Positive Space Training* (via Zoom)
For many LGBTQ2S+ students, staff, and faculty, university life provides an important opportunity to "come out." This can be a difficult and confusing time, especially if they do not have anyone to whom they can talk or do not know the groups and resources that are available. As well, some queer members of the Trent community continue to report that they have encountered homophobic attitudes and behaviour at Trent.
The purpose of the Positive Space Program is to identify and encourage the development of positive spaces throughout Trent University. Positive spaces are locations in which sexual and gender identity is affirmed and individuals can receive support and information on LGBTQ2S+ issues.
Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Registration link
All things SAS . . . as it pertains to you* (via Zoom)
What is an accommodation? How do I accommodate students with disabilities? What is my responsibility under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA)?
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own questions about the services provided by Student Accessibility Services and how to promote accessible campus and classroom environments. Examples of how to accommodate students through universal instructional design and how students can use assistive and mobile technologies to access university and course content will be discussed.
Date: Thursday, May 6, 2021
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am
Registration link
Coaching Students
In a coaching session, a coach facilitates change through conversation. Coaching guides another person to self-assessment and self-direction in an encouraging and supportive way. Students can benefit from this process in their academic and personal lives, as it fosters growth and self-awareness of strengths and values. This process is not always comfortable but, in many cases, leads to an “Aha!” moment. Participants will have the opportunity to coach and be coached in this session.
First Year Experience
The first year of university is a time of social and academic transition for all students. Participants will be introduced to student demographic data for Trent University, a timeline for First Year experience, and explore ‘controversial’ topics in first year experience literature.
By the end of this workshop participants will:
- Analyze videos featuring diverse student experiences in their first year of university
- Compare and contrast student data and personal beliefs of first year students at Trent University
- Discuss ‘controversial’ topics in first- year experience literature
Blanket Exercise
This workshop will involve participation in the Blanket Exercise. The Blanket Exercise is an enormously popular and successful teaching tool that uses a participatory education methodology to raise awareness and understanding of the history of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. During this exercise, a script traces the relationship between Europeans and Indigenous nations in Canada, while the participants respond to various cues and interact by reading prepared scrolls. By involving people in an holistic way, the Blanket Exercise has consistently proven to be effective in helping people to understand how federal government policies and practices impact on and continue to influence the lives of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Book appointment via email: fphl@trentu.ca
Supporting International Students
International students make up 7-8% of the Trent student population and more than 80 countries and cultures are in that mix. International students can present different concerns than domestic students, including cultural adaptation, immigration procedures, health insurance concerns and a lack of an immediate support network. TIP successfully engages a broad range of international students, and provides opportunities for building community and trans-cultural friendship. This workshop will highlight some of these concerns, while discussing issues of cross-cultural communication and inter-cultural competency. Additionally, we will discuss resources available for international students on campus and in the community, and provide you ways to continue building a supportive and inclusive environment for all at Trent .
Supporting International Students: Part 2
This session will build on the concepts and theories addressed in the 'Supporting International Students' workshop, and give participants further opportunity to discuss the unique set of challenges International students face and how, as staff and faculty, we can best support student success and transition. Participants will hear stories, and review case studies from current and past International students while discussing guidelines and recommendations for supporting students in culturally diverse interactions.
Supporting Issues of Multi-faith
In today's diverse society, an awareness and basic understanding of religious traditions and contemporary views about spirituality are assets in understanding and relating to current university students. Today’s students have spiritual needs, such as: hunger for spirituality, search for meaning, putting compassion into action, and facing new learning and experiences that brings traditional views on faith into question. This workshop will provide an overview of general religious affiliation in contemporary society and review resources available on campus, online and in the community. From this, participants will be more aware and sensitive to how multi-faith matters, and spirituality in general, are part of students’ exploration and life-experience.