EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION(EDI) HELPLINE

In the spring of 2021, two INSPIRE ambassador teams researched student opinions around equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) accommodation satisfaction at UVic. The outcomes of this research outlined that most respondents were unaware of the EDI resources that exist to support them at UVic. The INSPIRE teams found that this lack of awareness was not due to a lack of EDI resources at UVic. Instead, it was found that people at UVic find it difficult to navigate UVic’s websites and locate the resources that they need. The research teams recommended two tools that they believe will increase the accessibility of the EDI resources on campus. The recommended solutions were an online EDI helpline tool at UVic and a centralized EDI resource page.

Through this research, INSPIRE heard the eagerness for change and desire for action when it comes to EDI at UVic. This fall we have committed to taking action by creating solutions that expand the accessibility of the current equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) resources that exist at UVic. Currently, INSPIRE is developing an online reporting system for disclosing incidents of discrimination, sexualized violence, harassment, or bullying. Attached to this reporting system will be a centralized resource webpage that contains all the EDI resources that exist at UVic.

An empathetic, user-centered approach to solution design is being used when developing these tools. Through surveying students and meeting with them in focus groups, we have been able to understand the needs of students and develop solutions to address those needs. A minimum viable product of these, the EDI helpline and resource hub, will be deployed in December 2022 within the Engineering and Computer Science faculty.