University of Alberta
PA-4: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The University of Alberta's equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) activities are coordinated by the EDI Scoping Group. The University of Alberta's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Scoping Group brings together faculty members, staff, students, EDI scholars and advocates from across the university. The group has worked in consultation with the larger UAlberta community to create the university's Strategic Plan for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity, which articulates a common vision and framework to inspire, guide, and support both current and future equity, diversity, and inclusivity efforts and initiatives across the institution. This plan organizes initiatives designed to ensure the university’s ability to recruit, retain, and promote members of equity-seeking groups (including but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, members of visible minorities, and persons with disabilities).

In addition to the institution-wide Employment Equity Advisory Committee (EEAC), individual faculties have created diversity committees and senior leadership positions that collaborate with the Employment Equity Adviser. Examples include: Associate Dean Diversity (Science); Assistant Dean Diversity (Medicine & Dentistry); Faculty of Arts EDI Committee, AASUA Equity Committee, NASA Diversity Committee and the Employment Equity Office.

Cultural competence training is embedded in the learning and development of university faculty and staff. It is part of the new staff orientation (faculty and staff) and orientation for newly appointed academic leaders (Deans, Chairs). Development opportunities are offered through a number of units on campus, including Human Resource Services, the Office of Safe Disclosure and Human Rights, the Office of the Provost, and University of Alberta International.

Cultural competence training and activities include education on understanding the University of Alberta’s Human Rights Policy, addressing bullying and harassment, respect in the workplace, safe disclosure, duty to accommodate, and inclusive leadership. The university also offers training on bias awareness and diversity for award and research adjudication committees.

The university offers extensive training in Indigenous cultural competency. This is offered at the institutional and faculty level, and includes guidelines on Indigenous community-based research, education on protocol and ceremony, and other research and community engagement training.

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion unit in Human Resource Services (HRS) offers a selection of formal learning opportunities for leaders, supervisors, and staff members.
- Equity Diversity Inclusion (EDI) Week - a series of workshops and presentations to advance EDI skill and knowledge
- In-person workshops on a variety of EDI-related topics are regularly offered to all employees and graduate students
- The university has an Employer Partnership with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion which provides access to toolkits, resources, online learning at no cost to individual university employees

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBLE PARTIES:

Logan Mardhani-Bayne
Strategic Development Manager
Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic)

Evelyn Hamdon
Advisor
Office of Safe Disclosure & Human Rights
Finance and Administration