Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Discover what it’s like to be part of the Western Community College family, where support, learning, and opportunities thrive.
Institutional Commitment
One Community. Many Voices. Shared Success.
At Western Community College, we believe that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment strengthens our community and enriches the educational experience of every student, faculty member, and staff person who walks through our doors.
We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging — one where every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, and where diverse perspectives are recognized as essential to learning, innovation, and community growth. EDI is not a project or a program. It is a principle woven into how we teach, hire, support, and engage with one another every day.
A Glimpse of our Terms of Reference:
We recognize our responsibility to contribute meaningfully to reconciliation and to advance equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and respect throughout all aspects of our learning and working environments.
The College affirms that EDI is essential to:
- Student success — ensuring every learner has the support and opportunity to thrive
- Academic excellence — drawing on diverse perspectives to deepen inquiry and innovation
- Community engagement — building genuine relationships rooted in trust and mutual respect
- Institutional integrity — holding ourselves accountable to the values we espouse
- Social responsibility — acting as an active contributor to a more just and equitable society
This commitment is reflected in the ongoing work of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and in our collective efforts to build a campus where everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.
Terms of referenceLand Acknowledgement
Grounded in Place. Committed to Reconciliation.
Western Community College acknowledges that our Surrey campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Katzie, Kwantlen, and Semiahmoo First Nations. We are grateful to learn, teach, and work on these lands.
Understanding EDI
What Do We Mean by Equity, Diversity & Inclusion?
These three concepts are distinct but deeply interconnected. Together, they form the foundation for a truly welcoming institution
Equity
Equity means creating fair access to opportunities by recognizing and actively addressing systemic barriers and historical disadvantages. Equity is not about treating everyone the same — it is about ensuring that everyone has what they need to succeed.
Diversity
Diversity reflects the many identities, experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, cultures, abilities, and ways of knowing that make up our community. At WCC, we recognize that diversity is a source of strength — enriching our classrooms, our conversations, and our collective understanding of the world.
Inclusion
Inclusion is the active and ongoing effort to ensure every member of the WCC community feels welcomed, respected, supported, and able to participate fully. An inclusive environment does not happen by accident — it is built through deliberate choices, policies, and practices.
Accessibility at WCC
At Western Community College, we strive to make our campuses accessible and welcoming for everyone — students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike.
Learn MoreDiversity at WCC
WCC is home to students, faculty, and staff from a rich range of cultures, backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives.
Learn MoreThe EDI Committee
The WCC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee serves as an advisory body that supports the College in advancing equitable policies, inclusive practices, accessibility, reconciliation, and community engagement.
Learn More
EDI in Action
EDI at WCC is not just a set of values on paper — it shows up in the events we hold, the spaces we create, and the conversations we start.
Learn MorePolicies & Accountability
WCC supports a respectful and safe learning and working environment through clear institutional policies and procedures.
Learn MoreYour Voice Matters. Your Involvement Makes a Difference.
Get Involved
The EDI Committee welcomes ideas, feedback, and collaboration from students, faculty, and staff across WCC. Building an equitable and inclusive institution is a shared responsibility — and there is a role for everyone.
We encourage you to:
- Participate in EDI events and awareness initiatives
- Share your ideas, feedback, and lived experiences
- Contribute to inclusive campus practices
- Connect with others who share your commitment to equity and belonging
Ready to engage? We’d love to hear from you.
edi@wcc.ca