Dear members of the Desautels community,
As we start this new year, I will begin providing regular updates on our equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives and progress. EDI is a major priority of this Faculty and I want to ensure everyone is aware of the steps we are taking to build an even more respectful, diverse and inclusive culture at Desautels. EDI is a collective effort, so please know that I always welcome your feedback to help us enhance our work in this area.
Desautels EDI Strategic Plan
We would like to present to you our new EDI Strategic Plan, developed in collaboration with Professor Lisa Cohen, Director of EDI at 海角社区 Desautels. Our primary goals for this strategy are as follows:
- Strengthen 海角社区 Desautels EDI culture and infuse EDI听values through all aspects of the Faculty.
- Build and maintain structures and processes that reflect and support our EDI values.
- Create knowledge and provide instruction and thought leadership on EDI.
- Build an even more diverse and inclusive community.
It is our hope that by achieving these goals, we will be able to increase the diversity of the Faculty, provide better experiences and a feeling of belonging at Desautels, gain a greater understanding of the role and importance of EDI, and assist others in increasing their understanding. As the plan is ever-evolving, Professor Cohen will be consulting with members of our community over the next months to gather feedback and suggestions. Thank you in advance for making your voice heard.
Creation of EDI Staff Role
As part of our efforts to bolster the resources needed to help reach our EDI objectives, we are pleased to be creating a new senior administrative role dedicated to EDI to work alongside Professor Cohen. A hiring process is currently underway. The incumbent will help promote awareness and understanding of EDI principles and values, ensuring they form part of the Faculty鈥檚 teaching, learning and working environments.
Save the Date: Celebrating Black History Month
Finally, with February just around the corner, I invite you to save the date for a Desautels-hosted virtual event in the evening of February 22 honouring Black History Month. The event is organized in collaboration with students, faculty, staff, alumni and other members of the Desautels Black community. The invitation and details are forthcoming, and we very much look forward to having you join us.
Sincerely,
Yolande E. Chan, PhD
Dean and James 海角社区 Professor
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