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The EDI-R Community of Practice (EDI-R CoP) is a vibrant, cross-campus network of staff and faculty who are committed to advancing equity and anti-racism efforts on campus. As of May 2025, the Community has grown to more than 165 members, reflecting a growing institutional commitment to embedding equity and anti-racism into the fabric of the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ.

Designed as a collaborative and supportive space, the EDI-R CoP offers monthly virtual sessions and an active Microsoft Teams hub where members share insights, showcase initiatives, surface barriers, and co-develop solutions. Whether participants are seasoned practitioners or new to equity work, the Community of Practice fosters meaningful dialogue and a sense of collective ownership in advancing systemic change.

Each monthly session spotlights a timely or strategic theme, ranging from inclusive pedagogy to data-informed planning, and is often co-led by campus partners who are leading these strategic initiatives. Recent sessions have featured key collaborations from the Registrar’s Office, University Relations, Organizational and Human Development (OHD), Institutional Analysis and Planning (IAP), the Department of Psychology, Indigenous Relations, and the Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE). Past topics have included: ��

• Anti-Racist Pedagogies and Inclusive Teaching Strategies

• Improving Inclusion in Undergraduate Recruitment and Admissions

• Defining our Institutional Values Through an Equity Lens

• Accessibility Ally Network and Disability Affinity Program

• Equity Census and Data-Informed Decision-Making

• Gender Inclusion: Receptivity, Resistance, and Recurring Bias

• 3 Steps to Inclusive and Equitable EdTech (Including AI)

• Scarborough Charter Implementation and PART Progress

• Decolonization and Indigenous Knowledge in Teaching

Sessions consistently highlight the forward momentum and meaningful progress happening across the University, reinforcing a sense of shared purpose and celebrating the efforts of those leading change within their units.

In addition to monthly gatherings, members are encouraged to share their own equity and anti-racism focused events and initiatives across campus, making the EDI-R CoP not just a space for learning, but also for visibility and recognition. The Microsoft Teams space serves as a dynamic hub for announcements, resource sharing, cross-campus collaboration, and real-time community-building.

Staff and faculty are welcome to join at any time. To get started, please visit our Community of Practice website.

Community Corners is a series of informal gatherings designed to connect campus community members who share similar lived experiences. These events provide a space for connection, conversation, and collective care, offering a break from formal structures. Participants come together to share food, engage in creative activities, and have open dialogue in a welcoming, supportive environment.

In 2024-25, nearly 100 participants joined Community Corner events, including:

• Gathering During Uncertain Times for Staff from Marginalized Communities
• 2SLGBTQIA+ and Allies
• Staff and Faculty from Racialized Communities
• Two-Spirit, Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Non-Conforming (2STNBGNC+) students, staff and faculty ��
• Empowering Racialized Women and Non-Binary Leaders ����

Each gathering was thoughtfully crafted to reflect the unique identities, needs and priorities of various community groups on campus. While themes and activities varied, all events were centered around fostering affirmation, belonging and joy.

To stay up to date on future Community Corner events and other opportunities, visit our Community Corners website.

After moving to our new space in East Campus 5, the Office of EDI-R hosted two Warm Welcome Open Houses in March and September 2024. These events provided an opportunity to connect with the campus community, showcase our initiatives, and invite guests into our new space. Over 60 students, staff, and faculty attended across both events.

The theme, “A Global Taste Adventure,” featured a curated selection of beverages from around the world, including laban, ayran, sorrel, mango lassi, ginger beer, and a variety of global teas and coffees. Desserts from Lenjo Bakes, a local bakery founded by a University of ��ݮ��Ƶ graduate, added a special community touch. Guests had the chance to meet our team, ask questions, and learn more about the office’s key initiatives.

With strong attendance and positive engagement, the Warm Welcome events have become an important way to introduce our work and space to the community. Beginning in 2025, these events will be held annually each September. For future opportunities to connect, attendees are encouraged to visit our events page.

At the 2025 Staff Conference, the Office of EDI-R collaborated with the University Library to deliver a well-attended session focused on self-preservation and empowerment for racialized employees navigating systemic challenges in the workplace. The session drew over 75 attendees, demonstrating strong interest in strategies that center well-being, leadership, and collective care.

Participants were introduced to practical tools such as setting health boundaries, seeking social support, and applying strategic withdrawal as a proactive leadership approach. The session combined contextual learning with reflective discussion, emphasizing that while individuals may experience the weight of systemic barriers, the responsibility for change must be shared collectively.

Feedback from attendees highlighted the emotional and mental toll of constantly navigating systemic inequities, as well as the guilt that can accompany rest or stepping back. Many expressed appreciations for the opportunity to pause, reflect, and access empowering tools in a supportive environment. Others noted how meaningful it was to see these topics prioritized at a staff conference, reinforcing a sense of validation and hope.

By offering space for honest conversations, personal insights, and community connection, this session made a lasting impact, affirming the importance of prioritizing well-being as part of broader equity and leadership development efforts.

As part of our commitment to fostering student wellbeing and inclusive engagement, the Office of EDI-R partnered with UW Mates to co-host a creative, wellness-focused event ahead of the final exam period. Held in late March in the ��ݮ��Ƶ Centre, the “De-Stress with Slime” event offered undergraduate students a chance to relax, socialize, and explore their creativity through slime-making.

Designed as a low-barrier, first-served event, students were invited to craft their own slime creations using a variety of textures, colours, and sparkles. With all materials provided, the event blended play with community building, encouraging conversation, connection and stress relief in a supportive and inclusive space.