UNBC has developed a draft Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan as required by TIPS (see the background information below).  To ensure that the objectives of the plan represent the diverse perspectives of the UNBC community, we are holding a workshop, guided by an experienced Facilitator, to consult with the community (faculty, staff and students) on the following questions:

1. What barriers exist at UNBC to the recruitment, retention and advancement of the FDGs (described below) plus members of the LGBTQ2S+ communities?
2. What suggestions do you have to guide UNBC in addressing these barriers?

Please review the draft EDI Action Plan and come to the workshop on June 13^th, 2019 from 10:00am-2:00pm in 6-205/211 (Conference Centre) with your ideas.  Lunch will be provided.

RSVP to Krista Benham at krista.benham@unbc.ca by Thursday, June 6^th at noon stating any dietary restrictions.

Join us remotely via Bluejeans using the following connection:

https://bluejeans.com/213120782?src=join_info     Meeting ID 213 120 782

Dial in from a phone:  Dial the following number: +1.866.226.4650 (Toll Free) 

Enter the meeting ID followed by #  

Connect from a room system: Dial: bjn.vc or 199.48.152.152 and enter your meeting ID

Background:

The Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS) manages the Canada Research Chairs Program (CRCP). TIPS is strongly committed to increased equity, diversity and inclusion in this program. It defines equity as the removal of systemic barriers and biases, to enact the practice of inclusion so that all individuals have equal access to and can benefit from the program.

To achieve this, institutions must embrace diversity, defined as differences in race, colour, place of origin, religion, immigrant and newcomer status, ethnic origin, ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age. Recognizing and valuing diversity and equity must be accompanied by concerted efforts to ensure the inclusion of diverse and underrepresented populations, meaning that individuals must be and feel valued, respected and equally supported.

The institution must strive to put in place the right conditions for each individual—including those from underrepresented groups and the four designated groups (FDG): women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities—to reach their full potential, unimpeded by inequitable practices or research environments.

Each institution housing Canada Research Chairs must develop an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan that sets out S.M.A.R.T. objectives - Specific, Measureable, Aligned with the wanted outcome, Realistic and Timely.