Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity in the Department of AFNS

AFNS EDI Survey

The AFNS EDI Survey is complete and results will used to assess our progress toward our departmental EDI objectives, and better support all members of our department. Thank you to those members of AFNS (student, postdoc, staff, or faculty members) that participated.

The survey results were analyzed and shared at the departmental council. The resulting infographic is available by request to Caroline Richard

The 2024 survey is currently being analyzed and results will be presented to the department in the fall.

AFNS EDI Committee

AFNS EDI Committee Members

Adhikary, Dinesh; Ametaj, Burim; Bruce, Heather; Chen, Lingyun; Gorim, Linda; Hiltz, Rebecca; Medeiros da Silva, Gleise; Proctor, Spencer; Richard, Caroline; and Ullah, Aman


Terms of Reference

Purpose

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee aims to promote diversity in the processes of recruitment, retention, promotion, and recognition across all faculty, staff, and students, ensures an inclusive environment, and champions equity within the department, faculty, and university. Although such an environment is a shared responsibility of all members of the department and requires their continuous commitment, the Committee was created to coordinate departmental efforts. Using its shared experience and expertise, the Committee will identify EDI-related issues, propose and prioritize initiatives, and monitor the efficiency of these efforts. The Committee will also be involved in raising awareness of EDI issues in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science.

Read the Terms of Reference 


Latest Updates from the AFNS EDI Committee

  • AFNS EDI Survey second edition is closed and results are being analyzed. 
  • Events are being planned for the next academic year. 
  • Revision of the AFNS EDI Committee Terms of Reference.
  • AFNS EDI Book Club read Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. 
  • Training around EDI was curated for the AFNS EDI landing page.
  • Events organized by the committee such as a potluck with food from different cultures/countries will be shared in advance with the AFNS community.

MORE AFNS EDI Activities

EDI events will resume at the start of the academic year. Stay tuned for more information.

AFNS EDI Book Club

  • More details coming soon.
  • Book: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
  • For more information: Dr. Caroline Richard, cr5@ualberta.ca, (780) 248-1827
  • All are welcome to attend when time permits.
  • Health and Wellness Support for Students: Students who are unsure of the type of support they may need, are concerned about how to access services on campus, or feel like they may need interim support while waiting to access service are encouraged to contact the Wellness Supports Team.

  • Peer Support Centre: A Students' Union service offers a free, confidential, and non-judgmental place to talk to someone for support. Their trained volunteers offer peer support, crisis management, information, and resources, as well as a safe and confidential place to talk.

  • Counselling and Clinical Services: Free, confidential services for a range of student mental health concerns.

  • Sexual Assault Centre: Provides drop-in crisis intervention support to survivors of sexual violence & their supporters and comprehensive educational workshops.  

  • Wellness Supports:  The Wellness Supports team engages people on campus by strengthening individual and community mental health and wellbeing, providing support, connection, education and choice.


Resources for Indigenous Students

Resources for International Students


Gender and Sexual Diversity Resources


Reporting EDI Issues

Inclusive Teaching During the COVID-19 Restrictions


Students with Disabilities


Diversity in Online Materials


Computer Accessibility

  • Having access to computers and / or technology can create barriers for students when participating in online or remote learning (please see synchronous and asynchronous teaching). Students may be sharing a computer, have unstable wifi, or not have access to technology at all.

  • Selfe, C. L., Selfe, R. J. (1994). The politics of the interface: Power and its exercise in electronic contact zones. College Composition and Communication, 45, 480–504. 

  • Accessibility Resources page for instructors and for students.

  • WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool is a Chrome extension that can be used to assess your eClass site’s accessibility. This tool will also show you how to fix the errors. Some students may have visual acuity issues that we are unaware of and WAVE helps us to see how we can make our course sites more accessible.

For more information, visit the University of Alberta, The Centre for Teaching and Learning website:  They work with instructors and programs to develop engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students by inspiring, empowering, modeling and connecting excellent teaching.  Visit The Centre for Teaching and Learning

University of Alberta Resources 


External/Funder Resources 

Other Resources