Diversity and Inclusion
As a School of Public Health, we want all members of our community-staff, students and faculty-to feel that they are valued, and that their strengths are recognized. We want to create a culture of diversity. Started in 2010, the purpose of the School Diversity Initiative is to develop and implement a strategy for promoting a culture of diversity.
As a School of Public Health, we want all members of our community-staff, postdoctoral fellows, students and faculty-to feel that they are valued, and that their strengths are recognized. We want to create a culture of diversity and inclusion.
What is a culture of diversity and inclusion?
A culture of diversity and inclusion fosters and supports an environment where each person is valued, and is confident in contributing insights and skills. It is not simply that differences are tolerated, but that diversity is seen as a source of strength. This type of culture allows organizations to be more innovative, flexible and adaptable, as they benefit from the contributions of all their members.
All students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty, benefit professionally, academically and socially in an academic environment that values and promotes diversity and inclusion. They are better prepared to think, live and work in our global society.
Diversity and inclusion is about recognizing, respecting and celebrating the broad range of characteristics and differences among people. These differences include ethnicity, race, language or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, educational background, life experience, family status, faith / religion, socio-economic standing, ability (physical, mental, cognitive), group (or political) affiliation, and individual ways of being and thinking.
According to this view, each person has multiple, and often evolving, cultural identities.
- School Diversity and Inclusion Action Group
At Faculty Council in March 2014, the dean put forward a motion to form a new diversity action group which was approved. Co-chaired by School staff members Karyn Gibbons and Erin Pollock, the Diversity and Inclusion Action Group consists of students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty whose aim is to turn theory into action.
Its role is to build on previous work undertaken on diversity and inclusion, advise the dean on issues of diversity and inclusion and advocate on diversity and inclusion as an issue within the School and student body. The group runs diversity and inclusion related training workshops and celebratory events for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and staff.
- Bringing forward your diversity concerns
There are a number of resources on campus for assistance in bringing forward personal concerns related to differential treatment related to ethnicity, race, language, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, educational background, family status, faith, religion, socio-economic standing, ability (physical, mental, cognitive), or group affiliation.
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta offers several services to assist students with diversity concerns.
• Office of Safe Disclosure and Human Rights
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Office of the Student Ombuds
• Additional On-Campus and Off-Campus ResourcesSchool contacts
Students are also encouraged to share their concerns locally using any of the following resources:
Shanthi Johnson, Dean
E: shanthi.johnson@ualberta.caNorm Neumann, Vice Dean
E: nfneuman@ualberta.caCandace Nykiforuk, Associate Dean (Research and Research Programs)
E: candace.nykiforuk@ualberta.caRuth Wolfe, Associate Dean (Professional Programs)
E: ruth.wolfe@ualberta.caDiversity and Inclusion Action Group
You may contact a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Action Group (listed below) that you are most comfortable speaking with.
- Diversity Champion Award
The Diversity and Inclusion Action Group presents the Diversity Champion Award to a student, staff, faculty member, adjunct, or postdoctoral fellow who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to creating a culture of diversity and inclusion within the School of Public Health.
A Diversity Champion may possess one or more of the following qualities:
• Shows leadership by actively promoting and modelling the values and principles of diversity and inclusion throughout the School of Public Health.
• Provides support for the marginalized and is a go-to person when there are questions, issues, or concerns relating to diversity and inclusion.
• Acts as a source of new information on ways to address diversity and inclusion.
• Seeks ways to increase knowledge of diversity and inclusion issues and gain skills for being an advocate.
• Brings to the attention of the Diversity and Inclusion Action Group any issues that need a School-wide approach.Recipients:
Shelby Yamamoto, Assistant Professor, 2019
Stephanie Montesanti, Assistant Professor, 2018
Stephanie Booth, MPH student, 2017
Jacqueline Noga, MSc student, 2016
| Name |
||
 |
Ryan Au MPH student |
ryan.au@ualberta.ca |
 |
Brynn Day MPH student |
baday@ualberta.ca |
 |
Karyn Gibbons Staff |
karyn.gibbons@ualberta.ca |
 |
Lauren Lindsey MSc student |
llindsey@ualberta.ca |
 |
Sammy Lowe MSc Student |
salowe@ualberta.ca |
 |
Misha Miazga-Rodriguez MPH Student |
miazgaro@ualberta.ca |
 |
Brittney Molner MSc student |
molner@ualberta.ca |
 |
Heather Nixdorf MSc student |
hnixdorf@ualberta.ca |
 |
Michael Paulden Faculty |
paulden@ualberta.ca |
 |
Erin Pollock Staff Committee Chair |
erin.pollock@ualberta.ca |
 |
Trenton Smith |
trs@ualberta.ca |
| Dunsi Strohschein Adjunct |
dunsi.strohschein@ualberta.ca |
