Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

U of T Engineering's Commitment

We are committed to fostering an environment in which each member of our community can excel, contribute and benefit from different perspectives. Attracting students, staff, and faculty from a wide range of backgrounds, we leverage all forms of diversity to promote inclusivity and create opportunities to experience working collaboratively across cultures. We aim to build a community that reflects the society we serve.

Our Shared Values of Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity

Engineering schools in Canada and around the world, as well as society at large, have made great progress from our exclusionary origins, and are working toward becoming the inclusive places we endeavour to be. In harmony with U of T’s Statement on Equity, Diversity, and Excellence, we strive to build a community of inclusion in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at U of T where all members have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential, through an environment of mutual respect for the dignity and worth of every person.

Together, we have an opportunity to create a place, climate and culture free of gender bias and racism of any kind, anti-black racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, ableism, ageism or any other forms of discrimination or intolerance.

While we envision our community being a safe space for all, there will be failures to achieve this vision, with possible causes ranging from unconscious bias to blatant discrimination. If you experience or witness any form of discrimination, please reach out to an academic advisor, the Engineering Human Resources office, the U of T Equity Office, or any FASE faculty or staff member that you feel comfortable approaching. They will provide skilled and compassionate support or help you find the level of support that is right for you.

We must all commit to acting against discrimination. Together as members of our Engineering community, I believe we can create a place where everyone feels safe and proud of belonging, and where they know that their contributions matter. I encourage us to consider how we will integrate acknowledgement, respect and representation into our behaviours and beliefs to reinforce our strength as a community of inclusion in the months and years ahead.

In all that we do together, let us ensure our shared journey of growth and discovery is an experience that is meaningful and engaging for all.

Reports & Plans

U of T Engineering

U of T

Committees, Groups & Offices

U of T Engineering

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Engineering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Group (EEDIAG)

The Engineering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Group strives to create a community at U of T Engineering where students, staff and faculty feel acknowledged, respected and represented. Our goal is to create spaces for conversations about equity and diversity issues and implement initiatives that promote inclusion on our campus.

We acknowledge that within our community there are power dynamics that exist which can and do lead to exclusion and discrimination. By providing opportunities to reflect on our own biases and behaviors as well as learn about anti-oppressive practices we believe we can work together so that we all have an equal opportunity to achieve our full potential, through an environment of mutual respect for the dignity and worth of every person.

The EEDIAG hosts a monthly meeting that is an open space to share experiences, voice concerns and discuss ideas for new initiatives.

Have questions or concerns? Interested in joining the EEDIAG? Contact eng.equity@utoronto.ca

EEDIAG Members

Prof. Jason Bazylak, Dean's Advisor on Indigenous Initiatives

David Bird, Acting Academic Advisor, Years 1 & 2, Engineering Science

Dawn Britton, Associate Director, U of T Engineering Outreach Office

Mikhail Burke, Dean’s Advisor on Black Inclusivity Initiatives and Student Inclusion & Transition Mentor

Emzhei Chen, Assistant Director, First Year Student Success & Transition

Prof. Tom Coyle, Vice Dean Undergraduate

Prof. Jason Foster, Engineering Science

Chinmayee Gidwani, Equity & Inclusivity Director, Engineering Society

Leslie Grife, Assistant Director First Year Academic Services

Cori Hanson, Assistant Director, Student Experience & Teaching Development (co-Chair)

Angela Henshilwood, Engineering Librarian, Engineering & Computer Science Library

Mairi McKenna-Edwards, Coordinator Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Training, U of T Student Life

Shivani Nathoo, President, Engineering Society

Cindy Rottmann, Associate Director, Research, ILead

Jasjit Sangha, Learning Strategist, Academic Success Centre, U of T Student Life

Prof. Micah Stickel, Vice-Dean First Year (co-Chair)

Michela Trozzo, Vice-President Student Life, Engineering Society

Prof. Chirag Variawa, Institute for Studies in Transdisciplinary Engineering Education & Practice

Prof. Peter Weiss, Engineering Communication Program

Engineering Outreach

The Engineering Student Outreach Office is dedicated to contributing to the development and education of both the participants in our pre-university programs and the undergraduate and graduate students whom provide instruction and support to them. ESOO wants to ensure that the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at the University of Toronto prepares both high school students and undergraduate and graduate students to be engaged global citizens who see the impact of their action and just as importantly; inaction.

ENGage

A collaboration between U of T’s Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers and the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, ENGage highlights black role models, encourages STEM literacy and promotes academic and social growth.

Girls’ Jr. DEEP

A one week program intended to introduce young women to STEM in an all-girls environment, taught by some of the most amazing female engineering students at U of T.

Launch! Science and Engineering Camp

A fully subsidized program intended to promote STEM engagement within the community, Launch! Science and Engineering Camp is led by current undergraduate and graduate studens in science and engineering fields.

Student Clubs & Initiatives

Our students, Faculty and staff are involved in the following groups at the Faculty and university-level.

Black Students' Association (BSA)

The Black Students’ Association (BSA) is the largest representation of self-identified Black students at the University of Toronto. The BSA remains dedicated to the education, experience and empowerment of the Black-Canadian and international community, aiming to represent and foster black culture through community interaction and outreach. In doing so, the BSA coordinates countless events and initiatives with a social, political and academic focus, to support our future leaders.

The Centre for Women and Trans People at the University of Toronto (CWTP)

Engineering Positive Space

Engineers Without Borders (EWB U of T)

The Indian Students Society

The Indian Students' Society (ISS) is a renowned student-run organization working for University of Toronto's Indic population. ISS was founded with the purpose of introducing the UofT community to the nature of the Indian civilization through culture, heritage, food, commerce, art, dance, music and more; initiating and building Indo-Canadian relationships; and involving the University in Indic causes.

Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Trans People of the University of Toronto (LGBTOUT)

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), U of T Chapter

Native Students Association

NewPRIDE

Queer Sphere SKULE

U of T Positive Space

Annual Events

Display Your Pride

June

Show off your creative flair and fabulous colours by decorating your office or student space in support of Pride! There are no limitations – show us what YOUR pride looks like. Ways to get involved can be anything from decorating your door, to dressing up, to creating a piece of artwork, to putting up colourful balloons or painting your face – anything goes!

Pink Shirt Day

February

Pink Shirt Day, also known as Anti-Bullying Day, is an annual day to take a stand against homophobic and transphobic bullying and discrimination. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people are more likely to experience bullying and harassment because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Pink Shirt Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about anti-LGBTQ bullying and spread the message that it is never okay to bully or harass someone because of who they are.

Indigenous Education Week

October

First Nations House invites you to celebrate Indigenous contributions at the University of Toronto and Indigenous presence on campus at the annual Indigenous Education Week. Presented in partnership with: Elders’ Circle (Council of Aboriginal Initiatives), Law Indigenous Initiatives Office, Hart House, the Indigenous Education Network, Ciimaan/Kahuwe’yá/Qajaq and S.A.G.E. (Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement).

Queer Orientation Week

September

Queer Orientation is an annual tri-campus week-long series of events that provides opportunities for new and returning students, staff and faculty to make connections, engage in activities and have discussions related to LGBTQ+ communities. With 40 events over the course of just seven days, this is our biggest Queer Orientation yet!

Pride @ U of T

June

Toronto Pride is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world. At U of T, we take this opportunity to recognize the rich history of the University of Toronto’s leadership in LGBTQ+ community building and campus life.

For a full list of upcoming events please visit the events calendar.

Resources

All gender washrooms around campus

“Inclusion is not bringing people into what already exists; it is making a new space for everyone.”

– George Dei

Traditional Land Acknowledgement

We wish to acknowledge this land on which the University of Toronto operates. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land.