Surveys + Reports
Knowing what we need to achieve is only possible if we know what we've accomplished.
Informed Progress
Each step forward requires knowledge of where we have been and where we are. To achieve our equity, diversity, and inclusion goals, the U of A believes in taking deliberate action that is informed by the best available evidence and institutional data. On an ongoing basis, the U of A will continue to evaluate its progress and report to the university community.
Stories from the Field
Stories from the Field offers reflections on and snapshots of equity, diversity, and inclusion activities over the years 2019-2022 that continue to build on the U of A’s century-long history of innovation and risk-taking in the name of creating a more equitable, inclusive institution.
We invite you to read the stories and actions highlighted in this report as they speak to our collective recognition that to be excellent, we must break patterns that serve to replicate a status quo that benefits some and excludes others. Collectively, these insights are intended to inform future strategies, policies and procedures as we seek to become a more equitable, diverse and inclusive institution.
Report On 10 Calls To Action By The Collective Of Black Student Groups At The University Of Alberta
This report provides a 2024 an update on activities related to the institutional priority area of Black flourishing, specifically on the commitments made to a collective of Black student groups in September 2020.
DEMOGRAPHIC Census
Student Census
The University of Alberta is committed to continuous improvement in ensuring access, addressing barriers, and fostering a community where all have a sense they belong. We conducted a comprehensive survey to support this commitment, to understand the current student demographics and to establish a baseline from which we can measure the university’s progress in achieving its commitments, as well as for planning, supports and policy-making in general.
All U of A students receive the census by email. Completing this census is voluntary, and students have the option to skip any questions that they prefer not to answer.
The census consists of a short set of questions to help the university obtain a picture of student demographics, including students’ personal backgrounds and circumstances, and how students see themselves.
Data collected from the Student Census is held confidentially and securely, separate from formal student records. For the purposes of analysis only, data is connected to relevant student data using confidential, secure, anonymized student identifiers (not official student IDs). Access to census data is strictly limited to those who manage the U of A's equity census. Any publicly reported results are limited to aggregated totals to ensure that no individual can be identified.
Results of each census are shared as they become available and serve as a benchmark against which the university can measure its future efforts to support improved access and sense of belonging.
Workforce Census
At the University of Alberta, we know that our work takes place in a highly diverse society, and we recognize that a diverse university workforce is needed to generate the multitude of ideas and perspectives that enrich our research, teaching, learning, and service. That's why we are committed to ensuring access, addressing barriers to success, and fostering a community where all have a sense they belong.
To assess progress toward this goal, we conduct a demographic census to collect data on the relevant makeup and experiences of our workforce. The resulting data will be used to conduct statistical analysis and to identify areas where we may not be meeting our desired objectives.
Data collected via the Workforce Census was held confidentially and securely, separate from formal employment records. For the purposes of conducting analysis only, data was connected to relevant employment data using confidential, secure, anonymized staff identifiers (not official employee IDs). Access was strictly limited to those who manage the U of A's equity census. Any publicly reported results are limited to aggregated totals; findings are presented for groups of people to ensure that no individual can be identified.
The census consists of a short set of questions to help the university understand how employees identify in each instance. Completing this census is entirely voluntary, and employees had the option to decline to answer any of the questions.
Results of each census are shared as they become available, and serve as a benchmark for future statistical analysis and to identify areas where we may not be meeting our desired objectives.
View the Workforce EDI Census - 2023 Update*
*This report was compiled using data from the 2019 census, and new hire surveys in years following this with adjustments to account for changes including those who are no longer employed at the university.
View the 2019 Workforce EDI Census Results*
*The 2019 results were released in March 2021. The preparation of the 2019 results were delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.