We are pleased to share the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Report 2022, which follows the journey of interactions that foster belonging for individuals before, during, and after their time with U of T. This report explores EDI initiatives led by Faculties, divisions, and campuses across the University.

Here are just a few examples of the many EDI initiatives captured in our 2022 Report:

Introducing the Institutional Equity Office

EDI work at the University of Toronto has evolved over many years through the engagement and advocacy of students, staff, faculty, and librarians. Building on these efforts, the University established the Institutional Equity Office (IEO) within the Division of People Strategy, Equity & Culture in Fall 2022. The IEO supports and guides equity-focused teams and initiatives across our three campuses.

Employment Equity

For the first time, we are presenting our employment equity data as a part of the EDI Report. In sharing our demographic data in this wider context, we aim to provide a more comprehensive picture of our efforts to nurture a tri-campus community enriched by a diversity of lived experiences and identities. Data from 2022 showed a continued increase across the total U of T community of faculty members, librarians, and staff who self-identified as Racialized or Persons of Colour, 2SLGBQ+ (sexual orientation), and Persons with Disabilities.

Increasing Access, Attracting Talent

Through a year-long pilot of the Sponsored Application Program, more than 100 prospective undergraduate students received personalized support and had their application and supplemental fees waived. Developed by the Admissions and Outreach Office, this program aims to reduce barriers for prospective students who are Black, Indigenous, underrepresented, and economically disadvantaged.

The Integrated Talent Management team launched its Diversity in Recruitment Staff Manual, developed in collaboration with the IEO. The manual shares best practices and inclusive hiring strategies for attracting highly qualified candidates with diverse lived experience and identities to the University.

Enhancing Current Experiences

In Fall 2022, all three campuses launched new Black Student Orientation events, providing opportunities for incoming Black students to connect with resources, university transition supports, and a network of Black peers, faculty, and alumni.

Recognizing that parents and caregivers often struggle to find private, comfortable spaces to breast/chest-feed or pump, University of Toronto Mississauga’s EDI Office and the Family Care Office introduced U of T’s first Mamava lactation pod—a 50-square-foot, wheelchair- and stroller-accessible pod at the Mississauga campus.

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Office and IEO worked collaboratively with University of Toronto Scarborough to host the National Dialogues and Action for Higher Education and Inclusive Communities. Nearly 1,000 participants explored barriers to learning and working in post-secondary education for persons with disabilities, and ways institutions can dismantle structural ableism and build inclusivity.

Forging Future Pathways

2SLGBTQ+ Alumni & Student Career Networking Night brought together alumni and current students to share career insights in a supportive environment, hosted by Alumni Relations, Career Exploration & Education, and the Sexual & Gender Diversity Office.

A series of Indigenous Entrepreneurship workshops invited students, staff, and faculty to think in new ways about themselves, their community, and our shared connection to the spirit of the land. Led by Redbird Circle in partnership with U of T Libraries, ICUBE UTM, and The BRIDGE at UTSC, the workshops aimed to build traditional knowledge and community, facilitate partnerships, and establish pathways to success for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

On the Horizon

To help us embed the principles and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the institution, the University expanded the presence of EDI leads across the tri-campus. The appointment of additional EDI leads delivers on an institutional commitment made in response to the recommendation by the Anti-Black Racism Task Force “that every [F]aculty and college appoint a senior divisional lead on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).”

Learn More and Get Involved

The breadth and depth of this work reflected in the EDI Report is made possible by contributing faculty, librarians, staff, and students across the University. As we continue our shared journey, we invite all members of our community to consider how you can advance inclusion and belonging at U of T.

To learn more about the projects mentioned above—as well as many other EDI initiatives happening across the tri-campus — please see the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Report 2022.