Academic Equity and Anti-Racism
The University of Guelph is committed to fostering a safe educational, working, and living environment, where all University community members experience an authentic sense of inclusion and belonging. The University has long-standing commitments to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDI-A); working towards decolonization and reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and lands; and combatting racism on our campuses.
These commitments are outlined in our strategic documents, plans and actions, including:
- Our Time: University of Guelph Strategic Plan, 2022-27 (2023)
- Anti-Racism Action Plan (2020)
- Indigenous Initiatives Strategy (2021)
- President’s Advisory Committee on Indigenous Initiatives (2013)
- President’s Advisory Committee on Anti-Racism (2021)
- Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education (2021)
The University strives to support an equitable academic environment where everyone in our community can learn, grow, and thrive. The Office of Academic Equity and Anti-Racism (AE-R) works with students, faculty, and staff across the University to advance anti-racism and equity through evidence-based practices, processes, and programs in the academic environment. It also works to strengthen awareness and alignment of various EDI-A initiatives across the university, support equity-deserving student and faculty success, and support the implementation of the University’s Anti-Racism Action Plan.
The Office of Diversity and Human Rights offers a wide variety of training workshops and resources that explore anti-discrimination, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and anti-bias concepts among others, including “Principles of Belonging: Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism,” “Positive Space Project,” and “Making Education Accessible.”
Land Acknowledgment
The University of Guelph’s Guelph campus resides on the traditional lands of the Hodinöhsö:ni' and Anishinaabe encompassing the treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit and lands recognized as the traditional hunting grounds of Six Nations of the Grand River. We uphold the significance of the Dish with One Spoon Covenant and the continuing relationship our Indigenous neighbours have with this land. We recognize that today this gathering place is home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and acknowledging them reminds us of our relationships to this land where we live, learn, and work.
Resources and Information
General Support
Research Programs
Advising, Counselling, and Organizations
Black & Indigenous Hiring Initiative
The recruitment, retention, resourcing and supporting of talented Black and Indigenous faculty and staff.
Black Faculty & Staff Network
A place of engagement, support, and community for Black-identifying faculty and staff.
Queer Faculty & Staff Network
Providing education, resources, programming, and support for employees across the spectrums of gender and sexuality, with an emphasis on intersectional experiences.
Inclusive Teaching
Addressing the needs of students with a variety of backgrounds, learning modalities, and abilities to create a learning environment where all students are perceived to be valued and able to succeed.
Universal Instructional Design
Designing and delivering instruction that considers the potential needs of all learners. Identifying and eliminating unnecessary barriers to teaching and learning while maintaining academic rigour.