| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.24 |
| Liaison | Alicia Gowan |
| Submission Date | June 18, 2024 |
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.17 / 3.00 |
Alicia
Gowan Sustainability Specialist Campus and Community Planning |
Non-discrimination statement
The non-discrimination statement, including the website URL where the policy is publicly accessible:
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) or the University endeavors to provide learning and working environments that are inclusive and which are supportive of fair and equitable treatment of all members within its diverse community, no matter their social identity, meaning the various attributes or characteristics with which one strongly identifies and views as integral to their identity. This commitment requires the removal of unnecessary barriers to greater diversity within KPU and requires measures to support and promote inclusiveness, diversity and equity across the University.
Our Vision towards a respectful campus community includes:
a. Respect for the Dignity of all persons
b. Fair and Equitable treatment of all persons
c. Respect for Diversity
d. Conduct and Language that reflects social standards of courtesy, dignity, trust and respect
e. Sensitivity and Acceptance of the multicultural reality of the University
The creation of this policy is guided by the:
a. B.C. Human Rights Code
b. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
c. Canadian Human Rights Act
d. Universal Declaration of Rights and Freedoms
KPU will provide an environment and climate for study, work and participation that [...] is free from intimidation, harassment, favoritism and discrimination
https://www.kpu.ca/sites/default/files/Policies/HR15%20Diversity%20and%20Inclusiveness%20Policy.pdf
Bias response team
A brief description of the institution’s discrimination response protocol or team:
Recruitment programs
Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit academic staff from underrepresented groups?:
Does the institution have programs designed specifically to recruit non-academic staff from underrepresented groups?:
If yes to any of the above, provide:
In early 2022, KPU received approval from British Columbia's Office of the Human Rights Commissioner for a 5-year program to enable preferential hiring of qualified candidates who self-identify as Indigenous, including First Nations, Metis, and Inuit, for faculty, excluded management (non-academic), and staff (non-academic) across the university. It was decided that KPU would work to hire ten additional Indigenous faculty members, five additional Indigenous administrative employees, and seven additional Indigenous support staff by the end of the 5 year period. The purpose of this hiring program is to redress systemic barriers that are inherent in higher education, including hiring practices that have led to the underrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in decision-influencing, leadership, and faculty positions.
KPU's Accountability Report:
https://www.kpu.ca/sites/default/files/Institutional%20Analysis%20and%20Planning/KPU%20IAPR%202021-22%20%282022-10-26%29_0.pdf
Mentoring, counseling and support programs
Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs designed specifically to support academic staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs to support non-academic staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
A brief description of the institution’s programs designed specifically to support students, academic staff, and/or non-academic staff from underrepresented groups:
Pride Advocacy Group (PAG): PAG is a campus-wide initiative that aims to provide safer and more inclusive spaces for people of all genders and sexualities. Pride @ KPU ensures all 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff and faculty feel visible and supported. https://www.kpu.ca/pride
Disability Inclusion Group: KPU's Disability Inclusion Group (DIG) is committed to dismantling ableism by fostering awareness, exposing barriers, encouraging engagement, and promoting inclusion for people with disabilities. DIG's purpose is to identify opportunities to create an environment and culture at KPU where all people with disabilities feel welcome, valued, supported, and empowered. https://www.kpu.ca/pdec/disability-inclusion-group
Multi-faith Centre: The KPU Multi-Faith Centre is a coalition of diverse faith and secular communities offering students, faculty, and staff an open door, an open mind and an open heart of care and advocacy.
Indigenous Student Services: Indigenous Student Services is committed to providing a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment for all Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit) students and for visitors to the Gathering Place. Indigenous Student Services provides online, virtual, and on campus support including assistance and tips on applying for scholarships and awards, accessing resources to help with transition to online learning and providing information on other student supports.
Support for future academic staff
A brief description of the institution’s programs to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members:
Optional Fields
Does the institution offer housing options to accommodate the special needs of transgender and transitioning students?:
Website URL where information about the institution’s support for underrepresented groups is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.