeff Collee and Nazanin Nadri to learn about the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) and how to better understand physical accessibility and universal design principles. Check out this InsideNC article to learn more about how we are breathing new life into campus spaces.
- Accessibility in Action with the CAE!
Join Whit Ross and Kate Wiley from the CAE to explore how we can put accessibility practices into action at Niagara College! This session will provide participants the opportunity to interrogate assumptions around accessibility and disability, explore key terms and concepts in accessibility, and review strategies for enhancing accessibility in your day-to-day work at Niagara College. Check out some of the great resources available in Accessibility Hub that will be discussed in the session.
- Students & Sustainability
Join Nicolette Nastopoulos, and students Lebert Omac (Ecosystem Restoration), Sierra Savoie (Environmental Management and Assessment), to learn about the sustainability-related work-integrated learning taking place at NC, using campuses as a living lab, highlighting turtle monitoring and invasive species management projects they have been involved with on campus.
- Project Refresh
Join Steve Kosh, Jessica Berecz, Michele O’Keefe and Leah Hogan for a panel discussion moderated by Nadeen Shehaiber about Project Refresh. This session will offer an overview of the project which incorporates EDI and sustainability into our campus spaces as well as sharing on the topics and themes of the consultation process which drives the decisions making process.
- Sustainability & EDI Campus Tour
Join Katie Bristow and Aria D’alimonte on a tour around the Welland Campus to learn about the different indoor and outdoor EDI and sustainability key features.
- SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Crossover
Join Brooke Pasco and Taryn Wilkinson to further explore the connections between EDI and Sustainability! This session will provide you with the opportunity to learn more about the intersections between these two areas by reviewing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, exploring key areas supporting EDI and Sustainability at NC, and considering opportunities for you to support EDI & Sustainability in your day-to-day work at Niagara College.
Employees can select their session at the event.
As a reminder, here are some things you can do to prepare for the day:
- Download the Wayfinder app on your phone. Please refer to the Accessible and Gender Neutral Washroom List to identify washrooms that best meets your needs.
- Bring a reusable coffee cup for your coffee.
- Bring in any good condition, small household items or clothing as donations for a Free Store for students that we will be hosting in the week following the event. Please keep in mind that these items must be small enough for students to potentially transport home on public transit.
We look forward to seeing you there. Please register by Friday, February 23.
