Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The College of Natural and Applied Sciences is committed to incorporating equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do, including our research, mentoring, teaching, policies, practices and spaces. We work to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and safe, and can thrive in their work and studies. We continue efforts to increase diversity in our academic workforce and in leadership, particularly in the STEM fields, where much work is still needed. 

We will advance equity, diversity, inclusivity and Indigenous initiatives, in alignment with SHAPE: The University Strategic Plan, Braiding Past, Present and Future: the University of Alberta Indigenous Strategic Plan, the Strategic Plan for EDI and U of A’s commitment to the Government of Canada’s Dimensions Charter, which aims to increase EDI within post-secondary institutions and the research ecosystem.

Reporting discrimination and harassment, obtaining support and learning about options

Students:

• Dean of Students
• Office of Safe Disclosure and Human Rights

Faculty and Staff:

• Office of Safe Disclosure and Human Rights
• Faculty/college Human Resources Partner
• Vice-Provost (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)

The Options Navigation Network assists people who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence to explore and understand options available to them through the university. 

Responding to a disclosure of sexual assault
Sexual Assault Centre
Counselling & Clinical Services
University of Alberta protective services for an urgent situation/immediate safety risk on campus 780-492-5050

Leadership

Tara McGee joined CNAS as the Associate Dean (EDI) in July 2023. In this leadership role, she works with vice deans in the faculties of ALES, Engineering and Science to advance EDI activities in the college, and provides advice and resources to faculty and department leaders, EDI committees, academic and non-academic staff and students. She also works with  the Vice-Provost (EDI) on university-level activities.

Dr. McGee is a professor of human geography in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and was previously associate dean (Engagement and EDI) in the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on the social science aspects of wildfires.