Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity in the Department of AFNS
AFNS EDI Survey
The AFNS EDI Survey is complete and results will used to assess our progress toward our departmental EDI objectives, and better support all members of our department. Thank you to those members of AFNS (student, postdoc, staff, or faculty members) that participated.
The survey results were analyzed and shared at the departmental council. The resulting infographic is available by request to Caroline Richard.
The 2024 survey is currently being analyzed and results will be presented to the department in the fall.
AFNS EDI Committee
AFNS EDI Committee Members
Adhikary, Dinesh; Ametaj, Burim; Bruce, Heather; Chen, Lingyun; Gorim, Linda; Hiltz, Rebecca; Medeiros da Silva, Gleise; Proctor, Spencer; Richard, Caroline; and Ullah, Aman
Terms of Reference
Purpose
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee aims to promote diversity in the processes of recruitment, retention, promotion, and recognition across all faculty, staff, and students, ensures an inclusive environment, and champions equity within the department, faculty, and university. Although such an environment is a shared responsibility of all members of the department and requires their continuous commitment, the Committee was created to coordinate departmental efforts. Using its shared experience and expertise, the Committee will identify EDI-related issues, propose and prioritize initiatives, and monitor the efficiency of these efforts. The Committee will also be involved in raising awareness of EDI issues in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science.
Latest Updates from the AFNS EDI Committee
- AFNS EDI Survey second edition is closed and results are being analyzed.
- Events are being planned for the next academic year.
- Revision of the AFNS EDI Committee Terms of Reference.
- AFNS EDI Book Club read Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
- Training around EDI was curated for the AFNS EDI landing page.
- Events organized by the committee such as a potluck with food from different cultures/countries will be shared in advance with the AFNS community.
MORE AFNS EDI Activities
EDI events will resume at the start of the academic year. Stay tuned for more information.
AFNS EDI Book Club
- More details coming soon.
- Book: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- For more information: Dr. Caroline Richard, cr5@ualberta.ca, (780) 248-1827
- All are welcome to attend when time permits.
- Health and Wellness Support for Students: Students who are unsure of the type of support they may need, are concerned about how to access services on campus, or feel like they may need interim support while waiting to access service are encouraged to contact the Wellness Supports Team.
- Peer Support Centre: A Students' Union service offers a free, confidential, and non-judgmental place to talk to someone for support. Their trained volunteers offer peer support, crisis management, information, and resources, as well as a safe and confidential place to talk.
- Counselling and Clinical Services: Free, confidential services for a range of student mental health concerns.
- Sexual Assault Centre: Provides drop-in crisis intervention support to survivors of sexual violence & their supporters and comprehensive educational workshops.
- Wellness Supports: The Wellness Supports team engages people on campus by strengthening individual and community mental health and wellbeing, providing support, connection, education and choice.
Resources for Indigenous Students
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First Peoples’ House: Provides an environment of empowerment for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) learners to achieve personal and academic growth.
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Indigenous Scholars’ Awards and Supplements Pilot Initiative for Indigenous Master’s students
Resources for International Students
- International Services Centre: Helps international students and campus community members who wish to have impactful global experiences. The International Services Centre (ISC) is home to International Student Services, Education Abroad, Global Education and Visiting Programs.
- International Students’ Association (ISA): ISA is a Student Representative Association (SRA) representing all undergraduate international students at the University of Alberta. The ISA advocates for interests such as hybrid lecture delivery, recording lectures, Ride Transit Program inclusion, anti-racism, campus safety, etc. and provides programs/services to its members.
Gender and Sexual Diversity Resources
- The Landing: University of Alberta, Student's Union, student space for gender and sexual diversity offering peer mentorship, resources, and referrals for students working through issues around gender and sexual identify related stressors.
- The University of Alberta, The Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity: The Fyrefly Institute provides programs and services to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community and its allies.
- Scientific QUEERies
Reporting EDI Issues
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Office of Safe Disclosure and Human Rights (OSDHR): OSDHR is a safe, neutral and confidential space for the University of Alberta community to disclose concerns about how the University of Alberta policies, procedures or ethical standards are being applied.
Inclusive Teaching During the COVID-19 Restrictions
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Inclusion, equity, and access while teaching remotely (Rice University)
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Maintaining equity and inclusion in virtual learning environments (San Diego State University)
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UBC’s collection of inclusive teaching resources for faculty
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Dr. Jessica Calarco’s webinar recording Bridging the digital divide: teaching for equity and empathy in the wake of COVID-19, resources and questions (Word | PDF)
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Final exam and assessment strategies from the University of Michigan (Dearborn) and Rutgers University
Students with Disabilities
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Accessibility Resources page for instructors and for students.
Diversity in Online Materials
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Accessibility Resources provides more information including the principles of universal design. For practical tips on how design contributes to effective learning, please read “The importance of design on effective learning”
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Gender Spectrum Collection - open licensed stock photo library of trans and non-binary models
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PICNOI - open licensed images coop for a Colorful World
Computer Accessibility
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Having access to computers and / or technology can create barriers for students when participating in online or remote learning (please see synchronous and asynchronous teaching). Students may be sharing a computer, have unstable wifi, or not have access to technology at all.
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Selfe, C. L., Selfe, R. J. (1994). The politics of the interface: Power and its exercise in electronic contact zones. College Composition and Communication, 45, 480–504.
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Accessibility Resources page for instructors and for students.
- WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool is a Chrome extension that can be used to assess your eClass site’s accessibility. This tool will also show you how to fix the errors. Some students may have visual acuity issues that we are unaware of and WAVE helps us to see how we can make our course sites more accessible.
For more information, visit the University of Alberta, The Centre for Teaching and Learning website: They work with instructors and programs to develop engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students by inspiring, empowering, modeling and connecting excellent teaching. Visit The Centre for Teaching and Learning
University of Alberta Resources
- Laying the Groundwork for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity in Research:
Following calls to action in the University of Alberta’s Strategic Plan for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity and commitments in both the Dimensions Charter and the Scarborough Charter, we are proud to launch Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity in Research: An Action Plan. This how-to guide offers actions, questions, tools and reading to support researchers, staff and students in centering EDI as an integral element of transformative research. - EDI at the University of Alberta
This site collects a variety of campus information, services, and resources as it relates to EDI. - Centre for Teaching and Learning - EDI Resources
The Centre for Teaching and Learning EDI site provides resources to help faculty and teaching staff incorporate more inclusive teaching practices. - Situated Knowledges: Indigenous Peoples and Place
A core goal of SKIPP is to weave together much of the excellent research and teaching scholarship already present at the U of A, as well as recognize the long and storied relationships to place that characterize Indigenous ways of being throughout the world. - Indigenous Canada
A 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), Indigenous Canada explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. - Intersections of Gender - A Signature Research Area
An academic hub focused on promoting intersectional gender research, supporting interdisciplinary research collaborations, growing inclusive mentorship and teaching, and engaging communities
External/Funder Resources
- Tri-Agency EDI Action Plan for 2018-2025
- Best Practices in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Research
created for New Frontiers in Research Fund applicants but useful for all Tri-Council funding applicants. - Setting New Directions to Support Indigenous Research and Research Training in Canada 2019-2022
This Tri-Council plan, co-developed with Indigenous Peoples, addresses key principles of self-determination, decolonization of research, accountability and equitable access. - Canada Research Chair EDI requirements and practices
- Tri-Agency unconscious bias in peer review (online module)
- Supporting Women in Research
- CIHR Impacts of integrating sex and gender in research
- NSERC Considering equity, diversity and inclusion in your application
- Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada
read the Dimensions Charter, find resources and tools and more.
Other Resources
- Writing Effective EDI statements
- Gender-based Analysis + (GBA+)
an analytical process to assess how diverse groups may experience policies, programs and initiatives. - Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the College of Natural + Applied Sciences
- The Office of the Vice-Provost (EDI) offers an introductory module on equity, diversity and inclusion: Module 1: Foundations of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is now available in eClass.
- University of Alberta's Strategic Plan for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity
- Braiding Past, Present and Future: University of Alberta Indigenous Strategic Plan
- EDI Library Guide: Starting point for exploring equity, diversity and inclusion resources and research.
- Days of Significance: Includes religious holidays, cultural events and celebrations, public holidays, and both national and international days of recognition related to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- U of A Speakers Bureau: Request a knowledgeable speaker to present their research or initiatives, such as those related to EDI.
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For more information visit the University of Alberta, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusivity Website
ESL YouTube Video