Diversity Staff Survey ‐ February 2010 One of the guiding principles of the People Plan is to “Build a workplace that reflects the
diversity of our community.” To help support and inform this aspect of the People Plan
initiative, the February staff survey focused on the topic of Diversity.
Survey topics included:
•
•
•
•
Perceptions of what the College should do to build a diverse workplace and foster a
workplace culture that respects diversity;
Perceptions of how diverse the College currently is;
Awareness of the Diversity and Immigrant Student Support Department and ways to
improve supports and services should the number of students increase.
Awareness of the Aboriginal Student Support and Community Relations Department
and ways to improve supports and services should the number of students increase.
A survey was sent to 110 staff in January 2010. The response rate of 49% is considered to be
good.
Building a diverse workforce
Staff were first asked what the College should do to meet the goal of building a “workplace
that reflects the diversity of our community.”
•
•
•
•
About one in four respondents (24%) said the College is already achieving this objective
with its current practices and policies.
A similar number (24%) said the College should continue to actively recruit qualified
staff from diverse backgrounds.
About one in five (19%) said the College should do more to promote a “culture of
diversity”, which includes things like recognition of achievement, encouragement of
diversity, and training.
A similar proportion (19%) said that the main hiring priority should be finding the
most qualified applicant, with a few noting that this should be the only criteria
considered when hiring staff.
Page 1 of 15 Research & Planning April 2010 Diversity Staff Survey ‐ February 2010 Diversity among employees and students
Staff were asked to rate the College’s effectiveness at recruiting qualified staff and
recruiting students from specific demographic groups – specifically women, person’s from a
visible minority, Aboriginal persons, and persons with a disability.
•
•
•
According to respondents, the College has been most successful at recruiting female
employees and female students. About 90% of respondents said that RRC was
successful in this area.
The College has been moderately successful at attracting employees who are a visible
minority (68% rate RRC as successful), but somewhat less successful at recruiting
person’s of Aboriginal ancestry (48%) or with a disability (40%).
In general, respondents said that the College was slightly more successful at recruiting
students from diverse backgrounds than they are at recruiting employees from diverse
backgrounds.
Perceived benefits of having a diverse workplace
Staff were asked to rate five statements related to the potential benefits of having a diverse
workplace. In general, the statements had very similar ratings, with the percentage agreeing
with each of the statements shown in brackets.
Having a more diverse workforce will…
•
•
•
•
•
Bring new ideas to the College (80% agreement)
Encourage greater understanding and respect for others (80%)
Build stronger connections to Manitoba communities (74%)
Benefit students at the College (73%)
Help the College become a better educational institution (64%)
Diversity and Immigrant Student Support
The Diversity and Immigrant Student Support Department provides academic and cultural
support for students who are immigrants, new Canadians, and Visa students. They also
provide supports, training, and events for RRC staff and instructors.
•
•
About one in four respondents (24%) have used their services, programs and/or
participated in their events, while 63% are aware of the department, but haven’t used
their services.
When asked about their awareness of services, about half knew that they are a “onestop-shop for immigrants and students who speak English as an additional language
(EAL)” and that “RRC instructors can request diversity and inclusive learning training
and/or consultation, that includes strategies for teaching immigrant and EAL
students.”
Page 2 of 15 Research & Planning April 2010 Diversity Staff Survey ‐ February 2010 •
•
•
About 30% of staff knew that “All staff can participate in the Cultural and Language
Mentor Program.”
The majority of staff (63%) said they were aware that the Province of Manitoba
currently receives about 12,500 new immigrants per year, and expects that to grow to
20,000 per year in ten years time.
About 69% say this level of immigration will have a positive influence on the province.
When asked how the college should respond to an increase of 300 immigrant students per
year, the top rated options were:
•
•
•
Enhance linguistic and academic supports to immigrant students who need it (e.g.
more EAL/ESL supports). (rating of 4.6 out of 5)
Include information about teaching and supporting immigrant students as part of the
orientation for new employees. (4.3 rating).
Provide more training to staff to understand how to meet the needs of immigrant
students. (4.2 rating).
Aboriginal Student Support and Community Relations
The Aboriginal Student Support and Community Relations (ASSC) Department provides
academic and cultural support for Aboriginal students as well as training for RRC staff and
instructors.
•
•
•
•
•
About one in three respondents (35%) have used their services, programs and/or
participated in their events, while 56% are aware of the department, but haven’t used
their services.
When asked about their awareness of services, almost everyone (87%) knew the ASSC
“provides cultural events and teachings for students and staff/faculty, such as medicine
picking, full moon drumming, sharing circles, and seasonal feasts.”
Most (61%) knew that “All staff can speak with / consult the College’s Elders” while just
under half (48%) knew that “RRC instructors can request training and/or consultation
that includes strategies for teaching Aboriginal students.”
About a third of respondents (35%) knew that approximately 16% of Manitobans selfdeclare as being of Aboriginal ancestry – including Métis, First Nations and Inuit. A
similar proportion (33%) thought the proportion was higher.
Almost all staff (85%) agree that “Increasing participation in post-secondary education
among Aboriginal people” is very important to the well-being of the province.”
When asked how the college should respond to an increase of 300 Aboriginal students per
year, the top rated options were:
•
•
Provide more learning supports to students. (rating of 4.4 out of 5).
Provide training to staff to understand how to meet the needs of Aboriginal students.
(4.2 rating).
Page 3 of 15 Research & Planning April 2010 Diversity Staff Survey ‐ February 2010 •
•
Include information about teaching and supporting Aboriginal students as part of the
orientation for new employees (4.2 rating).
Provide more personal supports to Aboriginal students (e.g. housing, child care, etc.)
(4.1 rating).
Full survey results can be found after this summary.
In the meantime, if you would like to know more about this research contact a member of the
People Plan or call Ashley Blackman (Director, Research and Planning, 632-2091). If you want
more information about the Diversity and Immigration Student Support office, contact Barb
Dixon (632-2099). If you want more information about Aboriginal Student Supports and
Community Relations, contact April Krahn (632-2183).
Page 4 of 15 Research & Planning April 2010 Diversity
Staff Survey ‐ February 2010
Building a Diverse Workplace
One of the guiding principles of the People Plan is to “Build a workplace that reflects
the diversity of our community.” How do you think the College should meet this goal?
Suggestion
% of resp (n=54)
Count
RRC is already achieving this goal /
continue with current processes
Recruit + hire more staff/faculty from
diverse backgrounds
Main goal should be hiring / promoting
the most qualified staff available
13
24%
13
24%
10
19%
10
19%
6
11%
3
6%
2
2
4%
4%
More focus / better understand of
disability issues and needs
Flexible work arrangements
2
1
4%
2%
Hire a Respectful Workplace Coord /
Director
1
2%
Build a culture at the College that
supports diversity
Promote RRC "diversity" events and
training for staff and students
Set Goals / Track progress / include in
strategic planning
More focus / better understand of
Aboriginal needs
Hire "locally" / hire recent grads
Page 5 of 15
Research & Planning
April 2010
Diversity
Staff Survey ‐ February 2010
To what extent do you think the College is able to successfully recruit qualified staff from the
following groups?
Very Successful
Count
Row N %
Somewhat
Successful
Count
Not very successful
Row N %
Count
Row N %
Not at all successful
Count
Row N %
I don’t know
Count
Avg.
Row N %
Women
30
56%
17
31%
1
2%
0
0%
6
11%
3.6
Persons from a visible minority
12
22%
25
46%
7
13%
2
4%
8
15%
3.0
Persons of Aboriginal ancestry
9
17%
17
31%
11
20%
2
4%
15
28%
2.8
Persons with a disability
5
9%
17
31%
15
28%
4
7%
13
24%
2.6
To what extent do you think the College is able to attract students from the following groups?
Very Successful
Count
Row N %
Somewhat
Successful
Count
Not very successful
Row N %
Count
Row N %
Not at all successful
Count
Row N %
I don’t know
Count
Avg.
Row N %
Women
28
54%
17
33%
0
0%
0
0%
7
13%
3.6
Persons from a visible minority
22
42%
17
33%
6
12%
1
2%
6
12%
3.3
Persons of Aboriginal ancestry
14
26%
20
38%
9
17%
1
2%
9
17%
3.1
9
17%
19
36%
14
26%
2
4%
9
17%
2.8
Persons with a disability
Page 6 of 15
Research & Planning
April 2010
Diversity
Staff Survey ‐ February 2010
To what extent do you think the College is able to successfully recruit qualified staff from the
following groups?
To what extent do you think the College is able to attract students from the following groups?
4.0
3.6 3.6
3.3
Successfulness (4 pt scale)
3.5
3.0
3.0
3.1
2.8
2.8
2.6
2.5
2.0
Staff
1.5
Students
1.0
0.5
0.0
Women
Page 7 of 15
Persons from a visible minority
Persons of Aboriginal ancestry
Research & Planning
Persons with a disability
April 2010
Diversity
Staff Survey ‐ February 2010
Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements? Having a more diverse
workforce will…
Strongly Agree (5)
Count
Row N %
Neither Agree nor
Disagree
Agree
Count
Row N %
Count
Row N %
Disagree
Strongly Disagree (1)
Avg.
Count
Row N %
Count
Row N %
Bring new ideas to the College
22
42%
20
38%
10
19%
1
2%
0
0%
4.2
Encourage greater understanding and
respect for others
Build stronger connections to
Manitoban’ communities
Benefit students at the College
20
38%
22
42%
9
17%
2
4%
0
0%
4.1
21
40%
18
34%
13
25%
0
0%
1
2%
4.1
16
30%
23
43%
12
23%
2
4%
0
0%
4.0
14
26%
20
38%
16
30%
3
6%
0
0%
3.8
Help the College become a better
educational institution
Help the College become a better educational institution
3.8
f
d
h
ll
Benefit students at the College
4.0
Build stronger connections to Manitoban’ communities
4.1
Encourage greater understanding and respect for others
4.1
Bring new ideas to the College
4.2
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
Agreement (5 pt scale)
Page 8 of 15
Research & Planning
April 2010
Diversity
Staff Survey ‐ February 2010
Diversity and Immigrant Supports
Please choose the statement that best reflects your awareness of Red River College’s Diversity
and Immigrant Student Support Department:
N
%
I’ve used their services, programs
and/or participated in their events
I’m aware of the department, but haven’t
used their services
I don’t know much about the department
12
24%
32
63%
7
14%
Total
51
100%
24%
63%
14%
To what extent are you aware of the following services offered by the Diversity and
Immigrant Student Support Department?
I may have heard of
this
I know this
Count
It is a one-stop shop for immigrants and
students who speak English as an
additional language (EAL).
RRC instructors can request diversity
and inclusive learning training and/or
consultation, that includes strategies for
teaching immigrant and EAL students.
27
All staff can participate in the Cultural
and Language Mentor Program.
16
Page 9 of 15
Row N %
50%
Count
Row N %
16
30%
I didn't know this
Count
11
Row N %
20%
30%
50%
28
52%
10
19%
16
30%
19%
52%
30%
14
26%
23
Research & Planning
43%
30%
26%
April 2010
Diversity
Staff Survey ‐ February 2010
The Province of Manitoba currently receives about 12,500 new immigrants per year,
and expects that to grow to 20,000 per year in 10 years time. Are you aware of this
trend?
n
Yes I am aware
%
34
63%
No, I thought the number was higher
2
4%
No, I though the number was lower
9
17%
17%
I had no idea
9
17%
17%
54
100%
Total
63%
4%
Do you think increasing immigration by as much as 20,000 people will have a positive
or negative impact on Manitoba?
n
%
Very positive
10
19%
Positive
27
50%
Neither Positive or Negative
7
13%
N
Negative
ti
3
6%
Very Negative
0
0%
Not sure
7
13%
54
100%
Total
Page 10 of 15
19%
50%
13%
6%
0%
13%
Research & Planning
April 2010
Diversity
Staff Survey ‐ February 2010
If the College increased enrolment by 300 more immigrant students per year, what
changes, if any, do you think it should make?
Yes, definitely
Count
Row N %
Yes probably
Count
Row N %
Not sure
Count
No, probably not
Row N %
Count
Definitely not
Row N %
Count
Avg.
Row N %
Enhance linguistic and academic
supports to immigrant students who
need it (e.g. more EAL/ESL supports)?
35
65%
15
28%
4
7%
0
0%
0
0%
4.6
Include information about teaching and
supporting Immigrant students as part of
the orientation for new employees.
27
50%
21
39%
5
9%
1
2%
0
0%
4.4
Provide more training to staff to
understand how to meet the needs of
immigrant students?
Encourage staff to participate in events
to meet new immigrant students?
28
52%
18
33%
5
9%
3
6%
0
0%
4.3
18
33%
20
37%
12
22%
4
7%
0
0%
4.0
Hire more staff from cultural
backgrounds that reflect the changing
student population?
12
22%
19
35%
13
24%
8
15%
2
4%
3.6
Hire more staff from cultural backgrounds that reflect the changing …
3.6
Encourage staff to participate in events to meet new immigrant …
4.0
Provide more training to staff to understand how to meet the needs …
4.3
Include information about teaching and supporting Immigrant …
4.4
Enhance linguistic and academic supports to immigrant students who …
0.0
Page 11 of 15
4.6
0.5
1.0
Research & Planning
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
April 2010
Diversity
Staff Survey ‐ February 2010
Aboriginal Supports
Please choose the statement that best reflects your awareness of Red River College's
Aboriginal Student Support and Community Relations department:
n
%
I’ve used their services, programs
and/or participated in their events
19
35%
I’m aware of the department, but haven’t
used their services
I don’t know much about the department
30
56%
5
9%
Total
54
100%
35%
9%
I may have heard of
this
I know this
Count
56%
Row N %
Row N %
7
13%
Count
Row N %
It provides cultural events and teachings
for students and staff/faculty, such as
medicine picking, full moon drumming,
sharing circles, and seasonal feasts.
47
All staff can speak with / consult the
College’s Elders.
RRC instructors can request training
and/or consultation that includes
strategies for teaching Aboriginal
students.
33
61%
10
19%
11
20%
26
48%
13
24%
15
28%
Page 12 of 15
87%
Count
I didn't know this
0
0%
87%
61%
48%
Research & Planning
13%
19%
24%
April 2010
Diversity
Staff Survey ‐ February 2010
Approximately 16% of Manitobans self-declare as being of Aboriginal ancestry –
including Metis, First Nations and Inuit. To what extent are you aware of this number?
n
%
Yes I am aware
19
35%
No, I thought the number was higher
18
33%
3
6%
I had no idea
14
26%
Total
54
100%
No, I though the number was lower
35%
33%
6%
26%
To what extent do you agree with the following statement:
Increasing participation in post-secondary education among Aboriginal people is very
important to the well-being of the province.
n
%
Strongly Agree
32
59%
Agree
14
26%
Neither Agree nor Disagree
7
13%
Disagree
1
2%
Strongly disagree
0
0%
54
100%
Total
Page 13 of 15
59%
26%
13%
2%
Research & Planning
April 2010
Diversity
Staff Survey ‐ February 2010
If the College increased enrolment by 300 more Aboriginal students per year, what
changes, if any, should it make?
Yes, definitely
Count
Row N %
Yes probably
Count
Row N %
Not sure
Count
No, probably not
Row N %
Count
Row N %
Definitely not
Count
Avg.
Row N %
Provide more learning supports to
students?
Provide training to staff to understand
how to meet the needs of Aboriginal
students?
Include information about teaching and
supporting Aboriginal students as part of
the orientation for new employees
30
56%
16
30%
8
15%
0
0%
0
0%
4.4
26
48%
17
31%
8
15%
3
6%
0
0%
4.2
24
44%
21
39%
5
9%
3
6%
1
2%
4.2
Provide more personal supports to
Aboriginal students (e.g. housing, child
care, etc.)?
Encourage staff to participate in events
to meet Aboriginal students?
24
45%
16
30%
8
15%
3
6%
2
4%
4.1
19
35%
18
33%
12
22%
5
9%
0
0%
3.9
Hire more Aboriginal employees to
reflect the changing student population?
14
26%
18
33%
15
28%
6
11%
1
2%
3.7
Secure a dedicated meeting room at
PSC for Aboriginal students.
10
19%
9
17%
22
41%
8
15%
5
9%
3.2
Page 14 of 15
Research & Planning
April 2010
Diversity
Staff Survey ‐ February 2010
If the College increased enrolment by 300 more Aboriginal students per year, what
changes, if any, should it make?
Secure a dedicated meeting room at PSC for Aboriginal students.
3.2
Hire more Aboriginal employees to reflect the changing student population?
3.7
Encourage staff to participate in events to meet Aboriginal students?
3.9
Provide more personal supports to Aboriginal students (e.g. housing, child care, etc.)?
4.1
Include information about teaching and supporting Aboriginal students as part of the orientation for new employees
4.2
Provide training to staff to understand how to meet the needs of Aboriginal students?
4.2
Provide more learning supports to students?
4.4
0.0
Page 15 of 15
0.5
1.0
Research & Planning
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
April 2010