Wilfrid Laurier University
PAE-6: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The Diversity and Equity Office is in the process of maintaining/establishing 2 committees: • The Student Diversity Committee (an opportunity for students to voice their concerns with regards to diversity, equity, social justice, human rights, etc); • The Diversity & Equity Advisory Committee (membership will include members of the Diversity & Equity Office, 2 additional students, 2 additional staff, and 2 additional faculty members). • Additional committees: Diversity Team, Senior Diversity Team (includes senior administration), Accessibility Committee, Employment Equity Committee (2). These committees are currently working on their mission statement and recruitment of members.

Adam Lawrence Samantha Clarke (Diversity & Inclusion Education Coordinator) Dana Gillett (Employment Equity & AODA Officer) David McMurray (VP Student Affairs) Allison Rawn (VP Human Resources)

The Office for Student Diversity is committed to fostering diversity by offering a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for all Laurier students. With the help of students, staff and faculty, we aim to nurture a learning and student centered environment that respects differences in culture, age, gender, gender expression, race, ethnicity, national origin, physical ability, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation. The Office for Student Diversity works together with the Rainbow Centre, Women’s Centre, Chaplain’s Office, Association of Black Student, Aboriginal Students Services and Student Diversity Committee to provide safe spaces, education, advocating, and to celebrate the uniqueness of every student at Laurier. This is achieved through events, training sessions & awareness campaigns."

The Manager of Diversity & Equity Office works actively with the entire University community toward the University’s related goals and objectives, in keeping with current employment equity and human rights legislation. The Manager is accountable for ensuring the delivery of comprehensive programming and services and provides leadership and advice on promoting and facilitating change that contributes to an environment for staff, faculty and students that is inclusive and respects differences in culture, age, gender, gender expression, race, ethnicity, national origin, physical ability, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation. The incumbent acts as the central source of information to all diversity and equity issues at the University, remains current, interprets and advises on related existing or new legislation. The incumbent keeps abreast of employment equity, educational equity and human rights issues in the education sectors and in the greater public sector. S/he conducts assessments and systems reviews of University policies and practices in light of applicable federal and provincial employment equity legislation; ensures the development and evaluation of University policies and programs designed to eliminate systemic discrimination and to foster fair treatment. S/he formulates short-and long-term plans, identifies target dates, communication and consultation strategies.

With the creation of the new Diversity & Equity Office, Wilfrid Laurier University is strengthening its commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice at all levels of the institution. As a joint initiative between the Student Services and Human Resources departments, the Diversity & Equity Office will combine the Office of Student Diversity with the diversity and equity programs offered through Human Resources to staff and faculty. During this transition period, the mandate and function of diversity programs, policies and committees are undergoing changes. Please note however that diversity programs, policies and committees have always been in place at Laurier but until recently were rolled out to students by the Office of Student Diversity and to staff and faculty through Human Resources. Laurier is claiming points under the Diversity credits based on the new Diversity & Equity Office as it transitions.