Overview
As incoming students, you have an incredible opportunity to create positive change within U of T Engineering and the broader community.
Over the last few years, the University of Toronto has committed to implementing many EDI-related actions from several task force reports.
U of T Engineering and EngSci are working toward achieving these goals. You can help us get there!
In addition to EDI resources and initiatives offered by U of T Engineering, there are a lot of student groups on campus that promote these values and offer support to underrepresented groups. Join them to advocate for change and see the impact of your involvement. Below we have descriptions of some of these groups, along with words from their executive teams.
Groups
EngSci’s EDI Working Group
EngSci has a new grassroots initiative called the EDI Working Group, which has been developed by faculty and staff in the Division of Engineering Science. For more information on updates and upcoming initiatives from this group, check out their website.
Engineering EDI Action Group (EEDIAG)
The EEDIAG’s goal is to create spaces for conversations about equity and diversity issues and implement initiatives that promote inclusion on campus.
The EEDIAG hosts Open Discussions and TIPS (Towards Inclusive Practices Sessions) workshops. These are open to all U of T Engineering community members to learn, share experiences, and discuss ideas for new initiatives together. If you have any suggestions, questions, or would like to join EEDIAG, plese email eng.equity@utoronto.ca.
Muslim Students Association
The Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) aims to serve and represent the needs of Muslims on- and off-campus. As the first MSA to be established in Canada, it has since grown to be U of T’s largest student club at the forefront of social justice, community service, as well as academic and faith-based support. It has a membership of over 1,500 students, faculty and staff.
National Society of Black Engineers
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) U of T Collegiate Chapter is dedicated to the academic growth and professional development, as well as the personal growth, of its club members. This club focuses on marginalized groups within the U of T space and continually partners with different companies in STEM to provide students with the opportunity to connect and network with them. Of equal importance, NSBE values building a community amongst its members to create a strong support system and build lasting friendships as we navigate the ever-changing social and professional world.
Engineering Positive Space
From the Engineering Positive Space website:
“Founded in 2010, Engineering Positive Space is an informal group of students, staff and faculty who work together to make U of T Engineering a place where everyone in our diverse community can feel at home. The group meets a few times each year to discuss challenges and plan for events like Pink Shirt Day and Toronto Pride, which have become U of T Engineering traditions.”
QueerSphere
QueerSphere is a part of the Engineering Positive Space initiative. It is the engineering LGBTQ+ group here at Skule. We want to get people involved in and aware of the LGBTQ+ community, to make engineering at U of T a more welcoming and inclusive place for all. Throughout the year we run socials and fun events such as Pride **** and Gingerbread Bridge Building and run EDI training modules for F!rosh Week and EngSoc – and we’re hoping to do even more this year!
Women in Science and Engineering
U of T’s student chapter of Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) is a community of advocates for gender equality in STEM. Through our mentorship initiatives, high school and community outreach programs, professional development workshops, and National Conference, we hope to empower women by building necessary leadership skills and confidence to achieve their full potential in any future ambitions!
Engineers Without Borders (EWB)
EWB’s U of T chapter invests in people, providing learning opportunities and ownership of projects to nurture their growth as leaders in a community that makes an impact on global development and social and systemic change. We are committed to challenging our own ideas and misconceptions. We expose our members to the realities of poverty and privilege. Our chapter experiments, fails forward, and adapts to make meaningful progressive impact for sustainable and equitable change in Toronto and the world.
Skule Mental Wellness Group
The Skule Mental Wellness Group is comprised of engineering students that are strong advocates for mental health and wellness. They provide the Skule community with access to mental health resources and run events, workshops, and fun activities throughout the year to help relieve the stress that comes with being an engineering student.
U of T’s Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO)
The ARCDO team offers excellent training workshops for any University member wanting to learn more about their roles and responsibilities, and strategies for advancing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. These include workshops on allyship. They also host events for racialized community members.
First Nations House Indigenous Student Services
First Nations House provides culturally relevant services to Indigenous students to support academic success, personal growth, and leadership development. They offer learning opportunities for all students to engage with Indigenous communities at U of T and beyond.
Conclusion
Above are just some of the ways you can get involved in creating change within the Faculty. We can’t showcase all the amazing groups advocating for EDI in one blog post. A more comprehensive list can be found here. We hope you feel empowered to join any group that speaks to you. We are excited about the future of engineering with us all working together to make it a more inclusive space!