Making diversity and equal opportunities a priority
Universities and their leadership are taking responsibility and putting in place structures to also improve staff diversity and equal opportunities.
The University of Sherbrooke (UdeS) in Canada recently received recognition for its efforts in university strategy and actions in support of equity, diversity and inclusion.
The UdeS has always deployed measures to be inclusive and to reflect the society in which it evolves and to contribute optimally to it. Under the wing of Rector Pierre Cossette and his team, this commitment took more official form with the launch of the 2018-2022 Dare to Transform strategic plan, with ambitious targets for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
Then, starting in 2019, the institution adopted an EDI institutional plan (2022-2025 edition) reaffirming its determination to be a place of openness and respect that makes room for diverse viewpoints and experiences.
More recently, the UdeS renewed its commitment to making room for diversity in its 2022-2025 Dare to Experience strategic plan, in line with an orientation that advocates “a fairer, greener and more inclusive society”. Efforts are thus ongoing to ensure that the integration of EDI principles into practices is sustainable.