Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada
Dimensions Pilot Program
The University of Calgary is proud to have endorsed the Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada charter, and to have been selected to be part of the Dimensions pilot program.
The University of Calgary was awarded a Dimensions: Construction recognition on April 27, 2023.
Dimensions recognizes that a multiplicity of perspectives, lived experiences and the overall complexity of diverse individuals foster increased research excellence, innovation and creativity within the post-secondary sector. This program takes a multidimensional approach to equity, diversity and inclusion to achieve a future research community where all can thrive.
Dimensions award marks an important milestone in our institutional EDI journey
UCalgary awarded Dimensions Construction recognition
Award marks an important milestone in our institutional EDI journey
Program Overview
The main objective of the Dimensions program is to foster transformational change within the research ecosystem at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The program aims to identify and eliminate obstacles and inequities in order to support equitable access to funding opportunities, increase equitable and inclusive participation in the research ecosystem, and embed EDI-related considerations in research design and practices.
Institutions can apply to receive a Dimensions recognition award for their commitment to increasing EDI. UCalgary was awarded a Dimensions: Construction award in April 2023.
Specific objectives include:
- To support a culture of critical self-reflection related to EDI
- To create a culture of evidence-based EDI work, using both qualitative and quantitative data
- To address the key challenges that present barriers to everyone's career progression
- To create a community of practice that would share best practices, tools and templates
The pilot program addresses barriers and discrimination faced by equity-deserving groups, including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities, members of a racialized groups, and members of LGBTQ2+ communities.
Pilot program progress
Achieved to date
- Dimensions Executive Committee contributing to the development of the Dimensions Pilot Program through the national working group
- Dimensions EDI Steering Committee (60+ members representing all faculties, staff and student groups, and select community partners) has been meeting monthly for 1.5 years
- Created a project timeline to prepare to apply for a Dimensions award in fall 2022
- Steering Committee consulted on institutional EDI initiatives including:
- COVID-19 EDI Survey
- EDI Dashboard
- EDI Plan for Research & Teaching Awards
- Growth Through Focus development
- Compiled inventory of existing UCalgary EDI surveys to develop a baseline of existing EDI data at UCalgary, and inform future data collection
- Submission of Dimensions Award application in October 2022
- Awarded Dimensions: Construction recognition in April 2023
January 27, 2020
- Pilot program overview, introductions
February 26, 2020
- Definitions, EDI trends
April 26, 2020
- Quantitative data discussion
May 21, 2020
- Qualitative data discussion
June 18, 2020
- Policy review
October 21, 2020
- Growth through Focus discussion
November 26, 2020
- Discussion with Dr. Ed McCauley on Growth through Focus
December 17, 2020
- Preparing for the institutional self-assessment
January 28, 2021
- Self-assessment working groups
February 25, 2021
- Faculty/unit-level EDI data collection
March 25, 2021
- National EDI initiative update, institutional assessment discussion
May 20, 2021
- COVID EDI survey update, EDI survey update, establishing Equitable Pathways groups
June 24, 2021
- EDI survey update, Research and Teaching Awards pilot plan, Equitable Pathways groups working session
September 28, 2021
- Equity census update, Student equity census discussion, Research and Teaching Awards pilot plan update, EDI Report to Community
October 28, 2021
- Data collection update, Pilot plan for EDI in Research and Teaching, Scarborough Charter on Anti Black Racism and Black Inclusion Update
November 30, 2021
- Data collection - employee and student census, Pilot plan for EDI in Research and Teaching, Scarborough Charter on Anti Black Racism and Black Inclusion Update
January 27, 2022
- EDI Week update, Self-assessment next steps, climate surveys
February 28, 2022
- Update on new hires, Self-assessment next steps, update from Women Equitable Pathways Working Group
March 30, 2022
- NextGen EDI Symposium update, Dimensions EDI Overview and project plan update
April 28, 2022
- Chairs update, Dimensions national update, Dimensions Show and Tell, Persons with Disabilities Equitable Pathways Working Group update
May 30, 2022
- Dimensions national update, Dimensions Show and Tell, Language of EDI Equitable Pathways Working Group update, Language of EDI infographic discussion
June 30, 2022
- Welcome new Academic Director, data collection updates, application progress, Q&A
July 2022 – No meeting held
August 29, 2022
- Application update, review of action plan and goals
September, October, November 2022 – No meetings held
December 15, 2022
- Application submission update
Dimensions Show & Tell Sessions provide an overview of the Dimensions EDI program, and outline how the university is working towards the completion of a Dimensions Award application and Action Plan.
Dimensions Show & Tell Sessions are conducted by Lauren Remple, Dimensions EDI Program Manager. To book a session, send an email to DimensionsEDI@ucalgary.ca.
Previous sessions:
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FEDI (April 4, 2022)
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Dimensions Steering Committee (April 28, 2022)
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Cell Biology and Anatomy Departmen,t CSM (April 21, 2022)
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Associate Deans Research Council (June 8, 2022)
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Provost Team (June 13, 2022)
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School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Faculty Presentation (June 20, 2022)
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Engineering Faculty Council (June 23, 2022)
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Human Resources (August 3, 2022)
UCalgary Dimensions leadership
UCalgary has appointed an executive committee and a steering committee to accomplish the requirements of the Dimension pilot program. If you are interested in joining the Dimensions Steering Committee, please contact the OEDI.
Bruce Evelyn, Vice-Provost (Planning and Resource Allocation)
Dr. Michael Hart, Vice-Provost (Indigenous Engagement)
Dr. Tolulope Sajobi, Associate Professor, Cumming School of Medicine
Dr. Susan Skone, Associate Vice-President (Research)
Dr. Robert I. Thompson, Associate Vice-President (Research)
Lorna Very, Executive Director, Office of the Vice-President (Research)
Kirsten Exall, Director, Research Services Office
Pamela Hyde, Senior Specialist, Strategic Marketing and Communications, Office of the Vice-President (Research)
- Chair - Dr. Malinda Smith, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President Research (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)
- Mr. Adnan Ahmed, Office of Institutional Analysis
- Dr. Andrew Szeto, Student and Enrolment Services, Psychology - Faculty of Arts
- Dr. Aniela Dela Cruz, Faculty of Nursing
- Dr. Aruna Srivastava, English - Faculty of Arts
- Ms. Ashley Connect-Benoit, Faculty of Nursing
- Dr. Belinda Heyne, Chemistry - Faculty of Science
- Dr. Bill Rosehart, Electrical and Software Engineering - Schulich School of Engineering
- Mr. Bruce Evelyn, Office of Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
- Ms. Carla Bertsch, Student and Enrolment Services
- Ms. Carley L'Hirondelle, Human Resources
- Dr. Cheryl Dueck, School of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures and Culture - Faculty of Arts
- Dr. Colleen Kawalilak, Werklund School of Education, Werklund School of Education, Specialization, Adult Learning, Faculty of Education
- Ms. Dahlia Khajeei, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Dr. David Nicholas, Faculty of Social Work
- Dr. Donna-Marie McCafferty, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology - Cumming School of Medicine
- Dr. Ellen Perrault, Faculty of Social Work
- Ms. Fayo Abdi
- Dr. Francine Smith, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Physiology and Pharmacology - Cumming School of Medicine
- Mr. Garrett Beatty, Student and Enrolment Services
- Dr. Gregor Wolbring, Community Health Sciences - Cumming School of Medicine
- Ms. Heather Burns, Human Resources
- Dr. Hieu Ngo, Faculty of Social Work, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Ms. Jacqueline Lambert, Office of Institutional Analysis
- Dr. Jan Braun, Cumming School of Medicine
- Dr. Janaka Ruwanpura, Office of Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Office of the Vice-President (Research)
- Dr. Janice Braun, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology - Cumming School of Medicine
- Ms. Jaya Dixit, Office of the Vice-President (Research)
- Mr. Jeffrey Horvath, Tsuut’ina Nation High School
- Ms. Jenn Ksionzena, Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
- Dr. Jennifer Adams, Chemistry - Faculty of Science
- Ms. Jeny Matthews-Thusoo, City of Calgary
- Dr. Johanne Tottle, Student and Enrolment Services
- Dr. John Brown, School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape
- Mr. Jonah Secreti, Senate Representative
- Ms. Keeta Gladue, Writing Symbols Lodge
- Dr. Kirsten Exall, Office of the Vice-President (Research)
- Ms. Kome Odoko, Student and Enrolment Services
- Dr. Laleh Behjat, Electrical and Computer Engineering - Schulich School of Engineering
- Ms. Lauren Remple, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Ms. Lauren Stoffregen, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Ms. Le Ha Lewis, Research Accounting, Associate Vice-President (Finance)
- Ms. Liliana Gonzalez, Student and Enrolment Services
- Lindsay Lucas (no longer at university), AUPE representative
- Ms. Lorna Very, Office of the Vice-President (Research)
- Ms. Lynda Gwilliam, Facilities
- Ms. Mairi Babey, Office of Professionalism, Equity, and Diversity, Cumming School of Medicine
- Dr. Marcello Tonelli, Department of Medicine
- Dr. Maureen Duffy, Faculty of Law
- Dr. Melanee Thomas, Faculty of Arts
- Dr. Michael Hart, Office of Indigenous Engagement, Office of Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
- Ms. Myrna El Fakhry Tuttle, Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre
- Ms. Nanako Furuyama, Peer Support & Outreach (for Faith & Spirituality Centre - Health Promotion & Outreach - and Women’s Resource Centre)
- Ms. Nicole Wheeler, Human Resources
- Dr. Pamela Chu, Cumming School of Medicine and Tom Baker Cancer Center
- Ms. Pamela Hyde, Office of the Vice-President (Research)
- Dr. Patrina Duhaney, Faculty of Social Work
- Dr. Penny Pexman, Faculty of Arts
- Ms. Pragya Chopra, Faculty Rep - Science
- Dr. Qiao Sun, Schulich School of Engineering
- Dr. Regine King, Faculty of Social Work
- Ms. Renzo Pereyra, Students’ Union at UCalgary
- Dr. Robert Thompson, Office of the Vice-President (Research)
- Dr. Sandy Hershcovis, Haskayne School of Business
- Ms. Sarah Ashton, Student and Enrolment Services
- Dr. Sevan Beukian, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Ms. Sherry Weaver, Haskayne School of Business
- Dr. Susan Skone, Office of the Vice-President (Research)
- Dr. Svetlana Yanushkevich, Electrical and Software Engineering - Schulich School of Engineering
- Dr. Tara L. Beattie, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology - Cumming School of Medicine
- Ms. Temitope Oluleye, Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre (ACLRC)
- Dr. Tolulope Sajobi, Cumming School of Medicine
- Dr. Tuan Trang, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine
- Dr. William Yimbo, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Mr. Yared Belayneh, United Way of Calgary
Parallel Paths and Equitable Pathways
The Parallel Paths and Equitable Pathways Working Groups in the Dimensions EDI Canada pilot program at the University of Calgary support the advancement of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the research ecosystem by identify barriers and obstacles to full participation of members of the five equity-deserving groups: Indigenous People, LGBTQ2S+, persons with disabilities, visible/racialized minorities, and women. Indigenous Peoples are one of the Equitable Pathways Working Groups, and their work intersects with, and is shaped by, the University’s Indigenous strategy, ii' taa'poh'to'p and Parallel Paths. There are also two additional groups examining the language of EDI, and EDI data.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Indigenous Engagement are foundational commitments and practices at the University of Calgary. These commitments and practices must be woven throughout the research ecosystem.
The Parallel Paths and Equitable Pathways Working Groups will guide our work in the Dimensions Pilot Program, and embed foundational values in the research ecosystem. The working groups are composed of members of the campus community by role — faculty, staff, AUPE, MaPS, students and postdoctoral scholars, and by members of equity-deserving groups. They are facilitated by a chair or co-chairs.
The work of these groups is to go beyond "one size fits all" and to consciously develop pathways into the university and research ecosystem for each equity group as well as at their intersections. Consistent with the Dimensions EDI assessment, they will include storytelling, be quantitative and quantitative data-driven, research-informed, and reflect the lived experiences of diverse members of our campus community.
The groups will gather qualitative and quantitative data using a variety of methods to answer questions, including mapping the following:
- What is already being done at UCalgary for each equity-deserving group (women, Indigenous peoples, visible/racialized persons, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons)?
- What disaggregated data sources do we have for each equity-deserving group?
- What does an intersectionality lens and analysis reveal about the representation and lived experiences of members of equity-deserving groups at the university and specifically in the research ecosystem?
- What are the similar and different opportunities, biases, barriers and obstacles faced by each equity-deserving group?
- What supports, services, awards, opportunities do we have for each equity-deserving group?
- How does the Tri-Council Policy Statement and Chapter 9 on Research Involving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples shape our engagement with research with Indigenous peoples at UCalgary?
Parallel Paths and Equitable Pathways Working Groups membership
If you are interested in joining the Parallel Paths Working Group or an Equitable Pathways Working Group, please contact the group's designated co-chair(s) for more information.
- Co-Chair, Dr. Michael Hart, Office of Indigenous Engagement, Office of Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and Associate Vice-President (Research)
- Co-Chair, Jenn Ksionzena, Office of Indigenous Engagement
- Assad Ali Bik, Student
- Dr. Tara L. Beattie, Cumming School of Medicine
- Bruce Evelyn, Office of Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
- Jeffrey Horvath, Tsuut’ina Nation High School
- Dr. Colleen Kawalilak, Werklund School of Education
- Dr. Aruna Srivastava, Faculty of Arts
- Sherry Weaver, Haskayne School of Business
- Co-Chair, Dr. Aruna Srivistava, Faculty of Arts
- Co-Chair, Dr. Hieu Ngo, Faculty of Social Work, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Sarah Ashton, Student and Enrolment Services
- Carla Bertsch, Student and Enrolment Services
- Heather Burns, Human Resources
- Cameron Carley, Student
- Dr. Kirsten Exall, Office of the Vice-President (Research)
- Lauren Stoffregen, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Co-Chair, Dr. Aruna Srivistava, Faculty of Arts
- Co-Chair, Dr. Gregor Wolbring, Cumming School of Medicine
- Dr. Kirsten Exall, Office of the Vice-President (Research)
- Dr. David Nicholas, Faculty of Social Work
- Brenda McDermott, Student and Enrolment Services
- Renzo Pereyra, Students’ Union at UCalgary
- Lauren Remple, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Dr. Johanne Tottle, Student and Enrolment Services
- Co-Chair, Dr. Malinda Smith, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President Research (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)
- Co-chair, Jaya Dixit, Research Services Offices
- Fayo Abdi, Arts Representative
- Dr. Jennifer Adams, Faculty of Science
- Garrett Beatty, Student and Enrolment Services
- Dr. Aniela Dela Cruz, Faculty of Nursing
- Myrna El Fakhry Tuttle, Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre
- Liliana Gonzalez, Student and Enrolment Services
- Le Ha Lewis, Research Accounting, Associate Vice-President (Finance)
- Dr. Colleen Kawalilak, Werklund School of Education
- Dr. Regine King, Faculty of Social Work
- Dr. Hieu Ngo, Faculty of Social Work, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Temitope Oluleye, Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre
- Dr. Aruna Srivistava, Faculty of Arts, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Dr. Qiao Sun, Schulich School of Engineering
- Dr. Tuan Trang, Cumming School of Medicine
- Nicole Wheeler, Human Resources
- Former co-chair: Dr. Pallavi Banerjee, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology
- Dr. Francine Smith, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Physiology and Pharmacology - Cumming School of Medicine
- Dr. Laleh Behjat, Electrical and Computer Engineering - Schulich School of Engineering
- Ms. Carla Bertsch, Student and Enrolment Services
- Dr. Jan Braun, Cumming School of Medicine
- Ms. Pragya Chopra, Faculty Rep - Science
- Ms. Keeta Gladue, Research Services Office (formerly Writing Symbols Lodge)
- Dr. Belinda Heyne, Chemistry - Faculty of Science
- Ms. Carley L'Hirondelle, Human Resources
- Co-Chair, Jacqueline Lambert, Senior Analyst, Office of Institutional Analysis
- Co-Chair, Dr. Malinda Smith, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President Research (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)
- Mairi Babey, Cumming School of Medicine
- Dr. Laleh Behjat, Schulich School of Engineering
- Dr. Kirsten Exall, Office of the Vice-President (Research)
- Jeffrey Horvath, Tsuut’ina Nation High School
- Carley L'Hirondelle, Human Resources
- Nazia Viceer, Faculty of Nursing
- Nicole Wheeler, Human Resources
- Dr. Gregor Wolbring, Cumming School of Medicine
- Dr. Svetlana Yanushkevich, Schulich School of Engineering
- Dr. Sevan Beukian, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Co-Chair, Dr. Malinda Smith, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President Research (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)
- Co-Chair, Dr. Virginia Tumasz, Vice Dean, Faculty of Arts
- Dr. Jennifer Adams, Faculty of Science
- Assad Ali Bik, Student
- Mairi Babey, Cumming School of Medicine
- Jaya Dixit, Office of the Vice-President (Research)
- Dr. Donna-Marie McCafferty, Cumming School of Medicine
- Dr. Francine Smith, Cumming School of Medicine
- Dr. Gregor Wolbring, Cumming School of Medicine
Voices of UCalgary
Voices of UCalgary is a new series that shares the stories and lived experiences of members of equity-deserving groups on campus. Voices stories compliment the numerical data presented in UCalgary’s internationally recognized EDI Data Hub, by offering a more holistic understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility at UCalgary, grounded in the experiences of our community members.
The Voices of UCalgary series emerged from our institutional participation in Dimensions. In the Dimensions handbook, “centrality of voices” is the first principle of inclusive assessment: “The intention is to ensure that such voices form the core of the evidence to identify priorities addressed in the action plan, and that the Dimensions approach is overall oriented toward promoting an equitable, diverse and inclusive postsecondary research ecosystem.” Read more on the NSERC website
We will continue to share stories of the voices of UCalgary as we continue on our institutional EDIA journey.
Diversity in STEM
'Students would describe me as one of the best professors, and yet I don’t have the same recognition as my male counterparts when it comes to research impact'
Accessibility in the research ecosystem
'If we want to focus on disabled people, I would say that one main EDI issue, at least in Canada, is the broad definition of “disability”. EDI barriers vary for different disabled people even if they are oftentimes (and mistakenly) referred to as a homogenous group.'
Related resources
ii' taa'poh'to'p
The Office of Indigenous Engagement and ii' taa'poh'to'p guide UCalgary on its path of transformation, and communicate its commitment and responsibility for truth and reconciliation.
Scarborough Charter
The Scarborough National Charter on anti-Black racism and Black Inclusion in Higher Education: Principles, Actions, and Accountabilities is a commitment by institutions across Canada to combat anti-Black racism and foster Black inclusion in higher education.
Research and Teaching Awards EDI Plan
The UCalgary Research and Teaching Awards Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Plan was developed to embed a foundational commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the identification and nomination of candidates for external research and teaching excellence awards.
EDI Dashboard
UCalgary shares its demographic data in an EDI dashboard. The data will be continuously updated within the dashboard and help inform policies and procedures to foster equitable pathways across campus.
Employee Equity Census
Closing our employment gaps requires data to inform evidence-based decisions. Responses to the Employee Equity Census provide valuable statistical information that can guide future hiring and employment practices.
Student Equity Census
We are committed to achieving an equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible student-based services, academic and enrolment practices. We must measure where we are now, how we are doing compared to the diverse make-up of our wider community and evaluate progress.
SSHRC Dashboard
SSHRC offers an interactive dashboard, which presents two years of data from applicants to all SSHRC funding programs on their age, gender, and whether they identify as belonging to one or more of the four designated groups.
NSERC Dashboard
In the NSERC Dashboard you will find a breakdown of where NSERC invests its funding, and the benefits those investments are creating for Canadians. You can also generate your own reports containing the essential facts and figures you need.
New Frontiers in Research Fund Dashboard
The New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) offers an interactive dashboard that highlights key data on NFRF competitions to date, providing valuable insights into how the fund is being awarded to the research community.
EDI Data Hub
View UCalgary's collection of institutional EDI Data, including the EDI Dashboard, at the EDI Data Hub.
Top diversity Employer
UCalgary has been named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for 2023.
International programs
Dimensions is informed by and associated with international programs with similar and related goals.
