It is my pleasure to be sharing an update on the Strategic Plan deliverable I’m leading, which falls under our commitment to creating globally relevant connections.
As part of our departmental goals, BCIT’s Strategic Plan and the Anti-Racism Framework, the Respect Diversity and Inclusion (RDI) team is committed to working with you to create a community where all members have an inclusive and accessible work and learning environment where everyone can reach their full potential.
Our accomplishments to date include the creation of two self-directed learning modules which will be available in early fall: Relearning Gender and Anti-Racism 101. These modules were developed with subject matter experts and the BCIT community.
In order to build on what we have already accomplished, we will be seeking your input through an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) environmental assessment which will inform the development of an EDI strategy.
We have engaged BCIT alumna, Manpreet Dhillon and her firm Veza Global to work on the EDI strategy for BCIT. The approximate timeline for completion is late 2023. The environmental assessment is anticipated to include focus groups and surveys to gather BCIT specific information. Updates to this work will be shared with the community in the fall.
As we seek to foster a climate of respect, collaboration, and understanding, we encourage all staff and students to participate in the EDI environmental assessment, to help us gather relevant information so that we can create an EDI strategy that benefits us all. Remember, we all have a part to play in championing diversity and inclusion and creating an environment in which we all belong.
Thank you,
Jackie Gruber
Director, Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion
Commitment: Globally relevant connections
Initiative: Open and representative community
Deliverable: Continued advancement of RDI, anti-racism, and social justice
Deliverable lead: Jackie Gruber, Director, RDI