Diversity & inclusion supports

The Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science commits to providing a supportive environment that attracts and retains a diverse and flourishing community in terms of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, Indigeneity and abilities.

The resources listed below support diversity and inclusion within the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science and across campus. We appreciate and welcome your comments on EDI within the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science. Place comments in the drop box labeled “Engineering Feedback,” located beside ELW A123 near the Nibbles and Bytes café.

For information about the faculty’s vision and priorities in this area, visit our Equity action planning section.

Within our faculty

30 by 30 is an important national initiative led by Engineers Canada and strongly endorsed by our faculty. The initiative aims to raise the percentage of newly licensed engineers who are women to 30 per cent by 2030. Our faculty’s 30 by 30 champions are Daniela Constantinescu and Michael Zastre.

Creating Community, a special evening event launched in 2022, welcomes women, trans and non-binary students who joined the faculty during the past year. Students will receive an email about the event, which is hosted by Dean Mina Hoorfar.

INSPIRE: STEM for Social Impact provides women and other students from underrepresented groups in STEM with paid co-op opportunities. Small teams work with industry mentors to develop solutions that address community challenges.

Leadership Through Diversity (LTD), run by students, engages a range of minority groups and promotes equality and inclusivity throughout the faculty and within the engineering field. LTD is a member of EngiQueers Canada, a national collective of student groups.

UVic Women in Engineering and Computer Science (WECS), a student-led group, commits to supporting women in the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science. Everybody is welcome to attend this group’s meetings.

Across campus & in our community

Equity and Human Rights is a resource for all UVic community members, providing education, information, help and advice to build and support an inclusive campus. Areas of support include:

sexualized violence
discrimination, harassment and bullying
employment equity
education and initiatives across campus

The UVic Students’ Society has an extensive list of clubs, teams and societies on campus. Several of these support students who identify as belonging to underrepresented groups.

Black, Indigenous or Person of Colour (BIPOC)

Resources for BIPOCs is a list of community resources and information for those who identify as Black, Indigenous or as a Person of Colour. UVic’s Centre for Youth and Society maintains this list.
Students of Colour Collective (SOCC) is a group of self-identified Black, Indigenous and/or Persons of Colour operating as an advocacy group out of UVic. SOCC’s priorities are mental health, advocacy, decolonization, anti-racism, inclusion and diversity creation work, as well as providing educational resources for individuals.
Commit to action to end racism. This is an invitation to members of the UVic community to support the end of racism through a list of action items. The Equity and Human Rights office maintains this list.
Indigenous student supports

LGBTQ+, gender-diverse and trans students

Gender diversity and trans inclusion resources supporting the inclusion of gender diversity at UVic. UVic’s Equity and Human Rights office maintains this list.
LGBTQ+ Resources is a list of community resources and other information for individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. UVic’s Centre for Youth and Society maintains this list.
Vancouver Island Trans Resources is a list of community resources for trans, nonbinary, two-spirit and other gender-diverse people on Vancouver Island, in areas such as support, advocacy and health. UVic’s Chair in Transgender Studies maintains this list.

International students

funding opportunities
Co-op program
resources & programs, including a Global Community newsletter
living in Canada

Students with disabilities

Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL)
scholarships
specialized facilities and services
Learning Assistance Program (LAP)
Society for Students with a Disability (SSD)
STEPS Forward
CanAssist programs
- CanWork – collaboration with Co-operative Education and Career Services
- inclusive sports and recreation

For Indigenous students

UVic offers support to Indigenous students throughout your university experience—from your first communication with the university through graduation and beyond.

UVic’s Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE) connects Indigenous students with the educational, financial and cultural resources available on campus and in local communities. These include:

We encourage you to self-identify during the admissions process so we can send you relevant information.

Note: this voluntary declaration will not be used for admission decisions. Documentation of Indigenous ancestry is not required.

For more information, email the Coordinator of Indigenous Student Support or call 250-853-3599.