Sault College’s Strategic Plan boldly declares that we will put “students first” and that we will be the pre-eminent student-centred college. Intrinsic to these declarations is the commitment that we value and embrace diversity, equity, inclusion and respect as core to the creation of an invitational college at which all students have the opportunity to succeed.
We recognize that historical and persistent inequities and barriers to equitable participation exist and are well documented in society.
We believe individual and systemic biases contribute to the marginalization of designated groups. These biases include race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, nationality, place of origin, colour, ethnicity, culture, linguistic origin, citizenship, creed (religion, faith), marital status, socio-economic class, family status, receipt of public assistance or record of offense. We acknowledge that resolving First Nations, Metis and Inuit sovereignty issues is fundamental to pursuing equity and social justice within Canada.
We acknowledge the richness and diversity of our student population and as our college community evolves, and our staff and student population changes, we will implement policies and practices which create an invitational college environment.
Our Guiding Principles
Our guiding principles are based on the foundations of invitational education which include the belief that all people matter, are able and responsible, and should be treated accordingly (Purkey & Novak, 2008).
We believe that we must put students first and that doing so in a purposeful way creates an invitational college which encourages diversity and inclusion, which in turn strengthens the fabric of our college and student life.
As such we demonstrate leadership in eliminating barriers, and implementing and promoting diversity through our academic policies, special initiatives and proactive measures.
We are committed to addressing and eliminating harassment and discrimination by working to create a college which practices inclusion in our classrooms, support services and workplace.