A recent conference for communications teachers held on the Prince of Wales Campus of Holland College focused on student diversity and developed simple strategies to ensure that all students feel welcome and respected.

The Atlantic Provinces Association of Communication Teachers conference included guest speakers and panelists discussing the importance of creating an open environment for students who may feel marginalized. A student panel facilitated by guest speaker Treena Smith, Manager of Student Affairs for UPEI, provided delegates with insight into the challenges students can encounter, and together the group developed simple, effective ways to create a warm and welcoming campus atmosphere for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The student panelists were Jude Scheppele, Graphic Design graduate; Alyson MacLean, Resident Care Worker student; and Derrick Biso, Graphic Design student. A few of the commitments made by participants were to post rainbow stickers on office doors, ask questions rather than make assumptions, and break the silence around marginalization. Staff members created signs and had their pictures taken with their commitments.