The Faculty of Arts & Science is deeply committed to equity, inclusion and fostering a sense of belonging for all of our community members.
Led in collaboration with the Office of the Dean and the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the faculty has launched a strategic initiative to engage the A&S community in a series of consultations focused on advancing equity and inclusion within its learning, teaching and working environments. This consultation process will directly inform two important initiatives:
- the upcoming A&S Academic Plan
- the A&S Equitable and Inclusive Community Strategic Plan
To support this work, the faculty has retained an external firm to conduct the consultation process. Additionally, two advisory groups, one composed of students and another composed of employees, have been formed with representation from across the A&S community to support this project.
Timeline
Spring to Fall 2025
Consultations
To gather a wide range of information and suggestions, current A&S faculty members, staff members, librarians and students will be invited to participate in focus group sessions and an online survey. Additionally, individual consultations will be held with A&S and institutional leadership.
Communications
A&S community members will be kept informed throughout the consultation process via updates to this web page, as well as:
- emails from the Office of the Dean to all A&S undergraduate and graduate students, faculty members, staff members and librarians
- A&S Updates e-newsletter
- A&S Student E-News
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this consultation? What will happen with the information gathered?
This strategic initiative aims to gather information and suggestions from across the A&S community to help advance equity and inclusion throughout the faculty. The information gathered will directly inform the development of both the upcoming A&S Academic Plan and a new A&S Equitable and Inclusive Community Strategic Plan.
Who is being consulted?
All current students and employees (faculty members, staff, librarians) in A&S will be invited to participate in focus groups and an online survey. A&S and institutional leadership will also be engaged in individual interviews.
What is the scope of this strategic initiative?
This project is a forward-looking strategic initiative that will engage the A&S community through consultations focused on advancing equity and inclusion within its learning, teaching and working environments. Information and suggestions will be gathered from current A&S employees and students.
Individual concerns and complaints are out of scope for this project. Additionally, this is not a review of equity, diversity and inclusion within A&S, or a culture and climate review of A&S.
How can I get involved?
We encourage you to monitor your inbox for upcoming invitations to take part in focus groups and the online survey.
Will individual feedback be kept confidential?
Yes, information and suggestions gathered through interviews, focus groups and the survey will be anonymized and reported in aggregate by the external consultants.
Is this an avenue for individual complaints or complaints?
This project is not the avenue for individual concerns and complaints. Please visit the Complaints & Concerns about Discrimination & Harassment web page for information and resources. You are also invited to contact the A&S Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at equity.artsci@utoronto.ca.
Who can I contact if I have questions about this strategic initiative?
You can contact the A&S Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at equity.artsci@utoronto.ca.