EDIA Strategic Plan overview
At Mount Royal University, we recognize that simply acknowledging and celebrating diversity is not enough.
We are committed to advancing the goals and direction of the University Strategic Plan regarding equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA). We are currently embarking on an EDIA planning exercise to advance university goals and determine how we can best embed the principles of intersectional EDIA and be a welcoming environment free from discrimination and systemic racism.
March 2024: Participate and provide your input
As we begin the first consultation stage, we are looking for people to participate in either an in-person or virtual consultation session. An external IDEA Advocacy Group consultant will facilitate the sessions. Please see "Consulting with the MRU Community" on this page for the schedule of in-person sessions for students and employees.
Or, you can share your thoughts through our online feedback form, below, before noon on March 27.
Attend a 90-minute focus group session to provide your thoughts and ideas about MRU’s EDIA Strategic Plan.
Recorded meetings will support accurate data collection. Feedback is confidential. Personal information is only collected to provide individuals with session details and confirm participation. Participation is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The sign-up form will no longer accept registration once it reaches maximum participation.
Click here to sign up for a focus group session. Attendees will receive refreshments and a small honourarium.
If you cannot attend one of the in-person consultation sessions, we still want to hear from you, and you can provide your anonymous feedback online.
Click here to provide input through the online form (available until noon on Wednesday, March 27).
- What barriers must MRU address to create a more inclusive and accessible campus environment? What suggestions do you have to address these barriers?
- How can we make MRU a safer environment so that community members of all identities feel they belong here? By safety, you may think about physical, psychological or cultural safety. Psychological safety is where people can express ideas and feelings, ask questions or make mistakes without negative consequences. Cultural safety creates a physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually safe environment without challenge or denial of individual identity or needs.
- How can MRU create opportunities for meaningful representation of intersectional identities (racial, cultural, gender, etc.) in student, staff, faculty and leadership groups that reflect our broader communities? Intersecting identities is the concept that an individual's identity consists of multiple intersecting factors, including but not limited to gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, class (past and present), religious beliefs, sexual identity and sexual expression.
- What programs or educational opportunities would you like to see implemented to ensure students and employees understand the principles, issues and strategies related to EDIA and have skills/competencies in this area? (e.g., discrimination, micro-aggression)
- How can MRU improve communication or support for community members experiencing EDIA-related concerns so they can better navigate policies, procedures or dispute resolution channels?
Principles for EDIA at MRU
We are dedicated to building a culture of accountability for EDIA where individuals take responsibility for upholding these principles:
- Alignment with institutional objectives and priorities: Uphold principles that align with MRU's strategic plan, academic plan and other cross-institutional initiatives and commitments. Ensure that EDIA efforts contribute effectively to the university's overarching goals and priorities.
- Equity and inclusivity: Foster a university community that prioritizes equity and acknowledges and addresses systemic barriers. Embrace inclusivity by creating an environment that respects and values diverse perspectives, backgrounds and identities.
- Accessibility and intersectionality: Ensure accessibility for all university community members by removing physical, digital and systemic barriers. Recognize and address intersectionality and understand the interconnected nature of various identities and experiences
- Representation and visibility: Promote representation across the university community, ensure diverse voices are heard and strive for visibility that goes beyond tokenism by celebrating the richness of perspectives within the MRU community.
- Education and awareness: Cultivate a culture of continuous learning by providing educational opportunities on intersectional EDIA. Raise awareness about the importance of these principles and their impact on creating a supportive and respectful environment.
- Collaboration and equitable policies: Encourage collaboration among students, leadership, faculty and staff to implement and reinforce EDIA principles. Develop and uphold policies and practices that are equitable, transparent and actively contribute to a discrimination-free and welcoming university environment.
Glossary of EDIA Terms and Definitions
View Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion's glossary of terms: A reference tool for inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility terminology.
EDIA Strategic Plan Advisory Committee
Through the EDIA Strategic Plan Advisory Committee, we are taking the necessary steps to create a strategic plan that aligns with MRU's EDIA goals and strategic plan framework 2023 – 2030.
We are engaging with students, faculty and staff to ensure that our work aligns with the vision and mission of the university, while also meeting the diverse needs of the MRU community.
Learn more about our committee members.
Consulting with the MRU Community
We need to hear from all communities on campus to ensure the EDIA plan reflects diverse needs. Your participation in these conversations will help us identify priority areas for creating a more inclusive campus culture where everyone feels valued and supported.
All MRU students and employees are invited to sign up for one of our focus group sessions this March. To support the participation of as many community members as possible, we have increased the availability of sessions. All sessions are structured around the same five open-ended questions, which you will receive in advance. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once the participant limit for a session is reached, registration will be closed.
Student sessions
Open session for all students | Monday, March 11 1 - 2:30 p.m. On campus, in-person |
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Open session for all students | Tuesday, March 12 2:30 - 4 p.m. Virtual (Google Meet) |
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Session for Indigenous students | Thursday, March 14 10 - 11:30 a.m. On campus, in-person |
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Open session for all students | Monday, March 18 2:30 - 4 p.m. Virtual (Google Meet) |
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Employee sessions
Open session for all employees | Tuesday, March 5 10 - 11:30 a.m. On campus, in-person |
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Open session for all employees | Thursday, March 7 1 - 2:30 p.m. On campus, in-person |
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Open session for all employees | Friday, March 8 2:30 - 4 p.m. Virtual (Google Meet) |
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Session for employees in EDIA-serving roles | Wednesday, March 13 10 - 11:30 a.m. On campus, in-person |
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Open session for all employees | Friday, March 15 10 - 11:30 a.m. On campus, in-person |
RSVP NOW |
Questions?
If you have any questions about the development of the plan or the current phase of consultations, please contact us at EDIAstrategicplan@mtroyal.ca