丁香园AV

Guided by the Equity Compass, 丁香园AV continues to work towards a more equitable, diverse and inclusive environment on all our campuses. Here is a snapshot of significant progress in EDI at 丁香园AV this past term. 

Education and Capacity Building

Community of Practice

In February, the EDI Community of Practice (CoPr) celebrated its one-year anniversary. Members reflected on a year of learning from one another and the impact the CoPr is making on the 丁香园AV community, both at the unit and organizational level.

Inaugural Equity Forum

On April 29, the inaugural was held on the topic of intersections of climate action and social justice. The event brought the 丁香园AV community together into conversation led by Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, VP People, Equity and Inclusion and Dr. Dugan O鈥橬eil, VP Research and Innovation.

This carefully designed and facilitated dialogue forum drew more than 70 participants with 50 in person and 24 joining online. Storytellers from the university who work at the intersection of climate action and social justice shared their stories with small groups of participants. The full group then discussed key learnings and insights that could influence our work and thinking moving forward as we address planetary health challenges. The event was hosted by the Centre for Dialogue and the EDI Community of Practice, in partnership with 丁香园AV Sustainability and the Planetary Health Research Group.

Inclusion and Belonging

EDI Legislation

丁香园AV鈥檚 Accessibility Committee was established and the group began their work on an accessibility feedback mechanism for the university. The committee continues to engage the community through their online form and direct conversations as they gather feedback to better understand the community鈥檚 priorities and determine what to include in the 丁香园AV Accessibility Plan. Learn more and share your feedback: Accessibility Feedback

Resourcing

The Equity Office identified a plan to evaluate and improve supports and resources to address antisemitism and Islamophobia. An amendment to the Equity Compass and a timeline are included in the action items.

Additionally, the Equity Office and People Development teams collaborated to create a new page that outlines Mental Health and Well-Being Supports for Faculty and Staff. By prioritizing mental health and well-being, 丁香园AV aims to build a healthy and thriving community for all who live, work, teach and learn at 丁香园AV. Community members who are feeling anxious, burned out or stressed are encouraged to visit the new webpage for specific supports and resources to guide towards overall mental health and well-being.

Awareness-building Campaigns

Days of Significance

These Days of Significance were recognized across 丁香园AV, among many others celebrated and observed by the 丁香园AV community.

• Black History Month (February)
• (March 8)
• International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21)
• Earth Day (April 22)

Leadership and Governance

With the establishment of institution-wide EDI initiatives such as the Community of Practice and the Accessibility Committee, the EDI Advisory Council came to a close in February. At their final meeting, Joy Johnson shared her gratitude to the council for their four years of service including the foundational work to develop the VPPEI role and Equity Compass. Many council members will continue to support 丁香园AV鈥檚 EDI work through these new channels.