Huddersfield New College has announced that applications are now open for students who are interested in becoming a Student Diversity Champion.
As students become used to a life on a Covid-19 secure Campus, the College beginning to encourage students to take advantage of the opportunities available to them – a special virtual event in the coming weeks will share more, but one such opportunity is to apply to become a Student Diversity Champion.
HNC has been named the Number One Organisation in the UK for Equality and Diversity for four years running by the National Centre for Diversity. This recognises how HNC is a welcome and supportive place where individual differences are celebrated, where inequality and injustice are not accepted, and the award also reflects how students are supported to understand the role they have to play in changing attitudes in wider society.
Student Diversity Champions play a key part in this work, celebrating the College’s approach and promoting this to peers in College and the local community. As a Champion, students are responsible for sharing ideas for themed weeks, and take responsibility for organising and hosting a variety of events. In light of the pandemic, these roles will look slightly different, making use of virtual events and themed weeks until it is safe to once again host them in person. Next week the existing team will be involved in the College’s virtual celebrations for National Inclusion Week which will include a special competition and an opportunity to learn more about Black History Month and find out about why HNC has been named a Stonewall College Champion – look out for further details which will be released tomorrow.
As this is a volunteering role, students will also be able to log their hours and receive a certificate evidencing their contribution and receive specialist training to support them in their role.
Erika Montgomery, Director of Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Engagement comments: “Here at HNC we genuinely offer students an experience where their own uniqueness is valued and one where they have plenty of opportunities to explore the differences of others. Our themed weeks, competitions and celebrations offer students a meaningful opportunity to explore a wide range of important topics and our Student Diversity Champions are key to ensuring these are engaging for our young people. Although Covid-19 has changed the way we run these, we are determined that our events will continue and we will be offering students the chance to get involved in new and exciting ways. As with all our volunteering opportunities, students also have the chance to gain new skills, grow in confidence and enhance their future university and job applications. We look forward to receiving applications from our new Champions and sharing more!”
Interested students should visit Moodle for an application form or email e.montgomery@huddnewcoll.ac.uk for details
