As we wrap up an amazing year, we reflect on a few highlights and say a big thanks to all!
Thank you for your individual leadership, investment, and day-to-day efforts to help make UBC and the world a more inclusive place. We can’t do it without you. Thank you – and happy holidays!
Year in Review
Here are a few accomplishments we’re proud of:
- Enhanced student orientations and programming for diverse students by adding dedicated Get Connected events for students who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, and/or queer and trans.
- Co-hosted the largest ever UBC Pride celebration and completed the UBC Pride installation, symbolizing our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Formed new campus partnerships to enhance the experiences of our diverse students. Partners include the Faculty of Arts, the Centre for Teaching and Learning Technology, Enrolment Services, Student Development & Services, Human Resources – and more to come!
- Hosted over 20 public educational workshops, and dialogue and community building events on diverse topics, such as freedom of speech, gender equality, conflict, race, sexual and gender identity, leadership and social change, and inclusive teaching practices.
- Facilitated campus engagement and development of UBC’s first Conflict Engagement Framework that seeks to inform efforts to develop conflict engagement competencies amongst our community members.
- Supported student leadership and peer-to-peer engagement through the Equity Ambassadors Peer Program.
- Helped enhance the student experience by improving access and use of preferred names.
- Funded community-led initiatives that advance inclusion through the annual Equity Enhancement Fund.
- Met faith needs of students during exam time by creating an additional temporary prayer space.
- Supported faculty, staff, and students through human rights advising and conflict resolution services.
What’s Next?
Here’s what’s coming up in the next few months:
- This January is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). SAAM is a month filled with events and messages that aim to raise awareness and understanding about sexual assault, and what we can do to help prevent it.
- Starting in mid-January, we’re also launching the inaugural Equity & Inclusion Scholars Program. The program provides funding to faculty members who seek to develop ways to better integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion in teaching practice and scholarship.
- Have a bright idea to advance inclusion on campus? Consider applying for the annual Equity Enhancement Fund. Applications open mid to late January.
- We’re creating UBC’s Inclusion Action Plan. Stay tuned for opportunities to provide feedback in February.
- Are you a student looking for experience of community engagement around equity, diversity and inclusion? Stay tuned for our Equity Ambassadors Peer Program recruitment call and help lead positive social change.
- Join us for International Women’s Day celebrations taking place at UBC in March, including Women Deliver 2019.
That’s it! Happy 2019 – go ahead, spark something positive!