U of T School of Continuing Studies’ new EDI Advisory Council aims to create a culture of inclusion within the University of Toronto lifelong learning ecosystem.
The University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies has established its inaugural equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) advisory council to increase access for diverse learners and communities, and further the school’s anti-racism/discrimination, anti-oppression, and community engagement efforts.
“We know what an impact that lifelong learning can have, not just on the individual learner, but on whole communities. The ripple effect is truly amazing,” says SCS Dean, Dr. Catherine Chandler-Crichlow.
“But we are also very aware that for certain groups, there are barriers in place that make accessing the knowledge and skills they need, far more challenging than it should be. That’s why I’m so excited to be working with this dedicated and knowledgeable team to find ways to address those barriers to access.”
The council is comprised of individuals from diverse sectors with an understanding of the needs, experiences, challenges, and opportunities of a variety of communities, as well as experience in research, community advocacy, and human rights/EDI-related expertise.
The group includes Dr. Chandler-Crichlow, Jean Chow (SCS Learner & Instructor), Allison Pond (ACCES Employment), Nosa Ero-Brown (Ontario Public Service), Ferhan Bulca (SCS Instructor), Dr. Matthew Jelavic (CIM / SCS Association Partner), Jennifer Boyce (Loblaws), Allison Burgess (U of T, People Strategy, Equity and Culture Division); Farah Alexis (Hydro One); Norbert Costa (Toronto District School Board). and SCS Director of EDI Amanda Weaver.
Weaver says SCS is keen to be a point of convergence for the council to focus on the collaboration and co-creation of solutions which heighten the learner experience and provide concrete impacts for the Division, the organizations council members represent, and the communities they serve.
“We have a strong internal EDI committee within the school who are committed to championing and pushing EDI initiatives forward. Dr. Chandler-Crichlow and I believe that establishing an external Advisory Council is also critical to the success of this work to create a culture of inclusion and belonging for everyone in our SCS eco-system,” she explains.
““At the conclusion of the first-ever council meeting, we quickly identified themes we are looking forward to activating: Access and Data; Building Relationships; Research; and overall, the council’s impact.”
For more information about the school’s EDI commitments, please visit our EDI page.