Renison students value feeling safe, supported, and included in our community.
Our Link Inclusion Lounge is a space that invites all students to be who they are and to express themselves freely.
Our Principles of Inclusion encourage:
- We recognize that all members of our community have unique needs
- We are curious and lead collaboratively
- We focus on the strength of every individual without assumptions
- We encourage inclusion by navigating each interaction with respect, civility, and compassion
- · We respect everyone’s right to express and present themselves relative to their religion, culture, race, ability, ethnic background, sexual identity, and gender identity
Why a Link Inclusion Lounge?
In Winter 2024, the Student Experience and Housing team conducted consultation sessions with our Renison student community, focusing on students from equity-deserving communities. Feedback from these sessions highlighted the value of a space of inclusion where all students, including students from equity-deserving communities, can come to connect and access support.
We welcome you to visit our Renison: A road map for student belonging webpage to learn more about the history and process that has led to our Link Inclusion Lounge space.
Meet our Inclusion Coordinators
- Facilitate events and opportunities to re-inforce a welcoming and inclusive community for all students at Renison, including equity-deserving students
- Provide peer support for students navigating student life as an equity-deserving student and assist with connecting students to campus and community services and resources
Meet Keziah Mukalel
Keziah (she/her) is excited to share all of the amazing Renison and UWaterloo resources with students. As a BSW student, she is very knowledgeable about mental health and equity supports on campus and in the Waterloo Region. If you see Keziah around, be sure to ask her about her experience sky diving this September!
Meet with Keziah about:
- Accessibility and equity supports on campus
- Mental health conversations
- Upcoming events in the Link Inclusion Lounge
Meet Summer Wu
Summer (she/her) is a mature student completing her BSW placement with Renison! She has lots of great tips for adjusting to life in university, and is always happy to talk about getting organized for success! If you see Summer, be sure to ask her about her involvement with performing arts and drama!
Meet with Summer about:
- Mature student events and support
- Adjusting to life in Canada as an international student
- Events and workshops in the Link Inclusion Lounge
Link Inclusion Lounge Upcoming Events
Neuro Night
Do you identify as a neuro-diverse student? Come join us for Neuro Night, where you will be able to connect with other neurodiverse students in a relaxed and safe environment and learn about resources around campus!
What can you expect?
- Great conversation in good company
- A chance to share your experiences as a neurodiverse student at Waterloo
- A supportive network with individuals like you!
When and where?
Wednesday, November 20
8:00pm - 9:00pm
Link Inclusion Lounge
Learn to Chill
Join Peer Leader Rubee and Chaplain Scott for an interactive workshop series to help you feel grounded each week. With a focus on gratitude, you will complete a series of workshops that introduce mindfulness practices and techniques.
What can you expect?
- Mini-lecture on each week's mindfulness practice content
- Interactive activities that allow you to practice gratitude and mindfulness in a comfortable and guided space
- A sense of community and gratitude at the end of each session
When and where?
Thursday, November 7, 14, 21, 28
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Link Inclusion Lounge
Moose Hide Outreach Booth for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led grassroots movement dedicated to ending gender-based violence. This nation-wide movement is to spark change in taking action to end violence in our communities. An important element of the Moose Hide Campaign is the visibility of the moose hide pin. Wearing a moose hide pin signifies a commitment to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in our lives and to speak out against gender-based and domestic violence. The pin is a symbol of connection, concern, and solidarity.
What can you expect?
- A chance to learn about the Moose Hide Campaign and other Indigenous initiatives
- Reflection and information regarding International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
When and where?
Monday, November 25
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Renison Cafeteria
Learn to Chill
Join Peer Leader Rubee and Chaplain Scott for an interactive workshop series to help you feel grounded each week. With a focus on gratitude, you will complete a series of workshops that introduce mindfulness practices and techniques.
What can you expect?
- Mini-lecture on each week's mindfulness practice content
- Interactive activities that allow you to practice gratitude and mindfulness in a comfortable and guided space
- A sense of community and gratitude at the end of each session
When and where?
Thursday, November 7, 14, 21, 28
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Link Inclusion Lounge
Helpful resources
We want you to know about some helpful quick links and resources to check out if you're an equity-deserving student at Renison!
Link Inclusion Lounge News
Renison partners with the Moose Hide Campaign to combat gender-based violence
The University of Waterloo is celebrating Consent Week this week from September 16 to 20 and we are delighted to announce Renison’s involvement with the Moose Hide Campaign!
Renison: A road map for student belonging
How well do students feel like they belong at Renison? With the support of student feedback from an online survey and consultation sessions, Renison Student Experience and Housing has developed a road map report to explore the manner in which we will be supporting students from equity-deserving communities in the days, weeks, and months ahead.