Laurier recognized for data-driven approach to equity, diversity and inclusion work

April 27, 2023

The Government of Canada has recognized Wilfrid Laurier University as a Dimensions institution at the Construction stage.

The Construction designation recognizes that Laurier is strategically addressing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in a coordinated way, has engaged in critical self-assessment and reflection, and has developed and implemented an action plan.

Since 2019, Laurier has been a member of the Dimensions Pilot Program, co-developing a program to address systemic barriers and inequities in Canadian postsecondary institutions and the research ecosystem.

There are four stages of recognition in the Dimensions program (Foundation, Construction, Consolidation and Transformation), reflecting how institutions must build a foundation to make progress on equity, diversity and inclusion.

Laurier and the 17 other postsecondary institutions participating in the Dimensions Pilot Program applied to the stage of recognition that each institution thought best represented its EDI journey.

“I am incredibly proud of the concerted effort that went into this process,” says Heidi Northwood, Laurier’s interim provost and vice-president: academic. “I would like to thank the entire Dimensions EDI Self-Assessment Team for its work in the coordination and collection of EDI data and performing the in-depth assessment of Laurier’s culture, practices and systems.”

“The data collection and assessment was a key component informing the development of Laurier’s Strategic Plan for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” says Barrington Walker, Laurier’s associate vice-president: EDI. “Gaining a better understanding of Laurier’s demographics and the lived experiences of our community members is critical to informing future EDI work.”

In the coming months, Laurier will share its Dimensions Action Plan, which is currently under administrative review by the Dimensions team. The action plan contains clear objectives, timelines and accountabilities for the Laurier community to embed EDI into Laurier’s research ecosystem and advance Laurier’s EDI Data Strategy.

The university will work to address the recommendations set out in the Strategic Plan for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the Scarborough Charter, and the Dimensions Action Plan to assess the impact and effectiveness of the plans.