Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Laurier has a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic life – a commitment underlined in the institutional Laurier Strategy: 2019-2024. When a diverse range of researchers are nurtured and their ways of knowing are valued, the fresh perspectives and new knowledge can lead to breakthroughs in all fields. As such, Laurier has in place a number of initiatives to reduce barriers that underrepresented groups may experience in postsecondary research, across levels and disciplines.

Canada Research Chairs Program Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan

The Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program is an important part of the national effort to attract and retain some of the world’s most accomplished and promising minds in engineering and the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Laurier is currently home to 10 Canada Research Chairs. The Canada Research Chair Program Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan outlines how Laurier intends to identify, prevent and remove barriers that may negatively affect the participation of underrepresented groups in the prestigious CRC program. This living document reflects our commitment to these issues and is regularly updated to align with best practices.

Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada

The federal Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada program aims to increase equity, diversity and inclusion and help drive deeper cultural change within the research ecosystem. Laurier is proud to be participating in the Dimensions program in multiple ways.

Dimensions Charter

Laurier was one of the first postsecondary institutions in Canada to endorse the Dimensions Charter, which sets out principles to strengthen Canadian research and its research community through equity, diversity and inclusion. By choosing to endorse this charter, Laurier has committed to taking concrete steps to adopt these principles throughout the institution.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Institutional Capacity-Building Grant

Laurier is one of 15 institutions across Canada to participate in a federal pilot grant program aimed at increasing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) among researchers. The EDI Institutional Capacity-Building Grant provides funds for institutions to work toward identifying and eliminating systemic barriers impeding the recruitment, retention and advancement of underrepresented groups within academia.

With the support of the grant, Laurier has put in place an associate vice-president: EDI, two EDI faculty colleagues and a research associate.

Laurier’s EDI community of practice also includes two women faculty colleagues; faculty and staff from Indigenous Initiatives; human resources; Teaching and Learning; and the Centre for Student EDI. This multidisciplinary group has a solid mandate to strengthen Laurier’s commitment to inclusion.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Pilot Awards Program

Laurier is one of 17 institutions across Canada participating in a federal pilot program to help institutions take concrete steps to advance equity, diversity and inclusion across disciplines and recognize their progress.

The first phase of the Dimensions pilot awards program focuses on creating a plan for identifying and addressing systemic barriers experienced by members of underrepresented or disadvantaged groups. It includes performing a thorough self-assessment informed by research, followed by developing an action plan with goals based on the barriers and opportunities identified in the self-assessment. After the first phase, institutions can apply for awards recognizing progress in identified areas.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Faculty Colleague

The EDI faculty colleague bring recognized disciplinary knowledge and understanding of EDI including expertise in related research, scholarly work and assessment practices in the field. Working closely with the associate vice-president: EDI, the EDI faculty colleague:

• provides support to faculty and librarians from underrepresented groups experiencing barriers to inclusion;
• initiates activities to promote discussion and understanding of EDI; 
• assists with institutional research to better understand the experiences of those from equity-seeking groups at Laurier; 
• participates as a member of Laurier's EDI community-of-practice and the bilateral University-Association Employment Equity Advisory Committee (Article 22.5); and 
• assists in developing and delivering of EDI-related training initiatives. 

The EDI faculty colleague receives one one-term course remission for a year of service and submits an annual report of activities, which includes any recommendations for addressing barriers to inclusion.

Laurier's EDI Faculty Colleague is Sunny Wang. 

Women's Faculty Colleagues

Women’s faculty colleagues provide support, information and events related to issues affecting female faculty members and offer direct support and advice to female faculty around equity issues.

The position of women’s faculty colleague was created in 2000 on the recommendation of the University-Association Employment Equity Advisory Committee, with the agreement of the university and WLUFA. In 2011, the university and WLUFA agreed to an additional women’s faculty colleague so there would be one in Waterloo and one in Brantford.

These positions are filled following nominations from and election by the WLUFA Women’s Caucus. WLUFA then recommends a candidate to the university and the university makes the appointment. Each women's faculty colleague receives one one-term course remission for a year of service.

Working closely with the associate vice-president: EDI, women's faculty colleagues:

• provide support and information to all faculty members on issues affecting women-identified faculty (e.g. pregnancy/maternity leaves, reasonable course assignments, available support around harassment/discrimination, etc.);
• act as resources to women-identified faculty to advise and assist on concerns about equity issues; and
• initiate activities within the university to promote discussion and understanding of issues affecting women-identified faculty.

The women’s faculty colleague in Waterloo is Cristina Stoica and in Brantford is Nuha Dwaikat Shaer .

Research on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Laurier supports a number of researchers and research groups working on issues of equity, diversity and inclusion. These include the Laurier Centre for Women in Science; the Centre for Indigegogy, which focuses on decolonizing education; and the Laurier Centre for Community Research, Learning and Action and Social Innovation Research Group, which both focus on inclusive, community-engaged research.