Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Programming
Concordia University and the Faculty of Fine Arts are making time and space for professors, staff, and teaching assistants to discuss the ways that principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibilty intersect with the everyday practices of our working and learning environments.
This page is a guide that brings together information initiated from within the Faculty of Fine Arts and by partners across campus.
For questions, contact deansoffice.finearts@concordia.ca
Faculty Council Presentations
These 30 – 45 minute presentations cover selected issues and challenges and the campus resources and initiatives available to help address them. All faculty, staff, and teaching assistants are welcome at Council.
If you are not on council’s regular mailing list, contact your department administrator to ask for information about upcoming topics and schedules.
Orientation sessions for teaching assistants
FoFA TA contracts of 50 hours or more include 2 hours of paid, mandatory professional development. On their first contract, TAs are required to attend an orientation developed by the Faculty of Fine Arts and organized by the Centre for Teaching and Learning. The orientation includes a unit on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
TA orientations are part of a range of professional development options for FoFA TAs. If you're on a second or subsequent contract of 50 hours or more, talk to your department administrator.
Equity Office
The Equity Office champions diversity within and outside Concordia and works to embed equity in all facets of university life. Part of the Equity Office’s mandate is to implement Concordia's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) action plan, and support the university's policy on accessibility for students with disabilities, which touch on all aspects of university activity including teaching, learning, research, recruitment and campus life.
Not sure where to start? Learn more about EDIA by taking one of the many workshops on offer, make use of the Active Listening Service, or consult on a strategic initiative being developed in your unit.
Black Perspectives Office
The Black Perspectives Office (BPO) supports, resources, and advocates for Black communities, perspectives, initiatives and scholarship at Concordia University. The BPO engages the entire Concordia community in Black perspectives and champions the voices of Black faculty, staff and students.
Contact the office for consultative services for Black faculty and staff, and learn more about opportunities for Black Concordians’ full engagement and access at Concordia through resources, services, and programming that promote Black employee success and wellness.
Indigenous Directions
Indigenization and Decolonization share some values with EDIA, but are also distinct endeavours with their own priorities and approaches. Working closely with the Indigenous Directions Leadership Council, the Office of Indigenous Directions is mandated to lead the implementation of the Indigenous Directions Action Plan, which tools for all members of the Concordia community wishing to redress the legacy of colonialism. Learn more by participating in workshops and reading guidelines for engagement.
For students, the Otsenhákta Student Centre provides a warm place where First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students can find community, support, and assistance.
Accessibility
The Access Centre for Students with Disabilities reduces barriers to academic participation in the University, raises awareness about students with disabilities, and engages in community-building to further promote an inclusive learning environment at Concordia.
If you are an instructor, the principles for Universal Design for Learning can aid you in optimizing teaching and learning for all students. These practical training modules can also support you in building more inclusive and accessible course materials, from powerpoint slides to PDF files, while Brickfield will help you ensure that your Moodle pages are accessible to all learners.
Policies and Plans
Concordia University is committed to providing a safe, civil, and inclusive working and learning environment for all community members. The Code of Rights and Responsibilities details the behaviours that sustain these values. The Sexual Violence Policy provides a framework to promote and ensure a community free of sexual violence, harassment, intimidation and discrimination.
The recently updated Accessibility and Accomodations Policy applies to both students and staff.
As a way of respecting diversity and placing a high value on inclusion, Concordia also makes accommodations for students for religious beliefs, observances and obligations.
Raising and Responding to Concerns
Concordia values respect, fairness, inclusiveness and diversity. If you have concerns that touch on these principles, the Faculty of Fine Arts Guidelines for Raising Concerns offer information and options for acting. Additional guidelines are available to assist instructors and supervisors in responding to an expression of concern.
