Presenters: Roxanne Ross & Heather Thompson, University of Calgary

In addition to dedicated services and programs for neurodivergent students, initiatives that engage students as partners to support broader shifts in teaching and learning and student affairs across university campuses are critical components to fostering their wellbeing. In this session, presenters will share their experience with the NICE (Neurodiversity Immersive Campus Experience) initiative. The NICE program at the University of Calgary is designed to work alongside neurodivergent students to deliver transition programming for incoming students and provide staff and faculty with opportunities to deepen their understanding of neurodivergent students’ perspectives through their participation in small group workshops. Workshops aim to provide space for faculty and staff to gain a deeper awareness of neurodiversity and learn practical universal design strategies to support all students. Co-developed and led by neurodivergent student leaders, we have observed that these sessions facilitate impactful and collaborative conversations amongst students, staff and faculty that have led to tangible shifts to more inclusive practices by participants. Session facilitators will share the development and implementation of the program along with key learnings to date. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to reflect on and share their own strategies for working with neurodivergent students to inspire and facilitate a more inclusive campus.

Learn about strategies for engaging neurodivergent students as partners in staff and faculty initiatives.

Reflect on and share programming strategies for working towards more inclusive campus environments in their own settings.