Equity, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick’s values. Recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment is essential for student success and institutional growth, CCNB has taken significant steps to ensure its community reflects the diversity of New Brunswick.
Jonathan Nowlan, CCNB’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor
This commitment was formalized in 2021 with the adoption of Policy 5706 on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), establishing a framework for meaningful action. CCNB has since allocated dedicated funding, hired a senior EDI advisor, reviewed writing guidelines to promote inclusive language, and launched a working group to drive ongoing initiatives.
CCNB’s efforts were driven by consistent feedback from staff, students, and partners, who emphasized the need for a more inclusive and representative institution. In response, EDI was embedded into CCNB’s 2022-2027 strategic plan, and in March 2022, the college became an affiliate employer with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI).
Since then, CCNB has hosted events, established committees to celebrate diversity, and actively engaged its community. A recent survey underscores the impact of these initiatives, with 92% of students and 82% of staff attesting CCNB’s commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment. As CCNB’s student body continues to grow and become more diverse, fostering an inclusive environment has never been more important.
“CCNB has a very strong international population, about 45% of students” explains Jonathan Nowlan, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor.
These efforts have not gone unnoticed. CCNB was recently honoured with the Champion of Diversity and Inclusion Award at the InnovateNB Awards. This award celebrates New Brunswick organizations that demonstrate leadership, competence, innovation and perseverance in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion. InnovateNB is an annual celebration of New Brunswick innovators and their outstanding contributions to the technology and innovation ecosystem. This recognition highlights CCNB’s role in shaping a more inclusive future within New Brunswick’s education sector and beyond.
A Place Where Everyone Belongs
CCNB has launched several committees to celebrate diversity and foster inclusion. Fierté CCNB provides a space for sexually and gender-diverse staff members and allies to connect and support one another. Meanwhile, RéconciliAction promotes solidarity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the college community by implementing concrete actions aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action for the post-secondary sector.
CCNB works closely with JEDI, the Joint Economic Development Initiative in New Brunswick, to promote access to training for Indigenous students. CCNB has worked to implement a module raising awareness to Indigenous culture, which has been added to the Early Childhood Leadership and Management program. The team is currently working to add this same module to all programs offered at CCNB. An Indigenous elder has also been solicited to bring a cultural and spiritual perspective to the initiatives and training offered by the organization.
Jonathan Nowlan, CCNB’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, accepts the Champion of Diversity and Inclusion Award at the InnovateNB Awards
Furthermore, CCNB has had its facilities evaluated by AccessibleNB. The college implements accessibility methods, both auditory and visual, to diversify learning methods.
“We're able to change the way we assess or teach to meet the needs of all types of learners” says Jonathan Nowlan.
CCNB provides its students with extensive pedagogical support, both on-site and online, in each of its regions. These services include guidance counseling, learning techniques, as well as mental health and well-being support. At the same time, teaching staff benefit from support provided by the pedagogical team, particularly through the assistance of teaching and learning advisors.
Jonathan shares the story of a teacher employed by CCNB who suffers from a degenerative disease. To ensure an accessible work environment, his classroom was relocated to the first floor, and he was provided with an ergonomic desk and chair. CCNB’s commitment to inclusivity ensured he had the necessary support to continue teaching while maintaining his independence.
Advice to Aspiring Innovators
Jonathan Nowlan advises innovators who want to make their environment more inclusive to take it one step at a time. He emphasizes the importance of stepping back, of trying to understand and evaluate an organization's practices. It's also important to have the leadership or management team prioritize inclusion and diversity, as they are the most influential. Moreover, a culture of inclusion must touch people, must foster connections between those who are different to create a more equitable environment that is representative of society.
“We hope to implement a culture of inclusion that is sustainable and of high quality” concludes Jonathan Nowlan, “and that is also reflected in the community.
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To find out more about how CCNB champions diversity, visit their website.
