Equity, diversity & inclusion (EDI)

You bring unique strengths, qualities and lived experiences to the workplace. As an employee, you have the right to be:

• treated equitably
• safe
• comfortable
• supported at work

We recognize that you may face barriers and that you do your best work when you have the right tools and support.

We're always evolving our approach, including hiring an accessibility and inclusion coordinator; an equity, diversity and inclusion career educator; and an equity, diversity and inclusion employment development officer to support students.

If you have ideas about how we can better support you, we welcome your feedback.

EDI at UVic

UVic's Equity Action Plan centres on 5 goals, which are echoed in the work we do through the UVic Co-op Program. Our team strives to:

• take action to advance equity by listening to our community and making real change
• understand differences in lived experience and increase access for diverse communities 
• create conditions where peoples' true selves are included and can fulfill their goals
• make sure everyone experiences a sense of belonging, respect and connection

Communities of support

• If you identify as having a disability or mental health condition, you can get support related to your academic experiences through UVic’s Centre for Accessible Learning.
• BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of colour) students can access resources collected through the UVSS BIPOC Support Hub. Indigenous students can also connect with the Native Students Union and the Office of Indigenous, Academic and Community Engagement.
• UVic Pride celebrates sexual, gender and romantic diversity. You can find resources, chat online, take workshops and take part in events.
• The Gender Empowerment Centre is a space for self-identified women, non-binary and gender non-conforming folks. It’s a place where you can organize, network, access resources, attend workshops and events, study and relax.
• If you seek advice or support relating to sexualized violence, discrimination, and/or harassment, you can contact someone in the Equity and Human Rights office.

Other support

Mental health at work

When you are experiencing a mental health challenge, you have the right to reasonable accommodation.

Find out what resources and support are available to you through your employer, such as Employment Assistance programs and counselling. 

Related resources:

• Mental Health Works: Talking to your employer
• Work Life Support
• Workplace strategies for mental health

Sexualized violence

• If you experience or witness sexualized violence of any kind, you can contact UVic's Sexualized Violence Resource Office. Sexualized violence is any non-consensual, unwanted actual, attempted or threatened act or behaviour, that is carried out through sexual means or by targeting a person’s sex, sexual or gender identity, or gender expression.

EDI safety resources (on campus)

• Equity and Human Rights Office
• Centre for Accessible Learning
• UVic student wellness centre
• Society for Students with a Disability
• Sexualized violence prevention and awareness

Employment resources (BC)

• BC Employment Standards act
• BC Human Rights Code
• BC Labour Relations Code
• WorkSafe BC – Bullying and harassment