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
Silent Reading Club
Do you love reading but can never find the time? We have the solution for you! Bring a book and get ready to get comfy in the Link Inclusion Lounge while you and a group of friends take a break to read!
What can you expect?
- Independent reading with other book lovers
- Warm beverages and light snacks to enjoy while you read
- A chance to talk about your book (and all books) with other participants!
When and where?
Tuesday, January 7 and 21
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Link Inclusion Lounge
Wellness Wednesdays with the Renison Inclusion Coordinators
Keeping well in the winter is especially important! Join Renison's Inclusion Coordinators every Wednesday for a chance to engage with different wellness exercises and information!
What can you expect?
- A new wellness practice or resource shared each week
- An opportunity to drop-in and relax with your community
- Ways to fill your wellness toolbox!
When and where?
Wednesday, January 8, 15, 22, and 29
11:30am - 1:00pm
Dunker Family Lounge
Drop-in Educational Workshop (Safe Drinking) Hosted by the Renison Inclusion Coordinators
BSW Link Inclusion Coordinators are hosting a drop-in booth to talk to students about the importance of safe drinking!
What can you expect?
- A booth in the cafeteria
- Knowledgeable Link Inclusion Coordinators sharing information and handouts
- A chance to ask questions and learn important and helpful information
When and where?
Monday, January 13
11:30am - 1:00pm
Renison Cafeteria
Silent Reading Club
Do you love reading but can never find the time? We have the solution for you! Bring a book and get ready to get comfy in the Link Inclusion Lounge while you and a group of friends take a break to read!
What can you expect?
- Independent reading with other book lovers
- Warm beverages and light snacks to enjoy while you read
- A chance to talk about your book (and all books) with other participants!
When and where?
Tuesday, January 7 and 21
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Link Inclusion Lounge
Racialized Students Hangout
Do you identify as a Black, Indigenous, or Racialized student in our Renison or Waterloo community? Drop in to connect with other racialized students in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Snacks will be provided!
What can you expect?
- Conversations with other racialized students
- Enjoy snacks and a chance to share your experiences
- Friendship and community building with your peers
When and where?
Wednesday, January 22
4:30pm - 5:30pm
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.