As part of Refining Directions, the University's strategic plan, McMaster is committed to “building an inclusive community with a shared purpose.” This means McMaster wants to ensure it provides a culture where all faculty, staff and students feel welcome and safe, where all voices are heard and all contributions to the mission of the University are recognised and valued.

“The inclusive community initiative is very important to help achieve our commitment to creating an inclusive community that respects the diversity of McMaster University,” says McMaster President Peter George. “I welcome the opportunity to identify how we can further enhance the University's environment, through consulting with members of our community to identify and remove barriers to inclusion.”

The President's Advisory Committee on Building an Inclusive Community (PACBIC) and the Office of Human Rights and Equity Services invite McMaster staff, faculty and students to participate in this project. Beginning in January 2006, details will be shared about focus groups and specific opportunities for input. Ibis Consulting Group, which brings dedicated expertise to this area of research, will lead the University in this two-year project funded through the Refining Directions implementation plan. In year one, Ibis will conduct research to identify barriers to inclusion and report its findings. In year two, Ibis will work with McMaster to design educational programs and make the changes needed to build an inclusive community.

During the week of January 12, 2006, a series of focus groups will be hosted by Ibis, including 23 groups who represent various communities within McMaster. Details on the focus groups and how to register your participation will be communicated later this week. Registration, participation, and all related information will be strictly confidential to ensure that all participants can speak openly in a safe and secure environment.

Information on the inclusive community initiative will be communicated by the project steering committee co-chairs, Mark Walma, director, Human Rights & Equity Office and Tommy Piribauer, president of the McMaster Students Union. Project information is available at www.mcmaster.ca/hres through the “Inclusive Community Project” link, or through the Human Rights & Equity Office, MUSC 212, hres@mcmaster.ca, or ext. 27581.