“Every person and department has a role to play in advancing and actioning IDEAS at BCIT.”
BCIT Through an IDEAS Lens
The development of the IDEAS Lens recognizes that our work in Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships, Institute Sustainability, Student Success, and the Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion office is deeply interconnected. IDEAS is made up of seven components that orient our work at BCIT, guiding how we collaborate and relate. It also outlines a path to achieving our goals. By applying an IDEAS Lens, we can develop tools to integrate IDEAS throughout BCIT.
At BCIT, we are building a holistic lens, grounded in truth, that unites Indigenous reconciliation, inclusivity, diversity, equity, accessibility, sustainability, and student wellbeing. Acknowledging our historical and contemporary realities, we recognize the impacts of colonialism, racism, sexism, and discrimination. IDEAS embodies care and accountability, with everyone at BCIT playing a role in advancing these principles.
“IDEAS represents an ethic of care and accountability.”
Founded in Truths
Indigenous reconciliation is foundational, honouring Indigenous lands and waters, traditions, and knowledge through meaningful relationships.
Inclusivity and diversity celebrate all voices, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences. Equity requires proactive measures to address systemic barriers and ensure equal opportunities. Accessibility covers physical spaces, digital resources, and social support systems, ensuring no one is left behind.
Sustainability commits to ecological integrity and social justice, promoting conservation and ethical practices institute wide. Central to all of this is student wellbeing, focusing on mental health, community-building, and personal growth.
Components
BCIT Guiding Documentation
The IDEAS Lens seeks to bring together a set of visions, strategies, and plans from across BCIT and provide a holistic lens through which to embed the guiding documentation across and throughout BCIT.
- Indigenous Vision
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy (under development)
- Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion Annual Report (2023) [PDF]
- Anti-Racism Framework
- Accessibility Hub and Plan
- Sustainability Vision
- Student Wellbeing and Resilience Framework
- People Vision
Resources for Action
All departments at BCIT have an opportunity to apply the IDEAS Lens to their work. The initial IDEAS Road Map identifies four areas of focus: Governance and Accountability, Operationalization, Teaching and Learning, and Engaging with Students. The IDEAS working group has developed an action plan which is currently underway while developing a set of tools for employees that can support the application of the Lens. Resources include:
- IDEAS FAQ (under development)
- IDEAS Guiding Document for Academic Planning and Quality Assurance (APQA) [PDF]
- IDEAS Action Planning template (under development)
Additional resources and information are also available through our offices:
Continue Learning
Please reach out to IDEAS@bcit.ca with any questions and comments. If you are interested in learning more, the following free online learning courses are available at BCIT:
This work was developed collaboratively between multiple BCIT departments: Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships, Institute Sustainability, Student Success, and the Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion office.
Our thinking, learning, and creating was done on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh). Reconciliation is central to this work, and we recognize, and are grateful for, the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded this land since time immemorial.