University of Alberta
PAE-9: Support Programs for Future Faculty

DARE TO DISCOVER
http://www.president.ualberta.ca/en/DaretoDiscover.aspx

The University of Alberta’s Dare to Discover document outlines the values of the institution and a diverse, dynamic collegial community is highlighted as a value of the institution. The university also outlines a goal to recruit and retain outstanding and diverse academic staff, enhancing the global perspective of campus and fostering an intercultural climate by celebrating and drawing upon the diversity within it. The plan also outlines the university’s commitment to engage with, serve, and draw strength from the diversity of Aboriginal, Franco-Albertan, multicultural, rural, and northern communities in the province. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, including persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and Aboriginal persons.

We work towards encouraging diversity in our faculty members in a variety of ways, many of the following initiatives work towards making the campus community a more inclusive and respectful place. The programs outlined below make the school more appealing to a diverse audience of future faculty members, encouraging recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty.

WOMEN IN SCHOLARSHIP, ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
http://www.wisest.ualberta.ca

Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology (WISEST) works towards greater representation of women in faculty positions through providing formal and informal networking opportunities with the goal of improving retention of women in all levels of academia by providing mentorship supports (i.e., University of Alberta – Women in Science and Engineering [UA-WISE], Women in Science, Engineering, and Research [WISER]) and developing leadership skills. This contributes to improved educational experiences for women and therefore also acts to encourage their involvement in higher education as professors.

INSTITUE FOR SEXUAL MINORITY STUDIES AND SERVICES (ISMSS):
http://www.ismss.ualberta.ca

The Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services (ISMSS) hosts the Safe Spaces Initiative, a comprehensive and multi-stakeholder action plan to improve the availability of safe spaces and inclusive learning environments on campus. In addition to safe spaces, iSMSS coordinates and delivers workshops to any faculty member that requests a presentation through their education coordinator, focused on increasing their awareness and of sexual minorities.

COUNCIL ON ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS
http://www.aboriginal.ualberta.ca

Through a variety of means, the Council on Aboriginal Affairs create a campus environment that support Aboriginal faculty members. Gathering the 60-member Council with representation from five Aboriginal student groups, faculty members (from Native Studies, Education, Law, Medicine & Dentistry, and Family Medicine for example), Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal post secondary institutions, members of the Senate and City of Edmonton employees. This diverse group allows for incredibly rich and expansive discussions and opens up a space for meaningful and consultative dialogue and discuss topics. They organize informal brown bag lunches and other social gatherings for Aboriginal staff and faculty across campus and coordinate an Aboriginal Focus Groups comprised of staff and faculty members who meet regularly to coordinate their efforts and collaborate to better support Aboriginal students, staff and faculty. An example event they host is the Amiqaag Conference, a one day conference held annually that invites students, faculty, staff and community members to share their cultural roots and traditional knowledge organized by the special advisor to the provost on Aboriginal Initiatives. Other events include Aboriginal Health Speaker Series, traditional feasts, Powwows, round dances and an Aboriginal Writers Spring Gathering and Workshop.

Responsible Party Information

WOMEN IN SCHOLARSHIP, ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Name: Denise Hemmings
Department: WISEST
Position: Chair

Name: Grace Ennis
Department: WISEST
Position:Coordinator

INSTITUTE FOR SEXUAL MINORITY STUDIES AND SERVICES
Name: Andre Grace
Department: Educational Policy Studies
Position: Director

COUNCIL ON ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS
Name: Tracy Bear
Department: Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
Position:Special Advisor to the Provost on Aboriginal Initiatives