Don Bureaux

The accessibility plan for Nova Scotia Community College focuses on fostering an inclusive environment where everyone belongs. It addresses critical areas such as the built environment, delivery of goods and services, education, employment, and information and communication. The plan aims to shift from a medical model of disability to a social justice approach, emphasizing equity, dignity, and meaningful participation for all members of the college community. Key strategies include awareness and capacity building, accessible education, and systemic change to remove barriers and promote equitable access to education and employment opportunities.

The Five-Year Organizational Review for Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) from 2016-2021 assesses the college's effectiveness, programs, student outcomes, resource management, and response to COVID-19. Key areas of focus include maintaining a clear mission, offering relevant programs, attracting a diverse student body, achieving positive graduate outcomes, and ensuring operational efficiency. The review also highlights NSCC's commitment to sustainability, employee development, and community engagement, as well as its efforts to adapt to changing labor market needs and demographic realities.

The NSCC Mental Wellness Strategy aims to cultivate a college culture that prioritizes the mental wellness of students and employees, enabling them to learn, grow, contribute, and thrive. The strategy focuses on building understanding by promoting openness, acceptance, awareness, and reducing stigma through education and dialogue. It also seeks to build capacity by enhancing resilience, self-management skills, early intervention capabilities, and mental wellness services and supports. Furthermore, the strategy emphasizes building connections through community partnerships to improve access and support for students and employees.

The Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Mental Wellness Strategy aims to foster a culture that prioritizes the mental well-being of students and employees. The strategy addresses the diverse needs of the NSCC community, acknowledging the impact of social determinants of health, including colonialism, systemic racism, and other forms of discrimination. Key areas of focus include building understanding through inclusive practices and cultural awareness, building capacity by enhancing resilience and self-management skills, and building connections through partnerships with community organizations. The strategy emphasizes proactive support, targeted programs, and specialized services to address a range of mental health concerns, from healthy coping to clinical illnesses. The goal is to create a supportive learning and working environment where everyone feels supported and can thrive.

The meeting included the President's update, highlighting the Sydney Waterfront Campus nearing completion, the impact of the IRCC international student cap, and the transition of the new CICan president. The Finance, Audit & Risk Committee reported on the third-quarter financial report, projecting a year-end deficit close to the planned amount, and reviewed the 2023-2024 audit plan. Updates were also given on the Sydney Waterfront Campus, on-campus housing projects, and the Programs Committee's review of student survey results and enrollment data.