CCSAW seeks to foster a diverse and inclusive environment. We value equity and diversity because every person has a right to equal treatment: this promotes human welfare. It also helps us achieve academic excellence: we are strengthened by diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.
Our guidance on equity, diversity and inclusion comes from the University of Guelph’s Office of Diversity and Human Rights. U of G is also home to many initiatives that promote EDI (sometimes via scholarships or that support specific groups), like the examples below.
Disability and Accessibility
U of G has an Accessibility Services division to help students with disabilities participate fully in academic life and provide tailored employment advice for life after graduation.
Gender, Sexuality and Family Life
U of G has initiatives to promote gender equity, and to offer mentoring opportunities for women in science. It has student-run LGBTQ2+ organizations and access to helpful career advice. There is also childcare available on campus and PhD students have access to paid parental leave.
Ethnicity and Creed
UoG embraces cultural diversity, multi-faith communities and has an Indigenous Student Centre. There are also active student groups for BIPOC and international students.
There are also scholarships for Indigenous graduate students and international PhD students. The University also offers various other awards & programs for students who are Black, Indigenous or People of Colour, as do some colleges, e.g. the College of Biological Sciences. If you’re an Indigenous undergraduate seeking summer work experience, NSERC USRAs are a great way to get funding too.
