| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.26 |
| Liaison | Matt Wolsfeld |
| Submission Date | March 21, 2023 |
University of Saskatchewan
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.25 / 3.00 |
Matt
Wolsfeld Community Engagement Co-ordinator Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution have a publicly posted non-discrimination statement? :
The non-discrimination statement, including the website URL where the policy is publicly accessible:
Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy:
The University of Saskatchewan is committed to creating and maintaining a positive environment for working and learning that is free of discrimination, as outlined in the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, based on any of the following prohibited grounds: religion, creed, marital status, family status, sex (including: gender expression, gender identity and two spirit identity), sexual orientation, disability, age, colour, ancestry, nationality, place of origin, race or perceived race and receipt of public assistance.
Harassment is not limited to these prohibited grounds, and may refer to any repeated or single serious occurrence of inappropriate conduct, comment, display, action or gesture.
Furthermore, both discrimination and harassment are prohibited by law and will not be tolerated. The university will respond to reports of discrimination and harassment as promptly and effectively as possible and will take appropriate action to prevent and correct behaviour that violates this policy.
Does the institution have a discrimination response protocol or committee (sometimes called a bias response team)?:
A brief description of the institution’s discrimination response protocol or team:
Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit students from underrepresented groups?:
Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit academic staff from underrepresented groups?:
Does the institution have programs designed specifically to recruit non-academic staff from underrepresented groups?:
A brief description of the institution’s programs to recruit students, academic staff, and/or non-academic staff from underrepresented groups:
USask is one of 17 institutions taking part in the Dimensions Pilot Program, which is working to foster transformational change within the research community at Canadian post-secondary institutions by identifying and eliminating obstacles and inequities. Consult the Dimensions EDI Charter.
USask’s Canada Research Chairs Program Equity Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, updated March 16, 2020, outlines USask’s commitment to EDI as well as an action plan for addressing areas for improvement in university-wide policies, processes, procedures, and work environments.
USask launched an institutional EDI Policy in 2020. The policy demonstrates a commitment to integrating inclusive excellence in teaching, research, community engagement, and governance to reduce barriers to equity, diversity and inclusion on campus and in society. The plan recognizes that nurturing a diverse and inclusive work and learning environment is a vital, contributing element to the achievement of research and training excellence.
Children in Care Initiative - The U of S provides one of the most comprehensive university-sponsored funds in Canada to students leaving the child welfare system. The Saskatchewan Youth From Care Bursary pays for up to five years' of tuition, student fees, required books, accommodation, meal plans, and a stipend for personal costs, as well as a laptop and software to help recipients complete their first undergraduate degree. The university has allocated $100,000 annually from its operating budget to support for up to five students per year.
Aboriginal Student Recruitment -- The Aboriginal Student Recruitment Officer is responsible for both recruiting and orienting aboriginal students, many of whom come from remote and northern communities.
Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support, academic support, or other programs designed specifically to support students from underrepresented groups on campus?:
Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs designed specifically to support academic staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs to support non-academic staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
A brief description of the institution’s programs designed specifically to support students, academic staff, and/or non-academic staff from underrepresented groups:
Students with disabilities -- Disability Services for Students (DSS) assists students by offering programs and advocacy services and fostering an accessible and welcoming campus.
Aboriginal Students -- Established in 1991, the Aboriginal Student Centre aims to increase the retention and success rates of Aboriginal students. Services include elders to provide spiritual teachings and counseling to students, financial assistance with scholarships, bursaries and awards, student loans, emergency loans and band funding and a graduation pow wow.
http://students.usask.ca/aboriginal/
International Students -- The international Student and Study Abroad Centre assists all international undergraduate, graduate and exchange students and their families in their transition to the U of S and Saskatoon with settlement support and referrals.
http://students.usask.ca/international/issac.php
Sexual Orientation -- The USSU Pride Centre works with students, faculty and staff of all sexual orientations and gender identities in an open and progressive environment that advocates, celebrates and affirms sexual and gender diversity.
(http://ussu.ca/main-page/centres/pride-centre/)
Indigenization, Decolonization, Reconciliation course offered by the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning - This course helps to prepare faculty begin the process of Indigenizing their courses. Indigenous Voices is a professional development program for faculty and staff that stimulates dialogue, encourages learning and supports collaborative action in building reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Collaborating with colleges, schools, divisions and individuals, tailored programs are developed to meet the unique needs of our partners and support the exploration of Indigenous histories, worldviews, ways of knowing and contemporary issues.
Does the institution have training and development programs, teaching fellowships and/or other programs that specifically aim to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members?:
A brief description of the institution’s programs to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members:
Does the institution produce a publicly accessible inventory of gender-neutral bathrooms on campus?:
Does the institution offer housing options to accommodate the special needs of transgender and transitioning students?:
Website URL where information about the institution’s support for underrepresented groups 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.