Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada

The main objective of the Dimensions program is to foster transformational change within the research ecosystem at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The program aims to identify and eliminate obstacles and inequities in order to support equitable access to funding opportunities, increase equitable and inclusive participation in the research ecosystem, and embed EDI-related considerations in research design and practices. 

Institutions can apply to receive a Dimensions recognition award for their commitment to increasing EDI. UCalgary was awarded a Dimensions: Construction award in April 2023.

Specific objectives include:

• To support a culture of critical self-reflection related to EDI 
• To create a culture of evidence-based EDI work, using both qualitative and quantitative data
• To address the key challenges that present barriers to everyone's career progression
• To create a community of practice that would share best practices, tools and templates  

The pilot program addresses barriers and discrimination faced by equity-deserving groups, including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities, members of a racialized groups, and members of LGBTQ2+ communities.
 

Achieved to date

• Dimensions Executive Committee contributing to the development of the Dimensions Pilot Program through the national working group
• Dimensions EDI Steering Committee (60+ members representing all faculties, staff and student groups, and select community partners) has been meeting monthly for 1.5 years
• Created a project timeline to prepare to apply for a Dimensions award in fall 2022
• Steering Committee consulted on institutional EDI initiatives including:
  • COVID-19 EDI Survey
  • EDI Dashboard 
  • EDI Plan for Research & Teaching Awards
  • Growth Through Focus development
• Compiled inventory of existing UCalgary EDI surveys to develop a baseline of existing EDI data at UCalgary, and inform future data collection
• Submission of Dimensions Award application in October 2022
• Awarded Dimensions: Construction recognition in April 2023

The Parallel Paths and Equitable Pathways Working Groups in the Dimensions EDI Canada pilot program at the University of Calgary support the advancement of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the research ecosystem by identify barriers and obstacles to full participation of members of the five equity-deserving groups: Indigenous People, LGBTQ2S+, persons with disabilities, visible/racialized minorities, and women. Indigenous Peoples are one of the Equitable Pathways Working Groups, and their work intersects with, and is shaped by, the University’s Indigenous strategy, ii' taa'poh'to'p and Parallel Paths. There are also two additional groups examining the language of EDI, and EDI data.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Indigenous Engagement are foundational commitments and practices at the University of Calgary. These commitments and practices must be woven throughout the research ecosystem.

The Parallel Paths and Equitable Pathways Working Groups will guide our work in the Dimensions Pilot Program, and embed foundational values in the research ecosystem. The working groups are composed of members of the campus community by role — faculty, staff, AUPE, MaPS, students and postdoctoral scholars, and by members of equity-deserving groups. They are facilitated by a chair or co-chairs.

The work of these groups is to go beyond "one size fits all" and to consciously develop pathways into the university and research ecosystem for each equity group as well as at their intersections. Consistent with the Dimensions EDI assessment, they will include storytelling, be quantitative and quantitative data-driven, research-informed, and reflect the lived experiences of diverse members of our campus community.