Learning for Life: Human Rights and Consent Modules
By Elizabeth Kane
Everyone benefits from being part of a caring university community that upholds equity, inclusion and belonging. Ensuring students across all disciplines understand human rights, consent and the resources available to them is an important part of supporting a positive campus culture.
To support this continuous commitment, the Department of Equity and Inclusive Communities (EIC) offers two online, self-paced learning modules focused on human rights and sexual violence prevention.
“The modules provide students the opportunity to develop a common language and terminology while laying the foundation for developing shared values,” said Ikram Jama, Director of Human Rights and Equity at EIC. “This shared understanding helps us better prevent discrimination and harassment.”
The modules equip students with knowledge and skills to become thoughtful, informed members of the university community that extend well beyond their time at Carleton.
Education and Support Make an Impact
Developed in consultation with students, the Human Rights module introduces key concepts related to equity, inclusion and anti-oppression through examples relevant to students.
“We were able to create a lot of tangible examples that present these concepts in a way that are relevant to the student experience,” said Krista Craven, Equity and Inclusion Learning Specialist at EIC. “Since 2024, more than 4,000 students have completed the Human Rights module.”
The training is making a measurable difference. Participant surveys show that after completing the module, students’ understanding of key human rights concepts increased by 37 per cent and 86 per cent of participants reported feeling moderately or very equipped to recognize and respond to human rights issues.
Building on the success of the Human Rights Module, EIC launched the Sexual Violence Prevention module this fall.
Designed with student input, the new module educates participants on gender-based and sexual violence, consent, being an active bystander, responding to disclosures about experiences of sexual violence, as well as the resources available on campus.
“If people are able to start their university career with this baseline of knowledge, it strengthens consent culture on campus,” said Bailey Reid, Senior Advisor, Gender and Sexual Violence Prevention and Support at EIC. “Equipping students to respond to disclosures and believe survivors is a significantly impactful thing.”
Community Values in the Classroom
Designed to fit into any course, the Human Rights module has been completed by students from every faculty at Carleton. Results show similar improvements in knowledge across disciplines, highlighting the relevance of human rights education to students in every field of study.
Faculty members and instructors have also played an important role in the modules’ adoption. Jama says their partnerships and support have been essential to bringing the training into classrooms across the university.
“It becomes a shared responsibility for all of us to support this training,” she says. “This collaboration contributes to the cultural change we’re seeking.”
Neuroscience researcher Zachary Patterson incorporated the Human Rights module into his courses as an opportunity for students to earn bonus marks.
While completing the module can contribute to students’ final grades, its value extends beyond the classroom.
“It’s important to provide students with opportunities to engage with topics that extend beyond the traditional course material, particularly issues surrounding human rights, equity and inclusion,” said Patterson. “The module offers an accessible and meaningful way for students to explore these topics while reinforcing the importance of creating a respectful and inclusive university community.”
Building on the success of the student modules, EIC is developing tailored training for faculty and staff, expected in 2027.
Knowledge that Lasts a Lifetime
University is a time for students to prepare for their next steps, both professionally and personally. While the modules introduce policies and resources specific to Carleton, the knowledge students gain about human rights and consent can help shape how they engage with others long after they leave campus.
“Carleton is a microcosm of the larger society,” said Craven. “The modules give students a space to learn about, reflect on and put into practice these concepts and principles.”
The training also encourages students to continue exploring human rights beyond the university context. After completing the Human Rights module, more than two-thirds of students reported they were likely to continue learning about human rights.
“You can learn to be a great engineer, as well as about consent and human rights, and that will be a well-rounded education,” said Jama.
