Metro Vancouver, B.C. – Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has entered into an important agreement with the local not-for-profit PeerNetBC for the design and implementation of workshop curriculum in support of KPU’s Positive Space Campaign initiative.
A Positive Space Campaign is an effort to raise awareness, education and support for the needs and support of LGBTQ members in a community. As a partnership between KPU’s student services and human resources departments, the Kwantlen Pride Student Collective and the Kwantlen Student Association (KSA), completion of training will result in a recognized designation for participating students, faculty and staff as Positive Space Campaign members and allies.
“A Positive Space Campaign is an important next step for KPU to ensure that our campuses are safe, vibrant and diverse spaces where all members of our community feel respected and included,” says Joshua Mitchell, director of student engagement at KPU and one of the initiative’s co-sponsors.
The campaign aims to: affirm KPU’s commitment to enrich and enliven the diversity of its community; increase the visibility of, and capacity for, positive, supportive advocates and spaces for LGBTQ students, staff and faculty; and increase awareness, affirmation and education around sexual and gender identity and diversity issues.
“PeerNetBC is looking forward to working with KPU, the Kwantlen Pride Student Collective and the Positive Space Campaign. The Positive Space Campaign is an important step in the ongoing commitment of KPU to build capacity in providing support and services that ensure education and life at KPU is safe, vibrant, celebrated and diverse for all communities,” says Lydia Luk, community developer at PeerNetBC.
Matthew DiMera – journalism student and long-time advocate for social justice and inclusivity programming at KPU – commented that “students like myself look forward to partnering with PeerNetBC to mentor the next generation of social justice leaders on campus with this campaign."
With work set to begin this month, PeerNetBC – along with university staff and students sponsoring the project – expect a full program roll-out in early 2015, with trained staff and students able to sustain and expand the program over time.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 145 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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Media contacts:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist, KPU
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
Joshua Mitchell
Director, Student Engagement
t: 604.599.2474
joshua.mitchell@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom