Surveys and Reports
Reports
Knowing what we need to achieve is only possible if we know what we've accomplished.
Stories from the Field Student EDI Census Report Workforce EDI Census Report Statistical ReportsInformed Progress
Each step forward requires knowledge of where we have been and where we are. To achieve our equity, diversity, and inclusion goals, the U of A believes in taking deliberate action that is informed by the best available evidence and institutional data. On an ongoing basis, the U of A will continue to evaluate its progress and report to the university community.
Stories from the Field
Stories from the Field offers reflections on and snapshots of equity, diversity, and inclusion activities over the years 2019-2022 that continue to build on the U of A’s century-long history of innovation and risk-taking in the name of creating a more equitable, inclusive institution.
We invite you to read the stories and actions highlighted in this report as they speak to our collective recognition that to be excellent, we must break patterns that serve to replicate a status quo that benefits some and excludes others. Collectively, these insights are intended to inform future strategies, policies and procedures as we seek to become a more equitable, diverse and inclusive institution.
Diversity Census
Student EDI Census
At the University of Alberta we are dedicated to achieving a more diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive environment for all who work, learn, and live within our community. In support of this goal, the university conducts a Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Census every three years.
The purpose of the census is to collect student demographic information. This information will enable the university to better understand the current student landscape, helping us to identify opportunities to improve supports for U of A students, and to better promote an equitable, diverse, and inclusive culture on our campuses. The census results will also serve as a baseline against which the university can measure its future efforts to promote and support equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The U of A’s first-ever Student EDI Census was administered by email to all U of A students between November 15 and December 3, 2021.
The U of A plans to conduct this survey on a periodic basis moving forward (the exact time frame is still under consideration).
All U of A students received the census by email. Completing this census was voluntary, and students had the option to skip any questions that they prefer not to answer.
The census consists of a short set of questions to help the university obtain a picture of student demographics, including students’ personal backgrounds and circumstances, and how students see themselves.
Data collected from the Student EDI Census is held confidentially and securely, separate from formal student records. For the purposes of analysis only, data has been connected to relevant student data using confidential, secure, anonymized student identifiers (not official student IDs). Access to census data is strictly limited to those who manage the U of A's equity census. Any publicly reported results is limited to aggregated totals to ensure that no individual can be identified.
Results of each census are shared as they become available. The 2021 results were released in April 2023, and serve as a benchmark against which the university can measure its future efforts to promote and support equity, diversity, and inclusion. View the Student EDI Census Results »
Workforce EDI Census
At the University of Alberta, we know that our work takes place in a highly diverse society, and we recognize that a diverse university workforce is needed to generate the multitude of ideas and perspectives that enrich our research, teaching, learning, and service. That's why we are committed to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce.
To assess progress toward this goal, we are conducting a demographic census every three years to collect data on relevant equity, diversity, and inclusion measures. The resulting data will be used to conduct statistical analysis and to identify areas where we may not be meeting our desired objectives.
The initial survey was conducted in Fall of 2019, with new employees invited to participate quarterly.
The U of A conducts this survey every 3 years.
Data collected via the Workforce Diversity Census was held confidentially and securely, separate from formal employment records. For the purposes of conducting analysis only, data was connected to relevant employment data using confidential, secure, anonymized staff identifiers ( not official employee IDs). Access was strictly limited to those who manage the U of A's equity census. Any publicly reported results are limited to aggregated totals; findings are presented for groups of people to ensure that no individual can be identified.
The census consists of a short set of questions to help the university understand how employees identify in each instance. Completing this census is entirely voluntary, and employees had the option to decline to answer any of the questions.
Results of each census are shared as they become available, and serve as a benchmark for future statistical analysis and to identify areas where we may not be meeting our desired objectives.
View the Workforce EDI Census - 2023 Update*
*This report was compiled using data from the 2019 census, and new hire surveys in years following this with adjustments to account for changes including those who are no longer employed at the university.
View the 2019 Workforce EDI Census Results*
*The 2019 results were released in March 2021. The preparation of the 2019 results were delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.