DIVERSITY & EQUITY AMBASSADORS
Who are they?
We are a diverse group of faculty, students and staff advocating for an inclusive learning and working environment at OCAD.
What does an inclusive work and learning environment look like?
It calls for people to:
- Examine their assumptions, stereotypes and prejudices
- Model inclusive language
- Use multiple and diverse examples
- Examine curriculum to ensure diverse perspectives are represented
- Be mindful of diversity around us or lack of it
- Provide accommodations for students with disabilities
- Make all students/employees feel visible (Don’t ask people to speak for an entire group)
- Practice inclusive classroom/workplace behaviors
Program Aim
To create an inclusive learning and working environment at OCAD through socially responsive, educational and outreach activities.
Goals
To raise OCAD’s awareness about equity, diversity, and inclusivity
- To heighten understanding of OCAD’s policy on a respectful work and learning environment
- To advocate for inclusive hiring and recruitment practice
- To encourage citizenship in promoting positive social change by undertaking personal and collective actions that will help OCAD become more inclusive and welcoming
- To contribute to the development of campus policies and processes that promote inclusivity
How do we do this?
Through training, ongoing support and education
- Participation in programs, committees and events
- One-on-one interactions
- Actively engaging in search committees at all levels
Sample initiatives
- Develop poster series/campaigns to address issues
- Participate in search committees and interview sessions
- Organize town-hall meetings and presentations to raise awareness of equity issues
- Propose equity promoting tools
Who can be a Diversity/Equity Ambassador?
- An OCAD employee (administrative staff and Faculty), or student
- Interested in matters relating to equity and diversity at OCAD
- Motivated to contribute towards enhancing an inclusive, respectful work and learning environment
Will I receive training?
Ambassadors will receive training to help them meet the set goals. Training may include:
- Diversity and social justice knowledge skills and attitudes
- Barriers to inclusion
- Challenges of working/studying in diverse groups
- Inclusive hiring practices
- Inclusive programming and service delivery
- Best practices in inclusive curriculum
- Inclusive group processes
- Managing diverse classrooms/studios
How do I join?
Email the Diversity & Equity Initiatives Office at OCAD.
CAMPUS DIALOGUE UPDATES
Participants Comments:
Stan Krzyzanowski: I arrived thinking I'd have nothing to say and left bursting with what I wanted to say, but didn't get a chance to as everyone got a chance to be heard and listened to.
Spencer Harrison: Let us learn more about each other and in doing so, learn more about ourselves.