UVic named a top diversity employer

The University of Victoria has been named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the third year in a row. The winners of the 2014 competition were announced Feb. 10, recognizing 55 organizations across the country for a range of exceptional initiatives to attract and retain employees from diverse communities.

UVic was one of only three universities included on the list, and one of two organizations in Victoria. The university was recognized for maintaining a diversity and equity steering committee, hosting an annual diversity research forum, managing a mental health task force, providing project funding through the Community Building Fund and other strategic initiatives.

“We are proud to be acknowledged for our commitment to diversity for the third consecutive year,” says UVic President Jamie Cassels. “We recognize that diversity is a necessary foundation of excellence. Our efforts and impact as educators, learners and citizens—and as a university—will only be fully realized when we are able to include and harness the capacities of people from every segment of society and to celebrate diversity and difference.”

The seventh annual Provost’s Diversity Research Forum: Arts, Allies and Activism took place Jan. 29-30. “Feedback from attendees at the forum—including faculty, students, staff and community members—congratulated UVic ‘for continuing to host this brilliant community conversation and exchange around the various aspects of diversity,’” says Grace Wong Sneddon, chair of the conference committee.“UVic is making a difference and supporting a diverse and welcoming campus through informative, provocative and inspiring presentations.”

Current diversity and equity initiatives include preparation of an annual report on equity issues, expansion of diversity and equity resource information for faculty and academic administrators, regular meetings with deans and chairs to review equity submissions, and workshops on equity, diversity and accommodation for academic administrators. In the area of accommodation, disability and sick leave, ongoing initiatives include workshops for chairs, deans and directors, training for human resources staff, employees and management, and accommodation support during the recruitment process.

For more information on UVic equity and diversity initiatives, visit www.uvic.ca/vpacademic/faculty/diversity/index.php or http://web.uvic.ca/eqhr/.

More information about Canada’s Best Diversity Employers: www.eluta.ca/jobs-at-university-of-victoria#diversity:diversity-more