Advancing Equity and Inclusion for Students
Mohawk Students’ Association's Journey with Equity Sequence®
Written in collaboration between Suhlle Ahn and Dr. Kristen Liesch
In the bustling halls of Mohawk College, a profound transformation has been underway within the Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA). Rooted in its rich history, and propelled by a commitment to equity and inclusion, MSA's journey stands as an inspiration for educational institutions across Canada.
A Legacy of Inclusivity
Founded in 1964 during an era when student activities operated in fragmented silos, MSA emerged as a unifying force. As the college's student population grew, so did the need for a centralized body to oversee diverse student initiatives. What began as a modest endeavor soon flourished into a thriving organization, fostering a sense of belonging among Mohawk College students. Over the years, MSA's mission has expanded, aligning closely with the evolving needs of the College’s student body.
MSA and Mohawk College
While affiliated with Mohawk College, MSA operates as an independent entity, allowing it the flexibility to address students' unique challenges and needs directly. This collaboration, built on mutual respect, has facilitated a harmonious relationship where the college and MSA work hand in hand for the students' greater good. This collaboration extends beyond the college's borders, as MSA actively engages with other student associations across Canada, as members of the Association of Managers in Canadian College, University, and Student Centres. Their pursuit of innovation and inclusivity positions them as leaders modeling equitable decision-making in the realm of student advocacy.
Equity Sequence® at MSA
There was a new strategic plan developed for 2021 to 2025 where the Board of Directors along with the Staff identified gaps in equity, diversity, and inclusion capabilities, so the MSA decided to make it a focus; there was a shared belief that people should have a sense of belonging, feel welcomed and valued at MSA, and the Association was looking for a way of translating that belief and intention into action and impact.
At the MSA, their vision is one where “All Mohawk Students achieve personal success in their college experience and beyond” and their values align with this vision. To further equip their team to operationalize this vision, the MSA embarked on a new chapter of growth and skill-building through Equity Sequence®. This transformative approach challenged the organization to confront biases and foster empathy, and empowered them to create their own unique equitable innovations that met the unique needs and challenges of the students they serve. Aligned to the MSA’s culture of community and collaboration, Equity Sequence® became a natural operating framework for MSA's dedication to student-driven initiatives and inclusive practices.
“I found the Equity Sequence® so different from other EDI learning programs. It helped us spot our bias - the limitations of our own perspectives - and put us in others’ shoes. It is an empathic and kind way to move work forward.”
A Tapestry of Inclusive Initiatives
Under the guidance of Jackie McCollom, Sr. Manager of People and Culture, MSA, Senior leaders, the Board of Directors, all the full-time staff and now student staff are taking the Equity Sequence® course so they can use the framework in their decision-making. To date, the framework has been applied to decision-making in a variety of areas including, but not limited to:.
Recruitment, hiring, orientation and onboarding
Events and campaigns
Wage decisions
Ensuring inter-departmental equity
Conflict resolution, training, all levels of decision making
The implementation of new systems, programs etc.
Committee or Project work: Social, H&S, Work Culture, Spaces, Journey to Leadership, and Club
Policies like Vacation and Compassionate Leave
Perks policies, and
MSA in motion
Case 1: Living Wage Initiative
Background: The decision to become living wage certified arose from a critical evaluation of the minimum wages offered to students by the MSA. The realization that students, the very reason for the association's existence, were receiving only basic support sparked a desire to do better. Historically, student wages were often lower than the minimum, reflecting a flawed perception that the contributions of students were perhaps less valuable, or that the inherent value in being educated mitigated the expectation of fair market compensation.
Rationale for Change: The student association represented over 15,000 students, and ensuring equity for them in the outside world was imperative. It was observed that many international students were being paid under the table, unaware of their rights and safety standards. This dire situation highlighted the need for equity within the student body, which led to a profound question: How could the association make a difference for each student, empowering them to create positive change?
Questions and Decision-Making: The association reviewed their approach through the lens of the Equity Sequence® framework. The Equity Sequence® helped the MSA see a misalignment with the association's core values. Despite the challenges posed by the ever-changing living wage standards, the association decided to pursue this living-wage initiative, driven by the real needs of their struggling students.
Benefits and Opportunities: Becoming a living wage employer aligned with the association's commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Students directly benefited, gaining economic stability and a sense of value. By setting an example, the association aimed to level the economic playing field and increase student representation. Moreover, the association's advocacy efforts influenced other student associations across Ontario, encouraging them to follow suit. Centennial College, for example, sought guidance from the association, demonstrating the initiative's impact beyond their campus.
Realization and Impact: The MSA realized that all their processes - not only those dealing with wages - needed continuous evaluation and equitable innovation. This realization led to a transformative change in the association's decision-making approach. By challenging existing norms and advocating for a living wage, the association achieved remarkable outcomes. Notably, they efficiently filled job positions with qualified candidates through a single job fair, a stark contrast to the prolonged recruitment struggles of the previous year. Additionally, the initiative raised awareness at the College level, prompting a reevaluation of existing practices.
Quantifiable and Qualitative Impact: The impact was both quantifiable and qualitative. Quantitatively, the association's recruitment process significantly improved, saving time and resources. Qualitatively, the initiative instilled a sense of value and dignity among students, fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment. Furthermore, the association's advocacy efforts resonated far beyond their campus, sparking conversations and inspiring change in the wider educational community.
“We were able to get all needed candidates to fill our position from one job fair when last year we spend 4 months trying to recruit and fill positions”
The decision to pursue living wage certification was a testament to the association's commitment to its students and core values. By addressing inequities head-on, the association not only improved its internal processes but also became a catalyst for positive change within the larger educational landscape. But the equitable innovation and inclusive decision-making doesn’t start or end with the living-wage decision.
Case 2: Inclusive Recruitment
MSA reinvented their recruitment process using Equity Sequence®. It guided them to involve a diverse group of staff in hiring decisions and emphasizing alignment with organizational values, MSA attracted candidates who shared their mission. The revamped process not only diversified their team but also fostered an inclusive culture.
Outcome: Through Equity Sequence®-driven recruitment, MSA successfully hired a diverse pool of candidates, enhancing the organization’s inclusivity and enriching their team’s perspectives.
“The work these students are doing to engage other students has been beyond our expectations.”
Case 3: Embracing Vulnerability
A team member shared a personal life-threatening experience, leveraging the safe space created by Equity Sequence® and the MSA’s values;
“I felt I could share my medical situation and be vulnerable.”
This vulnerability transformed the team’s dynamics, fostering understanding and support, and removing stigmas surrounding disabilities and illnesses in the workplace.
Outcome: The power of Equity Sequence® enabled open conversations grounded in curiosity, courage, candour, and empathy, creating an environment where team members felt valued, heard, and supported, reinforcing the organization's commitment to inclusion.
Overall Impact
Equity Sequence® has served as a guiding light, ensuring MSA’s decisions are less biased and more inclusive. By incorporating this framework, MSA has experienced improved decision-making, empowered staff, and made significant strides in their DEI initiatives. Through small, daily actions, MSA staff have not only embraced the idea but observe how even the smallest efforts can create profound impacts, fostering an organizational culture centered on equity and inclusion. In Jackie’s words,
“I feel like there’s a partnership between Equity Sequence® and our values.”
The Ripple Effect of Change
MSA's embrace of Equity Sequence® has sparked a ripple effect of change, transcending the boundaries of their organization. Their advocacy efforts have inspired neighboring institutions, igniting a broader conversation about equity and inclusion in educational settings. By sharing their success story and methodologies with student associations across Canada, MSA has become a catalyst for a nationwide movement toward a more inclusive educational landscape.
A Vision for Tomorrow
As MSA looks toward the future, their commitment to equity and inclusion remains firm. Plans to expand Equity Sequence® to student roles and incorporate it into their 2024 EDI planning reflect MSA's enduring dedication to fostering an equitable and inclusive community. Through these initiatives, MSA continues to shape the narrative of student advocacy, proving that it’s possible to translate intention into action and impact, and work collaboratively to create a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.
In essence, MSA's journey with Equity Sequence® is not merely a chapter in their rich story, but a testament to their enduring commitment to empowering every student. By weaving equity and inclusion into the very fabric of their organization, MSA has not only elevated their own community but has also sown the seeds for a more inclusive educational landscape nationwide. MSA serves as an inspiring example of the transformative power of equity, inclusion, and the unwavering commitment to the success of every student.