SACKVILLE, NB — Mount Allison University has partnered with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) to provide diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training to all student residence leaders. The primary objective of this training is to help create a welcoming and inclusive environment on campus that celebrates and values the diverse identities of all students.

The See Different program is a national youth education initiative, provided free of charge to youth in Canada aged 15 and 24, and consists of beginner and advanced-level certificates, and a budding National Youth Ambassador Network for Emerging Leaders of DEI. The program aims to inspire a new generation of compassionate leaders to understand systemic barriers to inclusion in Canadian society and to provide them with the tools, knowledge, and courage to drive meaningful change in their communities.

“See Different is a not just another anti-bullying or anti-racism program,” says Anne-Marie Pham, CEO of CCDI. “It’s a movement that will leverage the energy and enthusiasm of youth across Canada in order to create long-lasting social change. When I was young, I gained courage from knowing there were people like me who were on the same community leadership journey. My hope is that the See Different program will connect youth to mentors and leaders in their communities as well."

Mount Allison University is the first academic institution to take part in the program.

“We are delighted to partner with CCDI to expand our DEI training and education offerings on our campus,” says Danai Bélanger, director of student experience at Mount Allison. “Mount Allison University is the largest multicultural entity within our community. We are conscious of our social responsibility to educate and support our community members, so we can provide a welcoming and respectful environment for all. This partnership will help us provide more accessible resources and tools for our student leaders in residence and prepare them to navigate complex issues within the DEI space. In addition to the many changes occurring on our campus to address systemic racism, homophobia, ableism, and other forms of oppression, this training will empower our student leaders to actively participate in this new ecosystem of change.”

Residence leaders will complete the beginner-level certificate, comprised of two immersive workshops: one virtual session and one on-campus session, both scheduled to take place before Orientation Week begins in September. Plans are also underway to offer the advanced-level certificate to senior leaders at a later date.

For more information about the See Different program, please visit: https://ccdi.ca/campaigns/see-different/ 

About CCDI:

The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) is a national charity established in 2013 with the mission to help build a more inclusive Canada by bringing together and supporting people to become change agents through thought leadership, research, education, and action.