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Faculty & Staff Resources

It is critical that an equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) lens informs our teaching strategy, and exists to support our faculty and staff. We have gathered a collection of resources to help further our learning as a faculty.

 

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How to Teach With and About EDI

How To Teach With EDI

Teaching with an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens in post-secondary education involves a commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment that respects the diversity of students and their backgrounds. Learning is personal, and as educators, we aim to understand how course climate—the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical environment of a class—impacts our learners.

At McMaster, we are guided in our teaching with EDI by 5 broad principles of inclusive teaching:

  1. Establish and support a class climate that fosters belonging for all students;
  2. Set explicit student expectations;
  3. Select course content that recognizes diversity and acknowledges barriers to inclusion;
  4. Design all course elements for accessibility;
  5. Reflect on one’s beliefs and biases about teaching to maximize self-awareness and commitment to inclusion.

We invite you to explore McMaster’s Inclusive Teaching and Learning Resources since it was developed in partnership with the MacPherson Institute, the Equity and Inclusion Office, in line with the McMaster Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, the McMaster Accessibility Council and staff, students, and faculty.

EDI Note: You are not expected to become an expert in EDI. You are a Subject Matter Expert in your field, and that is why you are teaching at McMaster! These principles are designed to guide and address EDI in your teaching design, development, and delivery, as well as acknowledge the diversity of the lived experiences of our learners.

How To Teach About EDI

Teaching about the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in post-secondary education is crucial to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Here are some tips for teaching about EDI principles to your students:

  1. Start by defining key terms: Make sure your students understand what terms like “equity,” “diversity,” and “inclusion” mean. Provide examples and case studies to help illustrate these concepts. Check out McMaster’s Defining EDI page.
  2. Incorporate diverse perspectives: Encourage your students to explore different perspectives and worldviews. Incorporate readings, videos, and guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds to expose your students to diverse viewpoints.
  3. Foster inclusive discussion: Create a classroom environment where all voices are heard and respected. Encourage students to ask questions and engage in respectful dialogue.
  4. Provide practical examples: Show your students how the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion can be applied in real-world scenarios. Use case studies and examples to help illustrate these principles in action.
  5. Incorporate experiential learning: Incorporate experiential learning opportunities, such as service learning or internships, to give students hands-on experience applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  6. Encourage self-reflection: Encourage your students to reflect on their own biases and assumptions. Encourage them to explore how their own lived experiences and backgrounds shape their worldview.
  7. Provide resources: Provide your students with resources to help them continue learning about these principles outside of the classroom. This can include books, articles, podcasts, and other media.

 

EDI Note: Remember that teaching about the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion is an ongoing process. By creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, you can help your students develop the skills and knowledge they need to become agents of change in our diverse and complex world.

Employment Equity

Employment Equity

Employment equity is defined as an ongoing process that identifies and eliminates barriers to an organization’s employment procedures and policies. It includes establishing proactive employment practices to address systemic barriers to ensure appropriate representation of designated group members throughout a workforce.

Building an inclusive community with a shared purpose is something that McMaster University prioritizes. We believe it is important for our workforce to reflect the diversity of our students and community. The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity, and is a key area that strengthens our research capabilities and teaching excellence. We further believe in cultivating a culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging among a diverse community.

Learn More

McMaster EDI Policies

Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities   
Accessibility Policy   
Board-Senate Hearing Panel for Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Violence  
Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities   
Discrimination and Harassment Policy   
Employment Equity Policy   
McMaster University Land Acknowledgment Guide  
Policy on Academic Accommodation for Religious, Indigenous and Spiritual Observances  
Policy Statement on Inclusive Communication   
Sexual Violence Policy   
Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose  
Violence in the Workplace Policy   
Workplace Accommodation Policy   
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