Western has launched a new strategic plan, the first of its kind at the university, to guide work in equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization and accessibility (EDIDA) across campus.
The roadmap, Advancing Inclusive Excellence, was built by the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) through extensive consultation and engagement with students, staff, faculty and alumni groups.
Opiyo Oloya, Western's associate vice-president of equity, diversity and inclusion and Christy Bressette, vice-provost and associate vice-president of Indigenous Initiatives review the new EDIDA strategic plan. (Christopher Kindratsky/Western Commmunications)
"What we have is more than just a document. It is an expression of collective voices from our community, a roadmap of diverse perspectives with a commitment to cultivating an inclusive campus where every voice is valued and everybody can thrive," Opiyo Oloya, associate vice-president of EDI, said at the launch of the strategic plan on Dec. 4.
Oloya called it a "moment of celebration, but also responsibility," urging everyone at Western to get involved with work to build belonging and drive change. He also thanked Western's Office of Indigenous Initiatives, which leads decolonization efforts and helped provide feedback on the guiding document.
"This is a beautiful plan we can all step up and enact. Sometimes we need to see the green flag waved before us - it means go. We're waving that flag today," said Christy Bressette, vice-provost and associate vice-president of Indigenous Initiatives.
"Let's create opportunities to see, hear and listen to one another, elevate the voices of each other," she added. "These are lessons our Elders teach us every day and they are truly nuggets of wisdom that can help us do the work that we do here. It's a real privilege to be here at Western. We have an opportunity to influence and shape the leaders of today."
The plan is meant to build a greater sense of belonging across campus. Each faculty or department is tasked with identifying and driving change in priority areas that align with their mission. Tools and timelines, including a companion guide and resource to help with action planning, are available from the Office of EDI.
The EDIDA strategic plan has five main pillars:
- Diverse representation and engagement
- Inclusive excellence in learning and teaching
- Inclusive excellence in research and innovation
- Safe, accessible and inclusive spaces, places and experiences
- System-wide capacity building and cultural change
Advancing Inclusive Excellence will be implemented over the next three years, with a target date of June 2027 to review and reflect on the progress. Oloya spoke with Western News about seizing momentum to achieve the plan's goals.
