TI 0908 - Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Undergraduate Research Experiences and Creative Activities

Course Description

Who has access to undergraduate research and creative experiences at our institution? Who is missing? Barriers to student participation in research and creative activity experiences continue to persist. Commonly reported barriers include unfavourable power dynamics, microaggressions, non-flexible work times, low-pay, as well as work and care-giving responsibilities. How can you as a supervisor build undergraduate research opportunities to provide more equal access for students with underrepresented identities, including racialized minorities; 2SLGBTQIA+; disabled (visible or invisible) and neurodiverse students. How can we contribute to an inclusive academic environment so that individual students are not expected to advocate for their own inclusion or to opt out?

EDI statements are an increasingly popular strategy for academics to show potential students that a research or creative activity opportunity is welcoming and inclusive. In this workshop, we will provide the basic structure to develop your own EDI statement to showcase your commitment to increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion in academia. We will also explore the current approach to EDI in academia and why this approach may need to change.

By the end of this workshop, participants will:

• Understand how to signal a welcoming and accessible opportunity for students with underrepresented identities. Understand how to take action to appeal to and recruit diverse students to their research and/or creative activity program.
• Generate or articulate personal EDI principles & values for their research program.
• Start an initial draft that addresses the four key components of an effective EDI statement