Fairness and equity review panel releases report

An external review on fairness and equity at UVic has expressed a "strong sense of optimism" about the university's equity activities.

While recognizing the challenge involved in becoming "a truly inclusive community" the panel report praises UVic's progress over the past 20 years and commends the university for its commitment to people.

It also responds to the institution's request to "determine if structures, mandates and policies respecting equity and fairness could be improved" with recommendations in areas including policy, organizational development, services for students, and physical access. The document is available online at web.uvic.ca/univsec.

UVic President Dr. David Turpin commissioned the review to examine the application of the principles of fairness and equity at UVic and to advise the university on how it could achieve the objectives outlined in the university's strategic plan, A Vision for the Future.

In a memo to unit heads, Turpin said he's seeking input on the recommendations and their implementation. Comments should be provided to the office of the university secretary by Sept. 30.

The three-member panel invited comments from the university community earlier this year and then met with 33 groups and individuals on campus who responded to the invitation. It received written submissions from 28 others.

The panel was chaired by Fran Trehearne, senior advisor to the president of the University of Alberta and former director of human rights at that university. The other members were Irène Bujara, director of Queen's University's human rights office, and Wendy Scholefield, former equity officer at SFU.