Vision Statement

Our vision is to cultivate a dynamic, vibrant, and inclusive language learning community in which language learning is not simply a means to an end, but a transformative journey that enriches lives, fosters connections between people and places, broadens outlooks, and creates memories, empowering students to pursue rewarding careers and meaningful life opportunities in an interconnected world.

Physical Space

Our vision for our dedicated physical spaces prioritizes:

the value, impact, and relevance of being in the same place at the same time.
a sense of being immersed in/surrounded by different languages and cultures
furniture choices and room arrangements that optimize flexibility, encourage interaction, and foster communication.

Language Learning Resource Centre (LLRC)

The LLRC is a dynamic nexus for language learning, community building, event programming, and student engagement with regular input from students and instructors. Specifically:

impromptu and scheduled activities, events, and gatherings
relevant, meaningful, and actively-circulating book and resource collection
technology-enabling equipment

In addition to explicitly targeting language learning outcomes, people-centred objectives for the space include:

fostering a sense of belonging
providing opportunities for students to contribute to their own and others’ learning
incrementally build the Centre’s internal capacity

Language Lab Space

Our language labs strike a balance between maintaining a stable consistent environment for teaching and learning, and exploring new, emergent, and potentially disruptive technologies; the latter introduced gradually as complements to existing practices.

In addition to daily teaching, labs are used to conduct action research, small-scale pedagogical pilot projects, and student collaborations.

Transitional Space

This vision extends to transitional spaces where hallway art and décor choices shape the ambiance of our in-between spaces, connecting people with the countries and cultures where the language we teach are spoken and the spaces where they are signed. Dedicated bulletin boards and digital signage throughout the space promote timely information about language and culture-related events, activities, and opportunities both on and off campus.

Virtual Space

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Engagement

Open lines of communication are key to our vision for the Centre.

Opportunities for input

Beyond our active and responsive social media presence, we invite regular input from students, instructors, and staff on issues and decisions affecting the Centre (e.g. event/activity programming, capital projects, and the student experience).

The LLRC is active on social media via our Instagram feed (@culanguages).

Opportunities to get involved

Leveraging university-wide programs such as Work Study, Students as Partners, and I-CUREUS, we encourage a sense of both shared purpose and belonging through paid opportunities for students to learn, grow, and contribute to our learning community through targeted projects that align with their interests and our needs.

At the same time, we develop rewarding volunteer opportunities for students to pursue (e.g. language conversation partners, Linguavision volunteers). These opportunities encourage self-exploration, community-building, and the development of new skills and interests. They are also officially recognized by the University’s Co-Curricular Record initiative.

Our promotional materials highlight the diversity of academic programs represented by students in our language courses.

On campus engagement

The LLRC is recognized an integral part of the campus community. We:

maintain strong ties with departments whose programs include language requirements (e.g. BGInS, BIB, and EURUS).
actively collaborate with organizations on campus that share aspects of our mission including the International Student Services Office, International Exchange Programs, and multicultural student clubs.

Off campus engagement

We are in active communication with embassies and cultural organizations in the Ottawa area pursuing collaboration where possible and encouraging language students to take advantage of extracurricular opportunities they offer.

Our promotions team ensures that up-to-date information about our programs is available in all Ottawa area high schools.

Each year, our instructors offer short-term courses in various languages for junior high school students through Carleton’s Enriched Mini Course Program.

We are active participants in on and off-campus promotional and recruitment events such as FASS Fair, Carleton Open House, and more.

Promotion & Marketing

Promotion and marketing are key elements of our vision, sharing information not only about our programs, events, and activities, but also about the value of language and language learning as part of a well-rounded, memorable, and enriching university experience that can lead to future employment, meaningful opportunities, and a rewarding life path.