Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility
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Our goal is to promote a safe and welcoming place of learning, working and belonging that is equitable, inclusive and accessible for everyone, including Black and Indigenous people, people of colour, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and other equity-deserving groups.
Strategic Direction
Diversity excellence and inclusion infuse the heart of our work and strategic directions and are at the core of our values. We strive to be a leader in diversity and accessibility, promoting inclusion, equity and respect, and are working towards eliminating disparities and bias on our campus and in our communities.
Objectives
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1 |
Adopt and implement the recommendations contained within the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act, Nova Scotia Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy, and the SMU Accessibility Plan, integrating First Voice perspectives and tracking progress |
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2 |
Support best practices and opportunities to eliminate systemic barriers to full participation of Black and Indigenous people, people of colour, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and other equity-deserving groups in all areas of the university |
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3 |
Decolonize curricula and support Indigenization of the academy, responding to the Universities Canada Principles on Indigenous Education and the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission |
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4 |
Implement the action plan established in our response to the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education |
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5 |
Implement our Indigenous Success Strategy |
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Foster a learning and working environment that is equitable, inclusive and accessible for students and employees from equity-deserving groups |
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7 |
Pursue equitable, inclusive and accessible recruitment, selection, retention, promotion and matriculation of members of equitydeserving groups |
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8 |
Apply a Rick Hansen Foundation lens and approach to all improvements at the university, ranging from our online presence to our physical spaces |
Every university reads the same books and covers the same topics; what makes one university stand out from the others is its people, the connections you make and the things you learn from others along the way. Diversity lies at the core of Saint Mary’s University, evident on our campus where no two faces look alike, groups are communicating in different languages, students feel comfortable expressing their individuality through clothing, food, sport and clubs. Saint Mary’s makes room for uniqueness and I believe the biggest lesson we are taught is that everyone is so different, works and learns in different ways, and it’s a lesson that you need to understand in order to collaborate and excel.
My experience at Saint Mary’s University has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the richness of diversity. I take great pride in knowing that Saint Mary’s University hosts one of the most diverse student populations. Intercultural Engagement, a core value of Saint Mary’s, is at the heart of our university, evident in the many international student organizations and events held on campus. I’ve seen firsthand how this creates special moments and mutual understanding across different cultures. Saint Mary’s University is a place that encourages a global perspective and fosters understanding among students from all backgrounds. I’m confident that Saint Mary’s is ideal for international students looking to build a home away from home. Furthermore, SMU offers Canadian students the chance to take part in various cultural experiences and form lasting friendships.
Reflecting on my journey at Saint Mary’s, I find it imperative to acknowledge the support extended to groups like the African Student Society and the Black Student Society. Seeing the school’s collaboration with these communities has been instrumental in enriching my university experience. The backing we received from the university for events like African Night in 2023 underscored the significance of institutional support in fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among marginalized groups, particularly the African/African Nova Scotian community. For students like myself, this commitment is pivotal. It ensures that our educational environment is not only diverse but also accessible and equitable. I’ve felt the impact of these efforts in the sense of belonging I’ve cultivated and the opportunities for meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. Moving forward, I believe that upholding EDIA principles will not only benefit current students but also set a precedent for future generations, fostering a truly inclusive and equitable academic community.
The reason I decided to pursue postsecondary education at Saint Mary’s was due to the diverse student body and faculty. I wanted to study in an environment where I could immerse myself in new experiences, languages and cultures, and was drawn to the new Intercultural Studies program. During my degree I was also able to gain valuable career and professional development. I am not finishing my time here with just an undergraduate degree, but I am also applying for jobs in my field with several years of job experience due to the opportunities I was given at Saint Mary’s.