EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION IN THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Most organizations now recognize the need for attention to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), which is fast becoming one of the key functional units of large organizations – just like finance, HR, IT, marketing, and production. EDI may, in fact, be a key driver for other functional units.  The acceptance of the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion is largely thanks to people in the equity deserving and historically underrepresented groups who have courageously shared their lived experiences, which point to various levels of unconscious bias, systemic racism, and other forms of discrimination in the workplace. Tackling unconscious bias and systemic inequities in the workplace is, however, a global responsibility that requires individual and corporate efforts. 

About two years ago, Mount Royal University became active in the EDI space at various levels of the organization (e.g. in student groups, in the president’s office, and in Faculty-level committees). The EDI Committee in the Faculty of Science and Technology was set up with the goal of making FST a better place for all students, staff, and faculty. The committee consists of faculty, staff and students who are committed to ensuring:

1. student access and success; 
2. employee access and success;
3. inclusive decision-making structures;
4. inclusive teaching, learning, and curricula; and
5. mentoring support networks and well-being.

Our approach is to learn and listen across lines of difference to help build trust and respect for different viewpoints. We achieve this by engaging through town halls and interactions at departmental meetings. We also engage experts and institutional organs to ensure that our efforts are sustainable and align with university-wide policies and initiatives.  Making FST a place where everyone feels respected and has equitable opportunities to succeed is a shared responsibility that requires broad support and participation. We are all expected to harness our individual privileges to better the lives of others, especially those who have been historically disadvantaged. 

The EDI committee realizes that the list of things to work on is almost endless. Recently the committee made a call for volunteers to help out with some of our action items. The response was very positive, which gives us more impetus to continue to steward the EDI initiatives in FST. We feel highly supported, and with more volunteers, we will all accomplish the task of positively transforming our Faculty to a place with improved access and opportunities to be successful. Among our noteworthy accomplishments include:

1. University level advocacy in the areas of i) collection of student and employee demographic information; ii) funding for EDI initiatives; and iii) EDI in research.
2. Creating community awareness on the subject of EDI in STEM through EDI townhalls and the engagement of appropriate professionals as FST Research Day keynote speakers and invited guest speakers.  
3. Creating and maintaining a website to foster EDI in the Faculty.
4. Supporting student-led community engagement initiatives in FST.
5. Engaging in research on equitable access to research opportunities in FST.
6. Providing valuable inputs to various university committees on EDI considerations in space design and other aspects of student and employee experience.
7. Engaging FST committees on best practices for EDI. It is worthy of note that the current faculty hiring activities have benefited immensely from best practice resources provided by the EDI Committee.

 While we are proud of the accomplishments we have made as a Faculty in working towards equitable opportunities and access, we recognize that the task ahead is enormous, and requires the conscious commitment by all of us to: i) enhance EDI in the learning environment, ii) enhance EDI support for students; ii) practice inclusive excellence in the hiring and retention of faculty and staff; iii) facilitate EDI professional development; iv) engage with the community on EDI priorities, actions, and best practices; v) emphasize inclusivity in our decision making structures; and, vi) promote data-based EDI actions and decisions. We will continue to advocate for the development and implementation of awareness and training programs that will foster a sense of belonging and equity of opportunities to realize the MRU’s You Belong Here ethos.

• Dr. Michael Uzoka, FST EDI Committee

MEDIA RECOMMENDATIONS
Our team has curated a list of informative and entertaining mixed media recommendations (see below), related to EDI knowledge building, just for you - sit back, relax, and learn. Look forward to new picks every issue!

Calgary Pride Parade        MRU Celebrate Pride        Calgary Pride Week

MRU embraces all aspects of individual and group identity. The university has a history of working toward EDI and humbly acknowledges this work needs to evolve to respond to calls for social justice effectively and to enable the systemic change necessary to deconstruct racism and colonization. The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will strive to foster a campus where people never doubt they belong so that they can freely share their perspectives and experiences and fully participate in our social and academic community.

Interesting in participating? Sign up for information on where and when to meet up. 

Celebrate Pride Week

Check out these events celebrating Calgary Pride Week, Aug. 26 – Sept. 5.

Mount Royal University

Pride crosswalk is receiving a makeover

Aug. 30  |  noon

The Pride crosswalk outside the Riddell Library and Learning Centre is being repainted to have a more inclusive flag. Stop by to see MRU leaders help paint the new crosswalk. 

Calgary Pride Parade details

The parade is held in the Beltline district along 9th Ave, and it will start on 6th St SW and conclude in East Village for the Calgary Pride Festival at Fort Calgary.

Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022
11 a.m.

MRU students, faculty, staff or alumni interested in participating in this year's Calgary Pride Parade, please fill out this form.

Check out our Culturally Inclusive calendar HERE
(tip: use the add Google Calendar button in the bottom right corner to add these dates to your calendar)

**Students: if you are unable to attend a scheduled exam or academic activity due to a concurrent religious observation, please visit Access and Inclusion Services and follow their religious observance accommodation instructions.

Upcoming Significant Days of Observance, Celebration, or Holiday
Please note: *Holy days usually begin at sundown the day before this date

September

4 - Calgary Pride Parade
5 - International Day of Charity
10 - World Suicide Prevention Day
25-27 – Rosh Hashanah*, Judaism
21 – International Day of Peace
22 - Mabon, Wicca
23 - International Day of Sign Languages
23 – Bi Visibility Day
30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day

October

Women’s History Month (Canada)
Islamic History Month
Disability Employment Awareness Month
LGBT History Month

1 – International Day of Older Persons
2 – International Day of Non-Violence
5 – World Teachers Day
5 – Yom Kippur*, Judaism
9-11 - Sukkot, Judaism
10 - World Mental Health Day
16-18 – Shmini Atzeret*, Judaism
18 – Simhat Torah*, Judaism
20 – Installation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Sikh
24 - Diwali, Hindu
24 – Mahavira Nirvana and Diwali, Jain
24 – Bandi Chhor Divas, and Diwali, Sikh
26 – Birth anniversary of The Báb*, Bahá’í
27 – Birth of Báha’u’lláh*, Bahá’í
31 - Samhain, Wicca

November

9-15 - International Week of Science and Peace
14 - World Diabetes Day
20 – Transgender Day of Remembrance
20 - World Children’s Day
24 – Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Sikh
25 - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
28 – Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá’í
29 - International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

All of us in the academy and in the culture as a whole are called to renew our minds if we are to transform educational institutions – and society — so that the way we live, teach, and work can reflect our joy in cultural diversity, our passion for justice, and our love of freedom.

-bell hooks