Belongingness
Governance
The heart of our college
At Lakeland, our commitment of fostering a sense of belongingness stems from our core values of learner success, integrity, respect, community, excellence and innovation.
This document will foster a sense of belonging through fives areas of focus, ensuring every individual feels valued, included and respected:
- align systems
- actions and attitudes
- aspirations
- communication
- the Lakeland Way
Appendix
Lakeland College annually identifies existing initiatives within our college community that align with:
- United Nations sustainable development goals
- Lakeland College mission, vision and values
- Lakeland College Board of Governors goals
Informed by these elements, Lakeland has set the following goals:
- Goal: Establish and activate committees that represent diverse groups across Lakeland, responsible for promoting belongingness.
- Actions:
- Hold three meetings per year to ensure regular engagement.
- Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) based on the five compass areas using benchmarking surveys.
- Call for annual department activity updates to review initiatives.
- Use the Belongingness Compass and KPIs to assess progress annually.
- Provide recommendations for enhancement or maintenance and present reports to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
- Measure of Success:
- Establishment of KPIs and metrics for all 5 areas.
- Goal: Integrate belongingness into every aspect of student and employee experiences.
- Actions:
- Keep a live inventory of existing belongingness activities, updated annually with departmental input.
- Implement educational initiatives and training that include workshops, digital materials, and onboarding sessions.
- Create awareness campaigns for students and employees about the importance of belongingness through communication channels (newsletters, social media, etc.).
- Establish "Belongingness Ambassadors" within each department to champion daily practice initiatives.
- Measure of Success:
- Feedback from students and employees indicating a greater awareness of belongingness efforts.
- Updated inventories annually, accessible to all departments.
These goals support and integrate with our wider efforts, such as Vision 2030, our strategic plan and Lakeland College's Mandate.
Organized by our values, explore how each initiative aligns below:
Guiding behaviours
We support innovation and progress, we build collaborative partnerships, we welcome and embrace diversity, we promote volunteerism, we take care of one another.
- 4 Seasons of Reconciliation training.5, 7
- Access to phones and technology.6
- Assortment of stories posted on diversity, inclusion and education.5, 7
- Attended working sessions with provincial government on inclusion of transgender athletes in post-secondary sport.3, 7
- Belongingness Ecosystem being developed.2, 7
- Beyond the Classroom Fireside Chats with successful and prominent emergency service women and minorities.4
- Big Cook - group preparation of food for students, focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy food choices.3, 7
- Business - 50% international students.6
- Committed to identifying a First Nations group raising beef cattle to discuss and share best management practices around neonatal nutrition.7
- Committee member of TEAMS Alberta as well as collaborating with them for supporting Indigenous students with their apprenticeship technical training.4, 6, 7
- Community Pow Wow in June at Lloyd Exhibition.7
- Community volunteering.4, 7
- Competitive salary with full benefits for permanent staff allows improved health and welfare.1
- Defined benefit pension allows income security later in life.1
- Designated safe spaces.7
- Discussions in agriculture industry regarding Indigenization.7
- Diversity of cultures on staff.7
- Elder in Residence.6, 7
- Embrace diversity, belongingness, engagement and retention through the student experience.7
- Employee and Family Assistance Program.3
- Engagement with the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council.4
- Grander presence in the ETC lobby for the Land Acknowledgement and Treaty Six Flag.4, 5
- Art Exhibit with Dansun Photography on emergency service PTSD, suicide and mental health.3, 4
- Events in Indigenous communities and inviting Indigenous school groups for campus tours.4, 7
- EXL (academic and career preparation).6
- Faculty-hosted workshops on student success and staff connectivity.6
- Faculty member trained in sensory-safe salon (autism-friendly).3, 7
- Faculty member trained to facilitate Mental Health First Aid.3, 7
- Harassment Prevention Policy.1, 3, 5
- High female student enrolment.2
- High FNMI student enrolment.7
- Highlight services available for diverse groups through various marketing channels.3, 6, 7
- Holiday self-care bags for residents.3
- HOT6 commitments and involvement.4, 5
- HR advice days/workshop connecting with students/alumni/staff - basic points Tax forms, labour rights.3
- Include Indigenous Student Committee in Open House activities.6, 7
- Inclusion and diversity fundamentally ingrained in Human Services programs.6, 7
- Incorporate diversity into student section for social media takeovers.2, 5, 7
- Increase awareness regarding sexual violence and safe app.3
- Industry connectivity through practicum placements of pre-employment programs.1, 4, 6
- Institute a Pipe Ceremony into the ETC Field Opening tradition.4, 5
- Institute the Land Acknowledgement in our pre-employment graduations.4, 5
- International student enrolment.1, 6, 7
- International student events (Diwali, Winterfest, Thanksgiving feast).3, 7
- Involved with Indigenous groups and looking at collaborating with Foundational Learning.
- Lakeland pride t-shirt in Bookstore.5, 7
- Learner Labs for first-year students-review for returning students.6
- 2SLGBTQI+ events.7
- Medicine walks.4, 7
- Mental Health Art Competition.3
- Métis Awareness Week.7
- Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy Groups.
- Ministry of Immigration and Career Training Planning Committee for Adult Basic Education Redesign.4, 6
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women awareness, Orange Shirt Day, and other events.5
- Next year focus on diversity events and celebrations.7
- One-on-one advising and support.6
- Participating in Inclusivity Events.5, 7
- Participation in Economic Partnership Summit.5
- Partnership with Inclusive Post-Secondary.4, 6
- Partnerships with Indigenous Communities in SK, delivering training.1, 4, 6
- Pathway exposure through Career and Technology Studies in collaboration with local school divisions.1, 4, 6
- Promote cultural events, shared a news release about Lakeland's commitment to the TRC calls to actions.5, 7
- Promote good culture through team building and team collaboration.3
- Promoting our Indigenous support services, featuring content on wellness, financial, and cultural academic supports.3, 6
- Provide equal opportunities to students for mentorships.6, 7
- Provide hairstyling services to the Bea Fisher organization.3, 4
- QPR - how to respond to suicide training.3
- Ran a Make Some Noise for Mental Health campaign.3, 7
- Recovery on Campus programming.3
- Research staff hiring considers underrepresented groups such as women in STEM or in agriculture, as well as those from remote or rural communities.1, 2, 7
- Researching and implementing more inclusive hiring practices.7
- Safe Space Training.3
- Ongoing membership and representation on the Canadian Fire Chiefs Association Diversity and Inclusion Committee.2, 4, 7
- Sexual and Gender-based Violence Policy.1, 3, 5
- Social Media Presence - Use ETC Instagram to promote and highlight female and minority first responders.2, 7
- Soup and bannock program.3
- Structured attendance policy with capacity for earned time back to address student absenteeism.6
- Student-athletes/coaches from volleyball, basketball and soccer coach youth sport programs in the community.4, 7
- Student-athletes volunteering to coach young female hockey players in the community.4
- Support and promote students belonging through clubs or community groups.3, 4
- Support international recruitment efforts.5, 6
- Talking about community supports.3
- Teepee Raising.7
- The Inquiring Mind.3
- TPIS (FNMI transition course).6
- Truth and Reconciliation events.5
- Unranked acceptance system (no GPA or other parameters).7
- Violence Prevention Policy.1, 3, 5
- Women's hockey organized an introduction to hockey for new immigrants in Lloydminster.4
- Work with sponsors to offer intro courses to pre-employment programs through contracts.4, 6
- Worked with Marketing on a Black History Month video.7
- Working on having a diverse group as student ambassadors.5, 7
- Work-integrated learning partners support and endorse inclusion and diversity.7
- Collaborating with Indigenous Support Services in applicable recruitment events.4, 7
- Working with Indigenous manager on elements needed for rebranding Indigenous Student Lounge.4, 7
- Welcome murals at each campus with words in numerous languages.7
- New shirts created for Pink Shirt Day that are sold in Bookstore.3
- Did an anti-bullying social media campaign.3
- Hoodies created with the word Otôtemiwewin.7
- Encourage participation in Lakeland events.3
- Build working relationships with the town/city with whom we share borders.4
1Decent work and economic growth
2Gender equality
3Good health and well-being
4Partnerships
5Peace, justice and strong institutions
6Quality education
7Reduce inequalities
Guiding behaviours
We exemplify a positive attitude, we develop the best in ourselves and others, we strategically collaborate, we provide first-class customer service, we don't accept status quo.
- 4 Seasons of Reconciliation training.5, 7
- Clothing drives and toy exchanges.7
- Committee member of TEAMS Alberta as well as collaborating with them for supporting Indigenous students with their apprenticeships technical training.4, 6, 7
- Employment Preparation: safety training, Mind Edge Security Awareness, Employment Skills Assessment Training, Employment Prep and Success Coach.1, 4
- Engagement with the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council.4
- Art Exhibit with Dansun Photography on emergency services PTSD, suicide and mental health.3, 4
- Every women's Rustler team is required to have at least one female as part of the coaching staff and is mentored by the head coach.2, 7
- Faculty development support incorporating EDI/DIB.5, 6
- Host female students and alumni engagement sessions on recruitment and marketing strategies.2, 7
- Industry connectivity through practicum placements of pre-employment programs.1, 4, 6
- Laptops for daytime programming.6
- Ministry of Immigration and Career Training Planning Committee for Adult Basic Education Redesign.4, 6
- Personal development for students.6
- Provide equal opportunities to students for mentorships.6, 7
- Seeking membership and representation on the Canadian Fire Chiefs Association Diversity and Inclusion Committee.2, 4, 7
- Showcase Successful Student Profiles to share with incoming students; invite past students back to talk to current students about successes.3
- Social Media Presence - Use ETC Instagram to promote and highlight female and minority first responders.2, 7
- Submit EDI plan for every large grant along with actions.1, 4, 7
- Work with sponsors to offer intro courses to pre-employment programs through contracts.4, 6
- Working on having a diverse group as student ambassadors.5, 7
- We encourage a positive attitude while providing the best, most responsive service possible.1, 3
1Decent work and economic growth
2Gender equality
3Good health and well-being
4Partnerships
5Peace, justice and strong institutions
6Quality education
7Reduce inequalities
Guiding behaviours
We foster and promote creativity and future thinking, we are willing to take calculated risks, we find and support solutions to challenges.
- ACAC EDI committee - Lakeland student-athlete co-chairs the committee.4, 7
- Access to phones and technology.6
- American Sign Language and Deaf Studies Certificate.7
- Big Cook - group preparation of food for students, focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy food choices.3, 7
- Clothing drives and toy exchanges.7
- Created an Indigenous support services recruitment brochure.6, 7
- Employment Simulations WIL.5
- Faculty participation in various regional, provincial and national communities of practice.6
- Faculty presenting at conferences regarding examples of best practices in teaching and learning in the college environment.6
- Increase in seats for Inclusive Post-secondary Education along with available supports for admission process and assessments.6, 7
- Involved with Indigenous groups and looking at collaborating with Foundational Learning.4, 6, 7
- Land-based English Course.5
- Learning Literacy Library and FL Closet - student parent support, clothing for the workplace free of charge.7
- Medicine walks.4, 7
- Participation in Economic Partnership Summit.5
- Pathway exposure through Career and Technology Studies in collaboration with local school divisions.1, 4, 6
- Research staff hiring considers underrepresented groups such as women in STEM or in agriculture, as well as those from remote or rural communities.1, 2, 7
- Student-led initiatives - Health & Wellness Wall; Christmas Exchange.3
- Women in agriculture identified as area needing attention - sending staff and student at Advancing Women in Agriculture conference.1, 2, 5
1Decent work and economic growth
2Gender equality
3Good health and well-being
4Partnerships
5Peace, justice and strong institutions
6Quality education
7Reduce inequalities
Guiding behaviours
We foster and promote creativity and future thinking, we are willing to take calculated risks, we find and support solutions to challenges.
- 4 Seasons of Reconciliation training.6
- 55% of student-athletes are female.7
- ACAC EDI committee - Lakeland student-athlete co-chairs the committee.7
- Assortment of stories posted on diversity, inclusion and education.5, 7
- Attended working sessions with provincial government on inclusion of transgender athletes in post-secondary sport.3, 7
- Balanced Hiring Committee.5, 7
- Belongingness Ecosystem being developed.2, 7
- Carpooling.7
- Cultural Awareness - Participation in Indigenous Services and Activities.5
- Economic Support; Women's Conference, Community Adult Learner Programs (AB) and Saskatchewan Adult Basic Education Association (SK).4
- Grander presence in the ETC lobby for the Land Acknowledgement and Treaty Six Flag.4, 5
- Face-to-face delivery to optimize maximum success with a focus on digital literacy by having technology in the hands of all students.6
- Faculty development support incorporating EDI/DIB.5, 6
- Gender-inclusive Policies and Procedures.6, 7
- Gender-neutral pricing reflected in Hairstyling public clinic.2, 7
- Harassment Prevention Policy.1, 3, 5
- Inclusion and diversity fundamentally ingrained in Human Services programs.6, 7
- Incorporate diversity into student section for social media takeovers.2, 5, 7
- Institute a Pipe Ceremony into the ETC Field Opening tradition.4, 5
- Institute the Land Acknowledgement in our pre-employment graduations.4, 5
- Integration of Elder teachings and student presentations in course content.6, 7
- International student events (Diwali, Winterfest, Thanksgiving feast).3, 7
- IPSE seats.7
- Lakeland pride t-shirt in Bookstore.5, 7
- Library - Canadian language museum display.6
- Participating in Inclusivity Events.5, 7
- Participation in Orange Shirt day.5, 7
- Promote cultural events, shared a news release about Lakeland's commitment to the TRC calls to actions.5, 7
- Ran a Make Some Noise for Mental Health campaign.3, 7
- Researching and implementing more inclusive hiring practices.7
- Respect in the Workplace Training.1, 3, 5
- Seeking membership and representation on the Canadian Fire Chiefs Association Diversity and Inclusion Committee.2, 4, 7
- Sexual and Gender-based Violence Policy.1, 3, 5
- Specific courses - Foundations of Inclusion, Supporting Diversity, Introduction to Mental Health.3, 6
- Student body approximately 60% female.2
- Submit EDI plan for every large grant along with actions.1, 4, 7
- Truth and Reconciliation education and events.7
- Unconscious Bias Training.2, 5, 7
- Utilize Land Acknowledgement during presentations.5, 7
- Violence Prevention Policy.1, 3, 5
- Weekend Tutorials - Adult 12 courses.6
- Women in agriculture identified as area needing attention - sending staff and student at Advancing Women in Agriculture conference.1, 2, 5
- Worked with Marketing on a Black History Month video.7
- Workplace Respect article in AUPE agreement.5
- Collaborating with Indigenous Support Services in applicable recruitment events.4, 7
- New shirts created for Pink Shirt Day that are sold in Bookstore.3
- We encourage a positive attitude while providing the best, most responsive service possible.1, 3
1Decent work and economic growth
2Gender equality
3Good health and well-being
4Partnerships
5Peace, justice and strong institutions
6Quality education
7Reduce inequalities
Guiding behaviours
We work with industry to create excellent employment networking opportunities, we encourage and support learners towards achievement, we model lifelong learning, we develop and implement leading edge student programming.
- Academic Upgrading to completion of Adult 12 Diploma and/or ACCUPLACER scores meeting admission requirements for post secondary.4
- Accuplace - start and end of programming to support student learning and measure growth.6
- Apprenticeship Boards - Alberta & Saskatchewan.1
- At risk early alert system for students.6
- Beau Gadwa - TEAMS Indigenous Opportunities.4
- Being more aware of individuals to help create pathways and promote the success of marginalized populations and Indigenous youth.6
- Beyond the Classroom Fireside Chats with successful and prominent emergency service women and minorities.4
- Career Exploration Preparation Program - Specific Learning Outcomes geared toward individual career action plans leading to post secondary options and/or meaningful employment.5
- Circles of Reconciliation - establish trusting, meaningful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.7
- College connections with external organizations that support mental health.3, 4, 7
- Committee member of TEAMS Alberta as well as collaborating with them for supporting Indigenous students with their apprenticeship technical training.4, 6, 7
- Created an Indigenous support services recruitment brochure.6, 7
- Cultural Awareness - Participation in Indigenous Services and Activities. 5
- Diversity of cultures on staff.7
- Economic Summit; Women's Conference, Community Adult Learner Programs (AB) and Saskatchewan Adult Basic Education Association (SK).4
- Employment Simulations WIL.5
- Events in Indigenous communities and inviting Indigenous school groups for campus tours.4, 7
- Every student in Foundational Learning does a grad speech.6
- Every women's Rustler team is required to have at least one female as part of the coaching staff and is mentored by the head coach.2, 7
- EXL (academic and career preparation).6
- Face-to-face delivery to optimize maximum success with a focus on digital literacy by having technology in the hands of all students.6
- Female coach apprenticeship program - applied for a national grant.1, 2, 7
- Fundraising for a variety of services such as mental health, Indigenous services, learning supports and low-income students.3
- Harassment Prevention Policy.1, 3, 5
- High FNMI student enrolment.7
- Highlight services available for diverse groups through various marketing channels.3, 6, 7
- Hiring local students for the summer.1
- Hosted a women's basketball national championship promoting females in sport to our community.2, 7
- Inclusion student enrolment.7
- Inclusion student hired for summer.7
- Increase in seats for Inclusive Post-secondary Education along with available supports for admission process and assessments.6, 7
- Indigenous training and cultural events with bison.7
- Industry connectivity through practicum placements of pre-employment programs.1, 4, 6
- International student enrolment.1, 6, 7
- IPSE seats.7
- Laptops for daytime programming.6
- Learner Labs for first-year students-review for returning students.6
- Ministry of Immigration and Career Training Planning Committee for Adult Basic Education Redesign.4, 6
- One-on-one advising and support.6
- Partnership with Inclusive Post-Secondary.4, 6
- Pathway exposure through Career and Technology Studies in collaboration with local school divisions.1, 4, 6
- Pathways from Level 1 to 4 literacy competency: maximize employability and skill-specific training; continue to certificate, diploma and/or degree programs.6
- Promoting our Indigenous support services, featuring content on wellness, financial, and cultural academic supports.3, 6
- Provide equal opportunities to students for mentorships.6, 7
- Respect in the Workplace training.1, 3, 5
- Scholarships available for Indigenous groups.7
- Sexual and Gender-based Violence Policy.1, 3, 5
- Showcase Successful Student Profiles to share with incoming students; invite past students back to talk to current students about successes.3
- Structured attendance policy with capacity for earned time back to address student absenteeism.6
- Student-athletes volunteering to coach young female hockey players in the community.4
- Students develop personal career action plans (aptitude testing, learning and personality styles).1
- Support international recruitment efforts.5, 6
- TPIS (FNMI transition course).6
- Unconscious Bias Training.2, 5, 7
- Unranked acceptance system (no GPA or other parameters).7
- Violence Prevention Policy.1, 3, 5
- Weekend Tutorials - Adult 12 Courses.6
- Work-integrated learning component in all Essential Skills programming.1
- Work with sponsors to offer intro courses to pre-employment programs through contracts.4, 6
- Work-integrated learning partners support and endorse inclusion and diversity.7
1Decent work and economic growth
2Gender equality
3Good health and well-being
4Partnerships
5Peace, justice and strong institutions
6Quality education
7Reduce inequalities
Guiding behaviours
We cultivate an environment of belongingness, we lead by example, we debate ideas - not people, we are actively engaged, and we promote a healthy work-life balance.
- 4 Seasons of Reconciliation training.6
- Access to Indigenous Supports.4, 5
- At risk early alert system for students.6
- Balanced Hiring Committee.5, 7
- Belongingness Ecosystem being developed.2, 7
- Black History Month Display.7
- Business over 50% students female.2
- Carpooling.7
- Circles of Reconciliation - establish trusting, meaningful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.7
- College connections with external organizations that support mental health.3, 4, 7
- Community Pow Wow in June at Lloyd Exhibition.7
- Created an Indigenous support services recruitment brochure.6, 7
- Cultural Awareness - Participation in Indigenous Services and Activities.5
- Designated Safe Spaces.7
- Grander presence in the ETC lobby for the Land Acknowledgment and Treaty Six Flag.4, 5
- Events in Indigenous communities and inviting Indigenous school groups for campus tours.4, 7
- Every womens Rustler team is required to have at least one female as part of the coaching staff and is mentored by the head coach.2, 7
- Faculty development support incorporating EDI/DIB.5, 6
- Faculty participation in various regional, provincial and national communities of practice.6
- Faculty presenting at conferences regarding examples of best practices in teaching and learning in the college environment.6
- Female coach apprenticeship program - applied for a national grant.1, 2, 7
- Gender Inclusive Policies and Procedures.6, 7
- Gender neutral pricing reflected in Hairstyling public clinic.2, 7
- High female student enrolment.2
- HOT6 commitments and involvement.4, 5
- Include Indigenous Student Committee in Open House activities.6, 7
- Incorporate diversity into student section for social media takeovers.2, 5, 7
- Increase in seats for Inclusive Post-secondary Education along with available supports for admission process and assessments.6, 7
- Indigenous Student Council.7
- Information session with Mark Stobbe.7
- Inquiring Minds training with students.3
- Institute a Pipe Ceremony into the ETC Field Opening tradition.4, 5
- Institute the Land Acknowledgment in our pre-employment graduations.4, 5
- Integration of Elder teachings and student presentations in course content.6, 7
- International student enrolment.1, 6, 7
- International student events (Diwali, Winterfest, Thanksgiving feast).3, 7
- Involved with Indigenous groups and looking at collaborating with Foundational Learning.4, 6, 7
- Land-based English Course.5
- Learning Literacy Library and FL closet - student parent support, clothing for the workplace free of charge.7
- Library - Canadian language museum display.6
- Library Information on Indigenous culture and history.7
- Majority of students in business are international or immigrants.1, 6, 7
- Mental Health Art Competition.3
- Mental Health First Aid.3
- Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy Groups.3
- New program specific to Indigenous students.7
- Participation in Friendship circles.5, 7
- Participation in Orange Shirt Day.5, 7
- Partnership with Inclusive Post-secondary.4, 6
- Partnerships with Indigenous Communities in SK, delivering training.1, 4, 6
- Personal development for students.6
- Promote cultural events, shared a news release about Lakeland's commitment to the TRC calls to actions.5, 7
- Promote good culture through team building and team collaboration.3
- Promoting our Indigenous support services, featuring content on wellness, financial, and cultural academic supports.3, 6
- Ran a Make Some Noise for Mental Health campaign.3, 7
- Researching and implementing more inclusive hiring practices.7
- Respect in the Workplace Training.1, 3, 5
- Sharing Circles.5
- Specific courses - Foundations of Inclusion, Supporting Diversity, Introduction to Mental Health.3, 6
- Student Indigenous Lounge Lloydminster.3
- Submit EDI plan for every large grant along with actions.1, 4, 7
- Support and promote students belonging through clubs or community groups.3, 4
- Unconscious Bias Training.2, 5, 7
- Utilize Land Acknowledgment during presentations.5, 7
- Women in agriculture identified as area needing attention - sending staff and student at Advancing Women in Agriculture conference.1, 2, 5
- Working on having a diverse group of student ambassadors.5, 7
- Collaborating with Indigenous Support Services in applicable recruitment events.4, 7
- Working with Indigenous manager on elements needed for rebranding Indigenous Student Lounge.4, 7
- Welcome murals at each campus with words in numerous languages.7
- New shirts created for Pink Shirt Day that are sold in Bookstore.3
- Hoodies created with the word Otôtemiwewin.7
1Decent work and economic growth
2Gender equality
3Good health and well-being
4Partnerships
5Peace, justice and strong institutions
6Quality education
7Reduce inequalities