For third year in a row, UCalgary named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers

Continued effort to become a more inclusive and accessible campus has earned UCalgary national recognition as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the third consecutive year.

The finalists chosen as best diversity employers represent the country’s leaders and trailblazers in inclusiveness — which is why Dru Marshall, provost and vice-president (academic), says the university is proud to receive this distinguished recognition for the third year running.

“It is an honour to receive this national award, and we share it with the students, faculty and staff who contribute their diverse talents, backgrounds and knowledge to our institution.” Marshall says. “The university continuously strives to support the inclusive spaces, respectful actions and diverse points of view that make up our thriving campus community.”

Diversity in action

To be named Canada's Best Diversity Employers, employers must showcase diversity and inclusive initiatives in multiple areas across five groups: women, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal peoples and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender/Transsexual (LGBT+) peoples. In the application, UCalgary included institution-wide initiatives like:

• Diversity Days: an initiative to celebrate diversity and inclusion on University of Calgary campuses through a variety of events, open to all community members.
• Campus Mental Health Strategy: a vision is to be a community where we care for each other, learn and talk about mental health and well-being, receive support as needed, and where individually and collectively we realize our potential.
• Indigenous Strategy (ii’taa’poh’to’p): a living document guiding the university on its path of transformation and communicating its commitment and responsibility for truth and reconciliation.
• Women’s Resource Centre: a safe and supportive place to advance gender equality and build community where all experiences are valued through sharing, learning and teaching.
• The Q Centre: a safe, comfortable and inviting space for the LGBTQA+ community at the university — featuring a library and peer support services. The program coordinators and volunteers plan events and direct clients to relevant resources.

Get involved in diversity on campus

Large diversity initiatives on campus guide the institution through its commitment to inclusiveness, but it’s the individuals who make the largest impact on the community as a whole. Get involved and be a diversity advocate on campus by learning with these programs:

• Respect in the Workplace Program: learn how to contribute to a workplace that respects and promotes human rights, personal dignity, health and safety.
• Bullying and Toxic Behaviors in the Workplace: explore recent legal developments that contribute to the demand for civil and respectful workplaces free from bullying — also known as personal or psychological harassment.
• Micro-Aggressions in the Workplace Unmasked: increase your awareness of everyday unconscious, unintentional and non-verbal behaviours that create negative impacts in the workplace.
• Anti-Discrimination Response Training: develop skills that help reduce prejudice concretely, while learning how to react to discrimination as a bystander or victim.
• The Working Mind: learn how to create a supportive environment, strengthen the organizational culture and contribute to a mentally healthy workplace.
• Recognizing and Unpacking Unconscious Bias: discover the theories behind biases, and the tactics which limit their impact.

Other campus resources

If you are feeling harassed or threatened, you can confidentially contact the ODEPD at 403-220-4086 or visit the office in the Administration Building, room 116. All members of the university community can also contact Confidence Line, an external service that allows individuals to anonymously report sensitive issues in the workplace, at 1-800-661-9675.