Welcome to a new year and the beginnings of another great semester!
Last semester, a coalition of many University groups and departments, including the Dean of Students Office, Advocacy and Support Services, CSU, GSA, FASA, University Communications, Library, Ombuds Office and Office of Rights and Responsibilities, came together to launch “We Value”, a year-long awareness campaign that aims to reinforce a climate of respect in all University activities and interactions.
By identifying what we value as a community, and encouraging community members to think about what they value, acceptance and positive action will be fostered leading to a welcoming and inclusive campus climate via the power of personal and collective responsibility.
The campaign is still going strong and we invite you to take part in it once again.
Student groups, departments and faculty can be involved by simply displaying one of the seven posters (“We Value Diversity”, “We Value our Students” “We Value our Professors” “We Value our Staff”, “We Value Respect”, “We Value You”, “We Value Concordia”), by hosting or sending us events which fall under the “We Value” banner, sending in their value statements or just by including the “We Value” logo in their communications.
We can also provide information on putting We Value… (with any appropriate word) on your email signature. As well, we can give you a file to allow you to print posters with words you choose (so far this year we have done quite a few including We Value Haiti, our Elders, our International Students, Loyola, our Retirees, and many more).
A professional development series under the banner of “We Value Our Students” offered faculty and staff an opportunity last semester to learn more about communicating across cultures, student parents, and students with disabilities.
This semester, sessions are being offered on international, transgender and Native students. Information will be available soon and you are invited to participate.
Some minor funding is available for student groups wishing to initiate a new event. We hope that all departments, in their regular activities (e.g. orientation, professional development, sports, meetings, luncheons, etc.) will also be willing to “fly” the “We Value…” banner and include it in any speeches or presentations.
We would love to hear about your events which can be included on our website. As well, a monthly theme and resources are available there and we would love to receive your suggestions of appropriate books, movies, etc. for inclusion.
For more information please visit the We Value website or send us an email at wevalue@alcor.concordia.ca, or hear Rick Mercer talk a little more about the “We Value…” Campaign:
Posted on January 26, 2010
