Diversity And Inclusion

The University is committed to the fostering of an inclusive climate of equitable access, understanding and mutual respect which recognizes the dignity and worth of all persons, provides equal rights and opportunities without discrimination, and protects the privacy, confidentiality, comfort, autonomy and self-esteem of students with disabilities.

To that end, the University provides academic accommodations for students with disabilities in accordance with the terms of the Ontario Human Rights Code. This occurs through a collaborative process that acknowledges a collective obligation to develop an accessible learning environment that both meets the needs of students and preserves the essential academic requirements of the University’s courses and programs. This policy reflects the shared responsibility of students with disabilities, instructors, Departments/Schools, Faculties, the Academic Accommodation Support Centre and administrative staff to exercise flexibility and creativity in the provision of academic accommodations.

The complete policy can be viewed on the Senate website:  (PDF file) Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities Pol #159 (pdf) (opens in new window) 

Ryerson is a community that celebrates diversity and places a high value on inclusion and respect for differences.
 
Ryerson recognizes that the religious, Aboriginal or spiritual observances of students may conflict with their academic obligations and could lead to a disadvantage if an accommodation is not arranged. Ryerson also accepts that sincerely held beliefs by members of the same religious group or Aboriginal peoples (from different nations) often engender different types of commitments for observance practices. In accordance with the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code, which requires accommodations based on creed, Ryerson’s Accommodation of Student Religious, Aboriginal and Spiritual Observance Policy outlines how accommodations for the religious, Aboriginal or spiritual observances of Ryerson students will be determined.
 
All students should familiarize themselves with the policy:  (PDF file) Accommodation of Student Religious, Aboriginal and Spiritual Observance Pol #150 (opens in new window) 
 
The policy deals exclusively with academic requirements including, but not limited to, lectures, labs, tests, assignments, practicum and final examinations.

Observance may restrict participation in course activities, including:

• Absence from class
  
• Absence from scheduled exams
  
• Absence from scheduled placement
  
• Following specific dress codes
  
• Temporary absence from class for daily prayers, fasting or breaking a fast during class
  
• Other required activities outlined in the course syllabus.

Important Deadlines:

Requests for accommodation of specific religious or spiritual observance must be presented to the instructor no later than two weeks before the conflict in question (in the case of final examinations within two weeks of the release of the examination schedule). In extenuating circumstances, this deadline may be extended. If the dates are not known well in advance because they are linked to other conditions, requests should be submitted as soon as possible in advance of the required observance.
 
 (PDF file) Religious Observance Instructions & Form (opens in new window) 

Ryerson's Religious & Cultural Observances Calendar (opens in new window) 

Human Rights Services (opens in new window)  works with members of the Ryerson community to promote a study, work and living environment free of discrimination and harassment. Our services are available to all members of the Ryerson community including students, staff, faculty and visitors.

Human Rights Services is located in POD-254-A
Phone: 416-979-5349
Fax: 416-979-5173
Email: humanrights@ryerson.ca
Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (evenings by appointment)

Students should familiarize themselves with Ryerson's Discrimination and Harassment Prevention (DHPS) Policy.

Ryerson Aboriginal Student Services (opens in new window)  - also known by its acronym R.A.S.S. - provides a culturally supportive environment to promote academic excellence and serves as a place to balance academic learning with traditional teachings and culture.

The role of our office is to provide specialized services for Aboriginal, Metis and Inuit students on campus and to develop a mutually productive relationship between Ryerson and the Aboriginal Community.