About EDI at SFU

We all deserve an equitable, diverse and inclusive SFU

Though there are strengths to build on, SFU must take further steps to dismantle these structures and systems as we journey towards building a more inclusive and equitable community. In order to make change, the university is committed to continual growth, action and accountability in its practices and policies.

SFU's Values

Our values:

• We are an open, inclusive university whose foundation is intellectual and academic freedom.
• Our scholarship unites teaching and research: we celebrate discovery, diversity and dialogue.
• Our students and communities can expect teaching that is personal and learning opportunities that are lifelong.
• We champion the liberal arts and sciences and pioneering interdisciplinary and professional programs.
• We are a university where risks can be taken and bold initiatives embraced.

Upon these foundations, we will engage all our communities in building a robust and ethical society.

Priorities and Commitments

The EDI executive subcommittee is committing to deliver on the following equity, diversity and inclusion priorities during the 20-21 academic year:

1. Engage in a self-assessment/data-gathering on diversity and inclusion by:

• Implementing a comprehensive plan for demographic data collection of employees
• Ongoing participation in the Dimensions Pilot Program and development of self-assessment processes

2. Develop more robust and equitable recruitment, retention and progression for faculty and staff by:

• Updating the Faculty Recruitment and Retention guide
• Expanding opportunities for faculty mentoring and leadership development
• Creating an inclusion toolkit for hiring managers and selection committees
• Completing a scan of Canadian employment equity policies to guide the review of SFU's employment equity policy
  

3. Increase capacity and awareness of EDI educational opportunities by:

• Developing and increasing availability of online and remote EDI training opportunities
• Increasing awareness of existing EDI resources through targeted communications
• Creating an EDI Specialist position based in Student Services
  

4. Enhance inclusion for equity-deserving groups by:

• Supporting efforts to update the Human Rights Policy GP18 and establish a new Bullying & Harassment Policy.
  
• Reviewing the Out on Campus Trans & Gender Diverse Guide and creating an action plan in response to the recommendations in the guide.
• Developing guidelines for transitioning staff at SFU and removing barriers for trans/gender diverse community members by updating computing ID change processes, updating Snap App and Roomfinder for inclusive washrooms
• Developing support programs and services for Black students
• Co-creating and facilitating an inclusive name selection process for the varsity athletic program
  

These activities represent only a portion of the work taking place across SFU. Learn more about the SFU community’s collective efforts to support equity and inclusion by visiting Actions.

Administrative group

These EDI directors are responsible for delivering on the equity, diversity and inclusion priorities established by the VPPEI. These priorities include:

• Implementing a comprehensive plan for demographic data collection of employees
• Developing and increasing availability of online and remote EDI training opportunities
• Ongoing participation in the Dimensions Pilot Program and development of self-assessment processes

Special Advisors

2022 Appointees