H&A Leadership Commitment:
The 鶹's philosophy guides our commitment to Indigeneity - Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism, and Accessibility (I-EDIAA), as well as the Principal and Senior Leadership’s commitment to addressing systemic racism and other foundational documents such as the Scarborough Charter and the university’s Truth and Reconciliation Task Force report, Extending the Rafters (PDF 4MB).
We embrace and empower inclusivity for all community members to thrive. Welcoming and supporting students, faculty, and staff from varying cultures and backgrounds, H&A commits to creating and sustaining communities where equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity are embraced and celebrated.
Housing and Ancillary Services commits to fostering an inclusive community with accessible goods, services, and facilities that respect the dignity and independence of persons with specific requirements, supporting those who live, work, and eat together by providing necessary accommodations.
Across our operations, we strive to bring an I-EDIAA perspective to our daily work, by making the spaces we steward welcoming for all, and making our services and programming accessible and inclusive.
Our staff maintain I-EDIAA considerations at the forefront of all service delivery and proposed enhancements, including:
- Residence Admissions team arranges one-on-one supports for students requiring living accommodations and collaborates with Hospitality Services to guide students with allergy and dietary needs on the residence meal plan.
- Hospitality Services provide diverse menu offerings catering to individuals with allergies and vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, Halal, Kosher and other special dietary needs.
- H&A IT Services ensure employees' workspaces get designed with equal access to technology solutions meeting individual needs through hardware and software solutions, ergonomic keyboards, standing desks, visual readers, hearing supports etc.
- Event Services professionals help event organizers meet attendees' accommodation requirements and dietary needs in menu planning, gender-neutral and accessible washrooms, breastfeeding spaces, prayer rooms, adjustable workstations, hearing assistant devices, etc.
Our I-EDIAA plan is framed across four dimensions: People, Spaces, Services & Programs, Principles & Values. In each dimension below, the Foundations section outlines core I-EDIAA initiatives and activities already in place and the Next Steps section identifies our work-in-progress. We welcome all ideas and suggestions for new initiatives that would make Housing and Ancillary Services more welcoming and inclusive to all.
People (Training, Recruitment, Retention, Professional Development)
Strengthened and enriched by diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences, H&A leadership and staff participate in regular discussions and ongoing I-EDIAA training in partnership with the Human Rights and Equity Office and Human Resources.
- Diversity emphasis in hiring practices, including standard I-EDIAA language in all job profiles, targeted advertising to equity-seeking groups, staff training on equitable hiring processes, and standard I-EDIAA interview questions for all competitions.
- Support professional development and goal setting around I-EDIAA through the annual performance dialogue process.
- Staff complete two core I-EDIAA training modules: the “Call It Out” e-course on racism, racial discrimination, and human rights and “Working Together: Building an Inclusive 鶹’s Community.” Senior leaders also complete the ‘Showing Up for Anti-racism and Inclusion’ course.
- Managers and some staff have completed training in Mental Health First Aid, Kairos Blanket Exercise, Workplace Mental Health Leadership Certificate Program, Diversity and Inclusion Staff Team Learning Program, and Positive Space.
- Remote Work Arrangements are supported where operationally feasible.
- Regular check-ins at staff meetings to maintain I-EDIAA considerations as a ‘top of mind’ priority.
- Annual student-staff training program in residence includes Human Rights, Anti-Semitism, Anti-Islamophobia, and awareness of campus I-EDIAA resources.
- One senior leader certified as Anti-Racism Response Trainer, to build capacity for expanded in-house knowledge transfer.
- All Hospitality Services' managers/supervisors have completed mental health training with a mandated requirement for all new hires. Participation in 鶹's Career Gateway Program, which creates employment pathways and learning opportunities at 鶹's for vulnerable persons within the Kingston community, particularly newcomers to Canada, refugees, and individuals belonging to equity-deserving groups with limited English-language skills.
- The leadership team seeks opportunities to participate in efforts to eliminate discrimination, injustice, and violence, engage communities in dialogue and action, and complete training offered through the Human Rights and Equity Offices and Human Resources to build and support inclusivity in the workplace.
- Staff participation expanded in completing “English Language Learners in the Workplace: Strategies to Ensure Success for Everyone”, an education program to support working with students and/or employees whose first language is not English.
- Off-Campus Living Advisor (OCLA) establishes meaningful partnerships with equity-deserving student groups through OCLA Housing Talks and other OCLA events.
- Explore offering a program where student peers (within the OCLA Office) would complete personal property views on behalf of international and exchange students.
- Event Services managers to complete the 'From Diversity to Inclusion in the Workplace' Certificate.
Spaces (Physical & Digital)
H&A understands the importance of having accessible and sustainable spaces, both physically and digitally, to meet the diverse needs of students, staff, faculty, and the community. We commit to continuing efforts to improve the inclusivity and accessible of both the physical and virtual spaces we manage, to improve the experience for all those living, working, or visiting our spaces.
- Recruitment and marketing materials include diverse representation.
- Leonard and Ban Righ dining halls are fully accessible.
- Recognition of equity-deserving communities with the presence of flags in various residence buildings and dining halls.
- An Clachan features an accessible community room (opened in June 2023) and accessibility ramps at all building entrances. An Clachan offers two fully accessible housing units.
- Regularly updated websites for AODA compliance to increase accessibility and ease-of-use and to enhance content on I-EDIAA services and initiatives.
- IT Services supports accessible employees' workspaces with assisted technology hardware and software solutions, ergonomic keyboards, standing desks, visual readers, hearing support, etc., to meet individual needs.
- Provide barrier-free living options and up to 45 OBC-accessible rooms in Endaayaan-Tkanónsote with accessible entrances, elevators, accessible washers & dryers on each floor and a service animal washing station.
- Endaayaan - Tkanónsote, opened in 2022, is the first building at 鶹’s named in Indigenous languages. Endaayaan – Tkanónsote are Indigenous words for “home”, reflecting the purpose and function of the building in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway) and Kanyen’kéha (Mohawk), the local language of the Haudenosaunee nations. The building offers unique I-EDIAA spaces, including an Indigenous gathering space in the courtyard, ablution stations, dedicated prayer space and a low-sensory space.
- International Welcome Wall and information highlighting LEED sustainability building features installed in the Endaayaan - Tkanónsote lobby (2025).
- JDUC revitalized (2024) and offers 91 private rooms with private washrooms, as well as enhanced study rooms.
- Ongoing commitment to assess current infrastructure and review options for more accessible spaces as possible.
- Video recording hardware installed in most residences in response to student feedback and to assist with investigation response to incidents.
- WandaNEXT technology deployed across all residence buildings to increase accessibility for students in reporting common areas and washrooms requiring service or repair.
- Enhancements to student-facing information to encourage completion of Room Assessment Forms and to encourage submission of Maintenance Request Orders.
- Conversion of multi-stall washrooms in residence buildings to single-user, gender-neutral facilities.
- Accessible modifications to Q Water station at Mac-Corry food court.
- Accessible door operator at Ban Righ hall washroom.
- When viable, older buildings will be retrofitted to enhance door operations with wheelchair access points, and accessible audio and visual supports in office and meeting spaces.
- Support inclusive and sustainable decision-making by participating in the Teaching and Learning consultation committee for future Grant Hall improvements.
- Living Learning and Unique Communities are available to first-year students through the residence application process. LLCs are unique faculty or interest-based floors or clusters of rooms where students with similar values live together and engage in creative, social, and educational programming related to the topic of their specific community.
- Maintain two all-female identified residence buildings that offer 178 beds within the Adelaide Hall and Ban Righ Hall communities.
- New buildings are to be designed to meet accessibility requirements established by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
- Revitalization planning for Gordon Brockington residence to increase accessibility features and spaces.
- Finalize a preliminary consultative report on the redevelopment of the An Clachan housing complex to increase 鶹’s-owned housing access for graduate and professional students.
- Complete video recording installation in residence.
- Complete design work of Leonard and Ban Righ private all gender washrooms.
- Establish additional smudging spaces.
Services & Programs (Delivery)
H&A is accountable for developing, refining and implementing inclusive education programs and operations across all service and delivery areas, ensuring welcoming, caring, respectful and safe environments are available for the diverse population of students and guests that we serve.
- Donald Gordon Hotel & Conference Centre, Event Services, the University Club and Hospitality Services demonstrate commitment to inclusivity and gender diversity through ‘Travel Proud’ and ‘Rainbow Registered’ accreditations.
- Community Housing delivers programming for international students and families at An Clachan, including English language conversation circles, cultural celebrations, and programs to introduce new residents to the Kingston community.
- All students living in residence complete a pre-arrival module outlining expectations for behaviour, educate on university policies, including harassment and discrimination, and provide information about contributing positively to their residence community.
- Hospitality Services menu planning reflects diversity and inclusivity, including accommodations for special diets and cultural diversity. Themed events support various traditions and/or special events such as Black Histories and Futures month, Diwali, and Lunar New Year, to name a few. Consultative feedback is provided from student groups through participation in menu tastings.
- Hospitality Service’s Registered Dietitian delivers one-on-one support to students with food allergies and special diets on the mandatory meal plan, to navigate campus dining safely and comfortably. Educational outreach is also provided through the RD's collaborative work with campus partners such as the Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Athletic & Recreation, Sustainable 鶹's and Residence Dons to deliver presentations, host events, and interactive activities.
- Participation in the university’s Food Insecurity Advisory Committee and the coordination of “Swipe It Forward,” a peer-to-peer program for students on meal plans to donate unused meal swipes to students in need supports campus food security.
- Work with the Alma Mater Society to run the PEACH Market (Providing Equity and Changing Hunger), addressing food insecurity on campus through food rescue offered in a pay-what-you-can operating model (opened Fall 2022).
- Whole Bowl program at Mac-Corry provides reduced-cost, nutritious meal options, made fresh daily, for students and staff on campus.
- Work with partners across campus, such as Yellow House and Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre, to deliver and promote I-EDIAA programming for students in residence.
- Embedded mental health therapists in residence deliver individual support and group programs to improve access for students requiring mental health support.
- Executive Director, Housing & Ancillary Services serves on the University Anti-Hate Advisory Group.
- Reduce the financial barriers women-identified individuals experience by providing access to free menstrual products through dispensers in residence buildings in partnership with the Residence Society and Residence Facilities.
- Name pronunciation tool for staff email signature blocks encourages accurate audio pronunciations of names.
- Engage with a working group of campus stakeholders (e.g., Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Four Directions, etc.) to determine use of the Annual Indigenous Fund from the Cold Beverage Supplier agreement with Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited.
- Just in Time initiative (launched Sept 2024), provides access to affordable baked goods and grab-and-go items at 50% off, before expiry, in proprietary retail food locations.
- Changes implemented to the residence application to ease accommodation process for gender identification for non-binary and trans individuals.
- Early arrival option for move-in offered to international students (in partnership with Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment), Jewish students observing Shabbat and Indigenous student and family Welcome Day.
- Pet-Friendly residence community at Jean Royce Hall (opened in 2023) supports student wellbeing.
- The Residence Support Coordinator provides additional resources and supports for students requesting accommodations through the residence application process, as well as support for students impacted by sexual violence, harassment and discrimination and other challenges during the academic year.
- 鶹’s Event Services professionals help organizers meet attendees' accommodation requirements and dietary needs in menu planning, gender-neutral and accessible washrooms, breastfeeding space, prayer rooms, adjustable workstations, hearing assistant devices, etc.
- Accommodation support provided to our community during times of need by:
- Offering affordable nightly summer accommodations options.
- Reduced summer accommodation rates for families supporting patients in Kingston hospitals.
- Emergency spaces for students in crisis and individuals where natural disasters have impacted living environments.
- Fairtrade coffee, tea and a chocolate bar option in foodservice locations supports small-scale farm organizations and plantations that meet social, economic, and environmental standards.
- Educate students about responsible food consumption, available campus food access resources, and ways to support peers in need through available initiatives.
- Provide students with access to trained chefs available on-site to address immediate dietary questions and encourage them to always 'Ask Before You Eat'.
- Promote diverse events and educational initiatives to students living in Residence, in collaboration with campus partners, to help engage them. Educational initiatives include, but are not limited to, Health/Mental Health, I-EDIAA, Community Building, and Pride Week.
- Hospitality Services to continue offering experiential learning workshops and educational opportunities to students, such as cooking classes.
- Exploration of programming and supports in residence for neurodiverse students.
- Increase the promotion of mocktails through expanded offerings to support harm reduction.
- Continue the Second-Hand Shuffle event for 2026-27 and expand it to include small pop-up events in early September to support new/international students who need household items for free.
- Launch a property viewing program where students within the Off-Campus Living Advisors office would complete personal views on behalf of international and exchange students.
- Complete a major review and content update of the Community Housing and OCLA websites, newsletters, emails and resources to make language more student-friendly, clear, and concise.
Principles & Values (Policy)
H&A works to cultivate a campus that embraces diversity and empowers all members of our community to thrive at 鶹’s. Respect, integrity, and transparency are pillars of our success. We commit to ongoing review of our policies, principles and practices through an I-EDIAA lens, to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
- Housing and Ancillary Services’ values are Wellbeing, Responsibility, Innovation, Teamwork and Experience.
- The Residence Contract sets expectations and community standards around I-EDIAA principles for all students living in residence.
- Strong partnerships with student clubs and campus services (ie. 4D, Hillel, QUMSA, Yellow House) support inclusivity.
- Harm reduction promotion and education around alcohol and substance use for students in residence, in partnership with 鶹’s Health Promotion.
- Collaborate with Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Services to promote the “It Takes All of Us” learning module.
- Service Animal policy in residence.
- Process for both health and non-health accommodation for consideration in residence admission.
- IT systems allow students in residence to identify their preferred names for proper use.
- An ‘Accommodation in the Workplace Policy’ supports individual staff with accommodation and disability requirements.
- Provide below-market rental rates at An Clachan and John Orr Tower and utilize a Lottery Allocation System exclusively for students in graduate and professional programs attending 鶹’s.