McMaster is making significant enhancements to its ongoing efforts to ensure an inclusive and diverse campus, implementing new measures that build on past years’ progress.

The changes, to be implemented over the coming months, include a new senior role overseeing campus diversity initiatives and a new equity and inclusion office to serve the human rights needs of McMaster.

“McMaster has accomplished much in its efforts to ensure a diverse, respectful and inclusive community,” says Provost David Wilkinson. “As part of our ongoing commitment to equity issues, we are taking these next steps to ensure this progress continues to be advanced.”

The new senior role, Associate Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion will be McMaster’s lead on advancing equity and diversity on campus and a visible presence for the University’s focus on these areas. It will report directly to the Provost.

The new AVP will have a leadership and key liaison role with many campus groups including the President’s Advisory Committee on Building and Inclusive Community (PACBIC), the McMaster Accessibility Council and the Indigenous Education Council.

The new role will oversee the launch of the campus Equity and Inclusion office (formerly Human Rights and Equity Services). Its mandate will be to foster an environment where all students, faculty and staff are treated equitably and respectfully in all areas of campus life, building on the progress achieved over the past number of years.

The Equity and Inclusion office will include a Director, Human Rights and Dispute Resolution with responsibility for investigative and dispute resolution activities.

The new AVP role will be presented to Senate for approval. The search process for the Director will begin shortly.