Dear members of the Desautels community,
As we approach the conclusion of the academic year, I am pleased to share the latest advancements in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within our Faculty. The EDI team’s focus on driving cultural transformation has led to improvements in our hiring and recruitment strategies, as well as enhanced support for faculty members in integrating EDI considerations into their pedagogical practices. For more details about the progress of specific EDI action items at the Faculty, please refer to the updated Activity Tracker.
EDI and Human Resources
We have revamped our hiring process for tenured and tenure-track faculty and introduced the role of the Dean’s Representative to support the implementation of best processes for fair hiring. Of the 17 tenured and tenure-track faculty hired over the last two years, over 80% identify as BIPOC and over 50% as women. To further support our faculty members, the Desautels EDI team hosted a successful faculty recruitment event with Celeste Pedri-Spade, Â鶹AV’s first Associate Provost (Indigenous Initiatives); Ann Deer, Associate Director (Indigenous Initiatives); and Terri Givens, the Provost’s Academic Lead and Advisor on Â鶹AV’s Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism (ABR). Over 70 faculty members have now participated in the hiring and recruitment training sessions hosted by Â鶹AV EDI.
EDI Teaching Checklist
The EDI team—in collaboration with Desautels’ Teaching and Learning Services (TLS)—has developed a new resource to assist faculty members in incorporating EDI principles into their course planning. The resource takes the form of a checklist that serves as an independent guide or as a discussion starting point. I encourage faculty members to connect with the TLS team (Leigh Korey and Katie Kotar) and EDI Associate (Tatiana Lamoureux Gauvin) for assistance in making classes more equitable and inclusive.
Desautels EDI Teaching Award
Lastly, I am pleased to announce Tatiana Lamoureux Gauvinas the inaugural recipient of the Desautels EDI Teaching Award for her ability to integrate EDI principles in the classroom and create an inclusive and welcoming environment. As part of the Faculty’s overarching commitment to EDI, this annual award aims to inspire all instructors to embrace EDI values.
I invite you to stay involved with our ongoing EDI activities and events at Desautels. We aim to continue to foster an inclusive, vibrant community that celebrates and values diversity.
Have a lovely summer!
Sincerely,
Yolande E. Chan
