OCAD University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

OCAD U Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy (RWLEP https://www.ocadu.ca/sites/default/files/documents/Respectful%20Work%20Learning%20Environment%20Policy%20Revised%20October%2012%2C%202022%20(Approved%20November%209%2C%202022).pdf Excerpt: STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT 1. The University is committed to supporting equity, diversity, inclusion and the dignity of all people. The University promotes equity and inclusion in its learning and work environment and in the conduct of the University’s affairs, including by promoting an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment, free from harassment, discrimination and bullying. 2. The University will not tolerate harassment, discrimination or bullying against any Member of the University Community and will not condone behaviour that undermines the dignity, self-esteem or productivity of any of its members. Harassment and discrimination violate an individual’s human rights and this conduct runs contrary to the University’s fundamental values. 3. The University will endeavor to ensure that individuals who believe that they have been subjected to, or witnessed, harassment, discrimination or bullying are able to express concerns, make complaints and seek advice and assistance without fear of reprisal.

RWLEP Sections 84-85: 84. ODESI acts as a subject matter expert in the areas of harassment, discrimination and bullying. In its capacity as human rights advisor, ODESI provides information and guidance to students, employees and Senior Administrators on the various options for addressing and resolving matters under the Policy, on ensuring fair and effective administration of the University’s human rights policies and on the related obligations in the resolution of complaints. 85. The Director, Diversity Equity and Sustainability Initiatives, is separate from the person designated to investigate complaints and will ensure that concerns or complaints made to ODESI are kept in the strictest of confidence, subject to the requirements set out in this Policy, and will limit the sharing of information about a concern or complaint to those within the University who need to know for the purposes of addressing the concern or complaint, investigating the concern or complaint or taking corrective action.

Students: OCAD U’s approach to supporting those who may face barriers to accessing art & design centres partnership and relationship building among student, faculty and staff and their communities. Access pathways are co-created between the safe and caring adults of learners, doers, and makers both inside and outside OCAD U. This approach acknowledges the diverse and intersectional identities of OCAD University students, our specialized portfolio-based admissions process, and the unique role artists and designers play in our communities. While anchored with the Admission & Recruitment department of the university, the approach to building and sharing OCAD University’s resources in partnership with communities extends beyond recruitment initiatives and enrolment targets. In favor of a more comprehensive approach, education programs and various collaborations are designed to nurture emerging artists and designers at all levels in developing a creative practice. Our asset-based approach focuses on relationship-building at two key stages: First, we remove barriers to information with an expanded communication plan. Then match sustainable and tailored engagement opportunities with ongoing Art and Design activities across the institution. Sometimes the focus is on the access barriers of grassroots and community organizations. Other times, on an individual accessing art and design. This approach has resulted in various programs and collaborations with community partners and individuals across the GTA and Ontario often in the form of a studio-based or place-based workshops, mentorship programs, guided presentations, or through one to one advising to address gaps in programming as well as access needs. See below for some examples: ArtworksTO https://neighbourhoodartsnetwork.org/artworksto Indigenous learner admissions support https://admissions.ocadu.ca/discover/indigenous-applicants Black Youth Design Initiative https://www.blackocadu.ca/bydi/ Martk’d Sneaker Design https://www.martkd.com/ Design ManifesTO https://www2.ocadu.ca/research/cgiraudy/project/sharing-stories-of-making-community-places-youth-initiatives-leadership Portfolio Clinics Scholarships https://admissions.ocadu.ca/visit/summer-programs Academic Staff: Since 2020, OCAD U has carried out three iterations of faculty cluster hires to address the under representation of Black and Indigenous faculty. In August 2021, OCAD U announced the hiring of five new Indigenous tenured/tenure-track faculty members in its Faculty of Design. https://www.ocadu.ca/news/ocad-u-welcomes-five-new-indigenous-faculty-members In June 2020, OCAD U announced that five new Black tenure-track faculty were hired in Faculty of Design. https://www.ocadu.ca/news/ocad-u-hires-five-new-permanent-faculty-recognition-international-decade-peoples-african In June 2018, OCAD U announced the hiring of five new tenured/tenure-track faculty members who self-identify as Indigenous Peoples of North America or Peoples of Turtle Island https://www2.ocadu.ca/news/ocad-university-hires-five-new-permanent-indigenous-faculty https://www.caut.ca/equity-toolkit/article/cluster-hiring-ocad-university Non-academic staff: OCAD U created a Black Student Counsellor/Practice Lead position in the Student Wellness Centre. For multiple roles posted in 2023 within Admissions & Recruitment and within the Faculty & Curriculum Development Centre, the job posting described, "In order to alleviate the under-representation of racialized and Indigenous administrators, this opportunity is open only to qualified individuals who self-identify as racialized and Indigenous persons who self-identify as such in the application process. This initiative is a special program under the Ontario Human Rights Code." All non- academic staff job postings include the following language: "As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. We encourage members of designated equity-seeking groups to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire . OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities . All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted."

- Student Wellness Centre: Black Student Counsellor and Practice Lead; Peer Wellness Program to support BIPOC students; Weekly BIPOC drop-in https://www.ocadu.ca/news/meet-folks-student-wellness-centre https://www.ocadu.ca/news/message-president-dr-diamond-counselling-services-support-our-black-studentscampus-closed

- Writing & Learning Centre: Disability Community and Culture Group (DCCG) The Disability Community and Culture Group (DCCG) is designed for students who self-identify as Disabled, D/deaf, or Neurodiverse but open to all students. This group meets monthly and is a space for students to explore and celebrate disability identity, culture, and community through the lens of personal experience, Disability Studies, and disability art & culture. We are dedicated to affirming disability as a social justice issue and building disability community at OCAD U. As a core part of this group, participants will have an opportunity to discuss and reflect on experiences of ableism in university culture, and we will work together to develop new learning skills grounded not only in accommodating, but in supporting Disabled, D/deaf, and neurodiverse students to thrive and flourish at OCAD U. This group is facilitated by staff members from the Writing & Learning Centre; English Language Learning tutors https://www.ocadu.ca/services/writing-and-learning-centre/wlc-services/english-language-learning

- Campus Life: Weekly 2SLGBTQIA+ Drop-in (with Student Wellness Centre) - Student Union: International Student Rep; First Generation Student Rep; Accessibility Student Rep; BIPOC Student Rep; Affordability Task Force

IT Services: Laptop Program promotes equity and inclusion by providing access to software. Alternative Formats (Papyrus) implemented a system to deliver alternative format files to students, promoting inclusive access to materials.

CRIP Lab (supporting academic staff and students): CRIP Lab advances equity, inclusion, and access in critical, multilateral research, art, and design. Through a global network of accessibility and inclusion- focussed practitioners, academics, and community members, we create knowledge and insight through participation and expression. CRIP Lab supports disability-identified/engaged community(ies) and offers a space (on site and on Zoom) for all uniquely diverse bodies to engage, reflect, and play, empowering all to reveal, discover, and innovate. Conversation and exhibition will open us to capturing the nuances of living creatively in an often disabling world.

Financial support available within Graduate Studies: The Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) provides aid to graduate students self-identifying as having either permanent or temporary disabilities. This bursary assists with the costs of disability-related services or equipment, such as tutors, note-takers, interpreters, braillers or technical aids that are required to participate in post-secondary studies. Employment: Assistantships: These are paid opportunities that offer you a chance to build your resume through teaching or research activities at OCAD U. Assistantships usually range from $2,000 to $4,500 per appointment. Work-Study: OCAD U offers on-campus employment opportunities to students through the Institutional Work-Study Plan and Campus Employment Program for International Students. These programs provide eligible students with financial assistance through part-time paid employment on campus at OCAD U and an opportunity to gain and enhance skills while obtaining work experience.

Addressing Anti-Black Racism, support for academic staff, non-academic staff, and students: The Scarborough Charter is a pledge against anti-Black racism and is a priority in OCAD U's Academic and Strategic Plan (2022-2028). In November 2022, OCAD U announced the creation of a Scarborough Charter strategic working group, co-chaired by Kathy Moscou, Associate Dean, Faculty of Design and Camille Isaacs, Associate Professor, Faculty of Arts & Science. The Co-chairs' expertise includes creating opportunities for engagement and dialogue on how we can remove structural barriers to equity and inclusion, and advance and support members of the University’s Black community. The Scarborough Charter Strategic Planning Committee (SCSPC) has since been formed to develop and oversee an institutional action plan for the pillars of the Charter. The SCSPC's key responsibilities include creating an action plan, monitoring and evaluating the plan, supporting change management, and monitoring unit-specific accountabilities. The plan aims to foster Black flourishing, support inclusive excellence, and guide transformative inclusion across university structures. The SCSPC is composed of a cross-institutional representation of faculty, staff, students, and OCADU community members, prioritising those who self-identify as Black.