UVic named top diversity employer, 2018

For the seventh time in as many years, the University of Victoria has been named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers. Winners of the 2018 competition were announced March 2.

The national competition recognized 70 employers that lead the way in creating inclusive and respectful work environments. UVic was among seven universities from across the country to be honoured.

We are proud to be a top diversity employer again this year. UVic has a strong commitment to embedding practices of equity, diversity, dialogue and inclusion in all that we do, and to ensuring that members of our community feel welcomed, valued and supported to achieve their highest potential.
—AVP Human Resources Kane Kilbey

The university was selected for a range of leading diversity initiatives, including:

• Establishment of the world’s first Chair in Transgender Studies, to further research related to the lives of trans and gender non-conforming people.
• Commitment by the university’s libraries and archives to preserving the history of pioneering transgender activists, community leaders and researchers. The Transgender Archives actively acquires documents, rare publications and memorabilia of persons and organizations associated with transgender activism.
• Space at the Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities for improved accessibility features, family change rooms with space for transgendered individuals, and CanAssist, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities.
• Inclusive athletic and recreational programming from CanAssist and Vikes Athletics and Recreation, such as hosting national wheelchair rugby training camps, participating in OneAbility ProMotion Week, and showcasing wheelchair basketball demos during Vikes basketball half-times.

UVic was also named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers in 2017. See the full results of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers (2018).

Upcoming event: 5 Days of Action

5 Days of Action, a week of workshops and events March 19-23, encourages every member of the UVic community to take concrete steps toward ending racism, discrimination, harassment and sexualized violence.