Equity and diversity

UVic is committed to fostering a welcoming environment—one that is equitable, diverse and socially just. These are essential elements in achieving excellence in research and education.

Special efforts and initiatives are required to achieve these goals, particularly in relation to issues concerning women, racialised men and women, persons with a disability, Indigenous persons and sexual and gender minorities.

Resources

A number of resources are available to assist students, staff and faculty and librarians reach their potential. To learn more, please download our disability and accessibility resource brochure.

The role of the diversity adviser

The adviser to the provost on equity and diversity supports units in creating welcoming and diverse learning, teaching and working environments by: 

To learn more about how the equity and diversity adviser supports academic leaders visit working with faculty and librarians, equity planning and equity reporting.

If you have a question or concern related to equity and diversity in your academic unit please contact the adviser to the provost on equity and diversity.

The University of Victoria acknowledges the presence of dedicated advocates and activists within our community. These individuals address systemic or institutionalized barriers as champions for others. Recognition from others, including the provision of resources, is crucial to fostering an environment that supports and natures these indivdiuals or groups and their activism. These inaugural awards are open to current students, faculty or staff, and alumni who demonstrate dedication to the advancement of social equity through advocacy and activism. 

VPAC awards seed funding for select new projects and events around campus that focus on enhancing equity, diversity and inclusion. Past initiatives have included:

  • A speaking engagement by Leeza Edwards on a Trans-spirituality Gender Journey
  • The "African Eloquent" 2010 Youth Celebration
  • "Out of the Shadows and into the Sunshine" A Mental Health Information Fair
  • Words from the Elders: Snuw'uyulth Teachings
  • Explore your Space: Gender and Sexuality in Academics

Please download our community building fund application for more information.

The Provost's Diversity Research Forum features speakers from across Canada who are committed to exploring opportunities for dialogue and having critical conversations. Please join us for the 2013 conference Critical Conversations: Rethinking Realities on Jan. 30-31, 2013. We are pleased to welcome keynote speakers Senator Jim Munson and Mrs. Ginette Munson, and Mrs. Olivia Barr.

The annual conference, hosted by VPAC, attracts more than 300 participants from across campus and our community who value the forum as a space to learn, share and unite. Past keynote speakers have included the Honorable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of B.C.; Senator Lillian Dyck; Senator Vivienne Poy; Helen Lenskji, University of Toronto; Dorothy Christian, Simon Fraser University; Budd Hall, University of Victoria; and Lorna Williams, University of Victoria.

Please visit the conference website to register for this year’s conference and for more information.

Multiplicity is a biannual newsletter produced by the adviser on equity and diversity. Contributions of articles and photos are always welcome - please email them to multi@uvic.ca.

Search our News archives to learn more about recent equity and diversity initiatives and successes.

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Opportunities for faculty and librarians