Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Taskforce

EDI Mission Statement and Goals 

Mission

The Faculty of Science Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Taskforce uses a research-based approach to identify barriers to EDI and enablers for action in the Faculty of Science, with a focus on equity and inclusion of multiple groups including—but not limited to—Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC) communities, women, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Background 

We are a multidisciplinary taskforce consisting of social and natural scientists who use various assessment strategies including reviews, quantitative inferential statistics for survey-based data, and qualitative interviews to advance EDI within the Faculty of Science. Based on this research, and ongoing conversations with stakeholders from marginalized communities, we make EDI policy and program recommendations to the Dean and provide educational opportunities and resources for students, staff, and faculty. This includes making research study findings accessible through our website/social media, conducting education and awareness workshops and webinars, and organizing roundtables to facilitate conversations that will lead to meaningful change. We also promote EDI in the Faculty of Science and the broader University of Windsor campus community through organizing events (e.g., invited lectures) and acting as a resource for faculty, staff, and students. Together, we strive to create an inclusive and equitable work/study environment for all.

Goals

Short term

  • Connect faculty, staff, and students with EDI-related educational information in a collegial manner
  • Support faculty, staff, and students by discussing EDI-related concerns and providing guidance for appropriate resources and actions
  • Collaborate with the communications team to prepare materials to promote and communicate EDI related matters
  • Build relationships and advocate for change through collaborations with allies and stakeholders from diverse communities within and outside the university
  • Partner with organizations to advance EDI at a local, regional, and national level

Long Term

  • Advocate for EDI-focused policy changes based on research and community conversations
  • Provide advice for best practices for departments to diversify the hiring process (e.g., creating job ad templates to encourage diversity, creating infographics or other tools to assist faculty with avoiding implicit bias in the hiring process)
  • Support instructors in developing EDI content for course syllabi
  • Develop informational materials (e.g., infographics) to assist faculty to avoid implicit bias in professional activities (e.g., writing unbiased reference letters for students for scholarships and professional schools)
  • Connect instructors with information and pathways for the incorporation of EDI concepts in their teaching, scholarship, and research
  • Support the Indigenization of course content and strengthening of authentic relationships with Indigenous communities and scholars
  • Work with the Major Gift team to develop terms and strategies for fundraising and sponsorship related to EDI initiatives and scholarships