| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67.93 |
| Liaison | Emily Zabanah |
| Submission Date | Feb. 1, 2024 |
Seneca Polytechnic
PA-6: Assessing Diversity and Equity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Paula
Echeveste Sustainability Specialist - Engagement & Outreach Office of Sustainability |
Has the institution engaged in a structured assessment process during the previous three years to improve diversity, equity and inclusion on campus?:
A brief description of the assessment process and the framework, scorecard(s) and/or tool(s) used:
EMPLOYEES
As part of Seneca’s Au Large, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee recommended a census to gain a better understanding of who works at Seneca. Metrics@Work, an independent company, was contracted to conduct the census to maintain privacy and accuracy. The census measured employee demographics and reported on the diversity of the workforce at Seneca. The census is made up of demographic questions related to gender, ethnicity, religion and family status.
All employees at Seneca were provided access to the confidential census. In April 2021, 2,088 employees completed the census, for an overall response rate of 54.4%. The assessment set a baseline for Seneca, allowing us to measure demographic trends in terms of promotions, exits from the Polytechnic and new hires.
STUDENTS
Seneca conducts a student census to give a better idea of who studies at Seneca, and how the institution can help students achieve their academic and professional goals. The data is also meant to help Seneca build an inclusive community. The census is made up of questions that provide information about students' demographic, their level of satisfaction and persistence. It was completed by students in November 2021 and February 2023.
Does the assessment process address campus climate by engaging stakeholders to assess the attitudes, perceptions and behaviors of employees and students, including the experiences of underrepresented groups?:
Does the assessment process address student outcomes related to diversity, equity and success?:
Does the assessment process address employee outcomes related to diversity and equity?:
A brief description of the most recent assessment findings and how the results are used in shaping policy, programs, and initiatives:
EMPLOYEES
The employee census data from 2021 shows that 34.9% of respondents identified as a racialized person, 43.1% are immigrants to Canada and 37.2% responded ‘no’ to having English as their first language. Additionally, 10% of respondents identify as having a disability, 40.8% have affiliation with religious or spiritual groups and 56.2% identify as a woman, while 1% responded as gender nonconforming.
The employee census has given opportunity to have conversations and do targeted hires for more racialized faculty members to teach students. Seneca will also be monitoring promotions and departures of racialized employees to understand patterns and causality.
STUDENTS
The student census data from 2021 shows that racialized students were more financially at risk, worked more and were less likely to have a professional relationship with a Seneca employee.
Seneca has used the information on the student census to directly impact and assist racialized students. Scholarships were set up directly for Black and Indigenous students to assist their financial needs. A four person staff directed solely at assisting the racialized students called the Student Navigators were hired to support and direct racialized students to correct supports and funding when needed.
Are the results of the most recent structured diversity and equity assessment shared with the campus community?:
A brief description of how the assessment results are shared with the campus community:
The employee census survey results are shared through Seneca’s Au Large space on our Employee MySeneca website.
Seneca also shares the results of both the student and employee census and conducts discussions in multiple ways to academic and student leadership as well as the Board of Governors.
Are the results (or a summary of the results) of the most recent structured diversity and equity assessment publicly posted?:
The diversity and equity assessment report or summary (upload):
Website URL where the diversity and equity assessment report or summary is publicly posted:
Website URL where information about the institution’s diversity and equity assessment efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.