Diversity and inclusion in graduate studies

In 2017, Universities Canada released its seven principles of equity, diversity and inclusion that affirmed the commitment of all Canadian universities to promote and foster diversity and inclusion excellence in institutional practice, policy, and processes. In response to these principles, School of Graduate Studies developed both a diversity statement and a committee on diversity that reflect 1) our belief that different backgrounds and views are critical to achieving personal and academic excellence and leading societal change, and 2) our commitment to eliminating barriers and fostering opportunities to students and scholars from all backgrounds.

The statement and committee guide and support the work of all faculty and staff in the graduate school and across academic and service units to meet national expectations and improve learning conditions and outcomes. The SGS diversity statement was approved by Academic Council on November 19, 2018 following consultations with the Office of the Associate Vice President (Research and Graduate), Grenfell Campus; Office of the Associate Vice President (Academic and Student Affairs), Marine Institute; Office of the Special Advisor to the President on Aboriginal Affairs; Internationalization Office; and Student Life. Members of the SGS committee on diversity were appointed after an open call for nominations in 2019, and include representation from faculty, staff, and graduate students.

SGS diversity statement

Memorial University’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity is reflected in its mission, code, and values. While everyone is responsible for upholding these values, the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) believes it has a special responsibility to lead and foster equity initiatives given the breadth of diversity in graduate programs and the importance of inclusion in scholarship.

SGS acknowledges the importance of diversity and inclusion in graduate education – that different backgrounds and views are critical to excellence in personal development, academic achievement, and societal change. Diversity is represented in many ways, including indigeneity, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, ability, ways of learning, or life experience.

Following Universities Canada’s principles on equity, diversity, and inclusion, SGS will actively remove barriers and improve supports for graduate students from all backgrounds, to ensure academic progress and success. Through evidence-based, collaborative practice, the School will foster a welcoming and supportive campus culture for student scholars and leaders and be deliberate in its efforts to raise awareness of diversity and inclusive excellence in all disciplines and programs.

SGS’s commitment to graduate students from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences extends across the lifecycle. By creating and making more inclusive our processes, resources, and services, the School will improve the recruitment and admission, retention and experience, and completion rates and outcomes of all graduate students.

SGS committee on diversity

The members of the SGS committee on diversity were appointed in March 2019 after an open call to all faculties and schools across all campuses in February 2019. Nominations for individuals from diverse backgrounds were deliberately sought. As compensation, GA funding is offered as compensation to each member for their time. 

• Amy Warren (Chair), School of Graduate Studies 
• Andrew Kim, School of Graduate Studies 
• Arif Abu, Internationalization Office
• Asokan Variyath, Department of Mathematics & Statistics
• Charlene Walsh, Marine Institute
• Didan Wedderburn, Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship
• Festus Ajayi, Faculty of Business Administration
• Janna Rosales, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
• Jennifer Selby, Department of Religious Studies
• Morteza Haghiri, School of Science and the Environment (Grenfell)
• Paul Banahene Adjei, School of Social Work
• Sadia Chowdhury, Sexual Harassment Office
• Sulaimon Giwa, School of Social Work
• Valeri Pilgrim, Indigenous Students’ Resource Centre

Equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives

The following is a list on initiatives started by the School of Graduate Studies to make graduate education more diverse and inclusive at Memorial:

SGS Diversity Dialogue: Lunch and Learn Series
The Diversity committee will host a Lunch & Learn session once a month, as part of Memorial's EDI initiative. Each session will consist of a panel discussion with audience participation. Lunch is provided. For more information and to register for a session, please visit the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Lunch & Learn web page.