UVic a top diversity employer, 2016

The University of Victoria has been named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, for the fifth year in a row. The winners of the 2016 competition were announced Feb. 24, recognizing 65 organizations across the country for a range of exceptional initiatives to attract and retain employees from diverse communities.

UVic was one of only seven post-secondary institutions included on the list, and the only organization in Victoria. The university was recognized for: hosting its annual diversity research forum and diversity writing contest; preserving, in UVic’s libraries and archives, the history and accomplishments of pioneering individuals and organizations in transgender activism; the opening in 2015 of CARSA, with its accommodations for transgendered individuals, and expanded space for CanAssist’s work to improve the lives of people with disabilities; and many other strategic initiatives.

“We are very gratified to once again be acknowledged for UVic’s active commitment to diversity, equity and social justice,” said Valerie Kuehne, UVic Vice President Academic and Provost. “Fostering a welcoming learning, teaching and working environment is essential to achieving excellence in research and education. As members of this diverse and dynamic learning community, we each have a role to play in creating a supportive and inclusive environment, and it is a testament to UVic’s dedicated people that we have been recognized for what we have achieved so far. We also know that there is more work for us to do and we remain committed to those efforts.”

The ninth annual Provost’s Diversity Research Forum: Critical Conversations: Reconciliation and Resurgence took place Jan. 21-22. “The recent release of the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission report provided the obvious springboard, at this year’s forum, to explore the relationships between people of different cultures and backgrounds,” says Grace Wong Sneddon, chair of the conference committee. “Through forums such as this, and many other activities on campus, UVic continues to actively support a diverse and welcoming environment for all members of our community.“

Current diversity and equity initiatives include preparation of an annual report on equity issues, expansion of diversity and equity resource information for faculty and academic administrators, regular meetings with deans and chairs to review equity submissions, and workshops on equity, diversity and accommodation for academic administrators. As well, the mental health task force has evolved into a regular practice with VPAC and HR collaborating on a mental health information guide for faculty, librarians and staff, an information website for on- and off-campus resources, and training modules for faculty and staff.

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UVic equity and diversity initiatives: uvic.ca/vpacademic/faculty/diversity/or web.uvic.ca/eqhr

Canada’s Best Diversity Employers: canadastop100.com/diversity