Université Téluq
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Commitment Statement: Université TÉLUQ is committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). It recognizes the importance of EDI in the pursuit of excellence in teaching and research. Thus, Université TÉLUQ intends not only to contribute to a better representation of the Canadian community within the Canadian research community, but also to promote excellence in research in a sustainable manner. To this effect, Université TÉLUQ is committed to becoming, through its actions, a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion.
To fulfill this commitment:
Université TÉLUQ remains faithful to the spirit of the Canada Research Chairs Program (Learn more about the Canada Research Chairs Program [CRCP]). It pays particular attention to the representation of the four designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities) in the allocation of chairs. Université TÉLUQ will also focus on the situation of any other group that may eventually and legally be identified.
Université TÉLUQ adheres to the principles enshrined in the Dimensions Charter and is one of the signatories of this charter. The Charter promotes excellence in research, innovation and creativity in the post-secondary environment, from an interdisciplinary perspective, by fostering equity, diversity and inclusion.
With a commitment from its senior management, Université TÉLUQ will develop an EDI action plan by the end of 2022. Awareness-raising activities on the subject will also be initiated and propagated within the University.
Université’s TÉLUQ EDI-related efforts will be deployed in accordance with its mission, vision, values, applicable laws as well as any collective agreements and protocols in effect.
Finally, Université TÉLUQ will take inspiration from best practices in EDI in order to achieve convincing results. The University has an EDI commitment statement, which aims to act against discrimination. It also adheres to the principles enshrined in the Dimensions Charter and is a signatory to the Charter. See the TÉLUQ Commitment Statement on the EDI page of the TÉLUQ website. www.teluq.ca/site/universite/equite-diversite-inclusion.php

Université TÉLUQ wishes to foster a harmonious work environment—promoting respect, collaboration, politeness, courtesy and good manners—and free of any form of incivility, violence, discrimination and harassment, in order to protect the dignity and the physical and psychological integrity of its employees. To this end, procedures have been put in place at the University.

To learn about the process for addressing concerns related to equity, diversity and inclusion, we invite you to consult the Civility and Prevention of Violence, Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace Policy (PDF). For considerations specifically related to sexual violence, see the Preventing and Responding to Sexual Violence Policy (PDF).

According to the Civility and Prevention of Violence, Discrimination, and Harassment in the Workplace Policy, an individual who identifies as a victim of inappropriate conduct can approach the institutional contact person at Human Resources to discuss the situation and attempt to find solutions to cease all inappropriate actions, words, or behaviors. In order to achieve this, the institutional contact person is presented with several options, including mediation. If necessary, they may call upon the services of an external mediator. An individual who identifies as a victim of incivility, violence, discrimination, or harassment can also file a formal written complaint with the contact person at Human Resources.
If the complaint is deemed admissible, the complainants and the implicated parties are notified, and a mediation process is initiated if the parties consent. If mediation does not result in an agreement after three (3) sessions, the institutional responsible person initiates the investigation procedure.

According to the Preventing and Combating Sexual Violence Policy, the University aims to ensure proper and diligent support, advice, guidance, and direction for the requesting individuals. The University also aims to ensure their immediate protection.
Le Bureau de prévention et d'intervention (BPI) (The Prevention and Intervention Office) is responsible for implementing all actions aimed at preventing and combating sexual violence within Université TÉLUQ.
It is among other responsible for:
• Welcoming, informing, supporting, and advising any requesting person or implicated party who contacts the BPI for a situation of sexual violence;
• Receiving disclosures and complaints and overseeing their processing;
• Implementing accommodation measures and provisional measures;
• Guide individuals to support services;
• Providing members of the university community with prevention tools in matters of sexual violence.
Any individual who is a victim, witness, or informed about a situation of sexual violence can confidentially meet with the BPI to discuss the situation. The BPI will provide information about available support, services offered, the handling of the situation, provisional or accommodation measures, etc.
The support for requesting individuals is provided by the network of the Centres d'aide aux victimes d'actes criminels (CAVAC) (Victims of Criminal Acts Assistance Centers). They offer the following services:
• Taking charge and welcoming individuals;
• Accompanying, supporting, and guiding individuals throughout the process;
• Providing information about available resources and directing to appropriate services;
• Psychosocial assistance;
• Information about accommodation measures or possible remedies.

https://www.teluq.ca/site/documents/universite/prevenir-et-combattre-les-violences-a-caractere-sexuel.pdf
https://www.teluq.ca/site/services/bpi.php

The only program we participate in is the provincial government’s EEAP (Equal Employment Opportunity Program). Participation is mandatory. As we are a public organization, this is covered under the Act Respecting Equal Access to Employment.
This program leads us to diversify our sources of job postings in order to open our recruitment pool to the groups targeted by the program: women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, visible minorities and ethnic minorities. The program also sets representation targets within our staff to ensure greater diversity and to provide everyone with the same opportunities regarding access to employment and equality.
As part of this program, we must report every five years, presenting a portrait of our concrete actions in this area, reporting on the measures implemented to increase the representation of the five groups and also disseminating the data relating to representation among our employees. The program also requires employers to make a certain commitment to improve the achievement of targets set for the five targeted groups.
In terms of measures to recruit academic staff from underrepresented groups, Université TÉLUQ mentions in its job postings for faculty, supervisors and tutors that it subscribes to equal access and employment equity programs and values diversity and inclusion within its community. As such, and as stated in its job postings, it “invites applications from all persons who meet the requirements of the position, particularly women, Indigenous people, visible minorities, ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities. We encourage all people to apply.” In addition, there is training for selection and assessment committees that outlines possible biases and prejudices that may affect members of underrepresented groups. In short, Université TÉLUQ is sensitive to the situation of the members of underrepresented groups and wishes to make room for them.
With one exception, we do not have specific scholarships for admission (to recruit/attract). The scholarships we do offer are for excellence, success or perseverance (i.e., offered during the course of the program). The only scholarship specific to an underrepresented group is the Indigenous Student Tenacity Scholarship.
Furthermore, in the last few months, Université TÉLUQ has hired an Indigenous Student Community Advisor, whose mandate is to promote our services within the communities to encourage members to study at Université TÉLUQ.

We have a peer support program called Ensemble à Distance (Together at a Distance), but this group is not specifically intended for members of underrepresented groups. Université TÉLUQ also offers workshops for First Nations and Inuit students.