Creating a welcoming and diverse community
Creating a welcoming and diverse community
NSCC is committed to fostering an equitable, inclusive and diverse environment for everyone. This dedication is reflected in various initiatives and supports designed to encourage students and employees to actively contribute to an equitable community.
Community councils
The NSCC-Mi’kmaq Joint Working Committee and Joint Steering Committee, Black Community Council and Accessibility Advisory Committee provide first-voice input to help drive systemic change, provide guidance and support decolonizing efforts to create an inclusive educational environment. These councils focus on improving student experiences, addressing systemic barriers and fostering equity and accessibility for equity-deserving communities.
International student experience and immigration
Various supports and programs have been developed to ensure international students feel welcomed in community and are supported throughout their studies. This includes dedicated international student advisors, immigration advice, EAL supports and a Writing Centre, as well as the International Student Ambassador (ISA) Program, which fosters community through events and activities. Additionally, NSCC participates in the Pathway to Stay Program, in collaboration with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable and the Government of Canada, which prepares international students for Work Integrated Learning and employment.
Tuition and financial support for students from equity-deserving communities
Last year, $41.1K in cost-of-living bursaries, were dedicated to students from equity-deserving communities including Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotian learners. Financial support has been continuously enhanced through current and new student awards and programs including Entrepreneur-in-the-Making, Student Works, Pathways to Shipbuilding for People of African Descent and the Growing Nova Scotia’s Skilled Trades Workforce Bursary.
Accessibility
Aligned with the Accessibility Plan and Nova Scotia's goal of becoming barrier-free by 2030, accessible course materials and a resource guide have been introduced to aid faculty with implementing academic accommodations. Accessibility Teaching Specialists were also hired to support faculty in complex teaching situations, and the Admissions Policy was updated to include a designated seat for Persons with Disabilities.
Mark Mortel
Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Technology Campus
Mark Mortel, a nurse in his home country of the Philippines, came to NSCC to pursue an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) diploma. He recently secured his Nova Scotia nursing license through an expedited pathway for international nurses. He now works at Dartmouth General Hospital, integrating his nursing skills with his OH&S training.
“NSCC has a lot of great resources to help international students settle in the province. These supports helped me make new connections and improve my skills.”
international student ambassadors
awards distributed to students from equity-deserving communities