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 Equity, Diversity 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 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, including anti-black racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, ableism, ageism or any other forms of discrimination or intolerance.
While we envision our community as 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, I believe we can create a place where each of us feels safe and proud of belonging, and where we know that our 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, let us ensure our shared journey of growth and discovery is an experience that is meaningful and engaging for all.
Chris Yip, Dean & Laura Berneaga, Engineering Society President
Striving Toward Black Inclusivity
Report to U of T Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Resources for Addressing Anti-Black Racism - June 2020
Compiled by the Engineering Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Action Group
Reports & Plans
U of T Engineering
- Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering Academic Plan 2017-2022
- Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering Annual Report
- Eagles’ Longhouse Blueprint for Action (PDF)
- Striving Toward Black Inclusivity - Report to U of T FASE
U of T
- Human Resources & Equity 2016 Annual Report (PDF)
- AODA & ODA Accessibility Plan 2016-2017 (PDF)
- Employment Equity Report 2016-2017 (PDF)
- Engineering Pathways and Indigenous Partnerships Memorandum (PDF)
Committees, Groups & Offices
U of T Engineering
- Current Engineering Undergraduates Health & Wellness Centre
- Community Affairs & Gender Issues Committee (CA&GI)
- Black Inclusion Steering Committee (BISC)
- Eagles Longhouse Indigenous Initiatives Steering Committee
- Engineering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Group (EEDIAG)
U of T
- University of Toronto Equity Home
- Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office
- U of T Sexual & Gender Diversity Office
- Community Safety Office
- U of T Health and Wellness Centre
- University of Toronto Family Care Office
- The Eagle’s Longhouse
- Indigenous Student Services / First Nations House
- Centre for Indigenous Studies
- Sexual Education Centre
- University of Toronto Accessibility Services
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Office
- Multi-Faith Centre
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 Open Discussions and TIPS (Towards Inclusive Practices Sessions) workshops. These are spaces for all U of T Engineering community members to learn, share experiences, and discuss ideas for new initiatives together. If you would like to give a suggestion for a future Open Discussion or TIPS topic please fill out the form to the right. We'd love to hear from you!
Have questions or concerns? Interested in joining the EEDIAG? Contact eng.equity@utoronto.ca
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.
Resources
- Resources for Addressing Anti-Black Racism – June 2020
- Strategies for Recruiting an Excellent & Diverse Faculty Complement
- Unconscious Bias Education
- University of Toronto Centre for Indigenous Studies Resources
- Equity Diversity and Inclusion Resources
- Human Resources and Equity Annual Reports & Publications
- Accessibility Services
- University of Toronto Governing Council Employment Equity Policy
- University of Toronto Governing Council Statement on Equity, Diversity, and Excellence
- University of Toronto Governing Council Statement on Human Rights
- University of Toronto CRC Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan
- Off-Campus LGBTQ Community Resources
- List of Multi-Faith Spaces on Campus
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.
