A new online interactive tool is available to assist deans and department heads as they assess equity and diversity in their areas and set targets for improvement.

“Queen’s is committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for an increasingly diverse society and globally integrated world,” says Michael Blennerhassett, chair of the Senate Educational Equity Committee (SEEC). “Fulfilling that commitment to our students requires equity and diversity in our workplaces and classrooms.

“The Diversity and Equity Assessment and Planning Tool (DEAP) provides a practical, entirely online resource for evaluating, on a cyclical basis, our progress in this area,” he adds.

Queen’s is committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for an increasingly diverse society and globally integrated world. Fulfilling that commitment to our students requires equity and diversity in our workplaces and classrooms.

Michael Blennerhassett, Chair, Senate Educational Equity Committee

The Equity Office developed DEAP in collaboration with SEEC and in consultation with a variety of campus stakeholders. The Equity Office is already supporting the implementation of the tool in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the School of Medicine.

“Within the faculty our aim is to have a workforce that reflects the diversity of the Canadian population,” says Dayna Smith, Manager, Human Resources, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. “The DEAP is a well-designed and practical tool that will help focus our efforts.”

The self-audit tool allows faculties and their departments or divisions to:

• Understand the demographic profile of their staff, faculty and students.
• Assess progress on promoting equity and diversity.
• Reflect on areas that require improvement.
• Develop an action plan and timeline for improvements.

The DEAP tool involves three main steps. First, participants complete the self-assessment survey that includes a series of questions related to 12 indicators of inclusion. Those questions evaluate the ways in which diversity and equity are present across the organization, and suggest potential goals to increase this further.

The tool generates a report card summarizing the results of the survey. Participants then set goals based on their areas of priority. Finally, participants complete a summary report highlighting key equity objectives and areas of focus as well as an implementation plan. Over time, this will indicate both current status and document progress towards high standards of equity and inclusivity.

Equity Office advisors are available for guidance and support throughout the process. Contact equity@queensu.ca