About

As post-secondary institutions adapt to the shifting social, political and economic environment, TMU is well-positioned to enhance its strategic equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) priorities. Ranked as Forbes’ Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity 2023 (external link)  and recognized as the first university to develop an institutional diversity data program, TMU has been a sector leader in EDI for over a decade. The university is now at a pivotal moment as it develops its first EDI Strategy and Action Plan, aimed at addressing historic and ongoing exclusion while fostering meaningful organizational change.

Purpose of the EDI Strategy and Action Plan

• Outline shared priorities and strategies for addressing systemic inequities and advancing EDI at TMU.

Project stewardship

President Lachemi has tasked the Office of the Vice President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI) with developing TMU’s first university-wide EDI Strategy and Action Plan. Led by Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion, Tanya De Mello, an advisory committee will guide the project team through engagement and consultations, research, and development of the strategy & action plan throughout the 2024–2025 academic year. 

Project principles

• Shared ownership and responsibility: University-wide strategy with collective responsibility, contribution and accountability. 
• Meaningful and transparent process: Transparency about procedures and decision-making will increase understanding and trust in the community.
• Intentional accessibility and engagement: Varied opportunities for engagement and feedback and targeted outreach will support the active involvement of historically underrepresented groups.
• Trauma-Informed: Intentional practices in the process will minimize harm and avoid retraumatization, prioritizing respect for human rights and social justice.
• Continuous growth and evidence-driven: Supports continuous improvement that builds on existing EDI commitments and creates a coordinated path forward supported by evidence and analysis of structural barriers.
• Flexible and responsive: Focus areas are responsive to evolving and emerging needs and opportunities, while guidance and resources are flexible by design.

Building on existing plans, policies and commitments 

The EDI Strategy and Action Plan will be a university-wide framework and plan that leverages and builds on existing equity, diversity and inclusion knowledge, experience and action towards a more collaborative, coordinated and impactful approach.

Process

• Phase 1: Preparatory (up to October 2024)
  • Internal and external scans to identify best EDI practices, strategies and approaches.
  • Project planning and establishment of project team, collaborators and advisory partners.
• Phase 2: Planning and launch (October 2024 to January 2025)
  • Launch of university-wide communications and community survey (November 13 to December 4, 2024).
  • Engagement meetings with Vice-Presidents, Vice-Provosts and Deans.
  • Establishment of a shared understanding of how to advance EDI to meet the university vision.
• Phase 3: Establishing goals, vision and actions (January to August 2025)
  • Analysis of contributions from the initial engagement period, including community survey.
  • Broad and focused engagement sessions across the TMU community including with leaders, equity-focused staff, union leadership, student groups and community equity groups.
  • Defining goals, vision and impactful actions to advance EDI to meet the university’s vision.
• Phase 4: Design action plan, initiatives and mechanisms (September to December 2025)
  • Confirmation of key priorities, commitments and activities 
  • Drafting of EDI Strategy and Action Plan and consultation with leaders, partners and collaborators.
  • Development of TMU-specific initiatives, tools and resources.
• Phase 5: Validate and refine (January 2026 to February 2026) 
  • Consult Leaders, Equity-focused staff, Union leadership, Student groups, Community equity groups on the draft EDISAP
  • Refine and finalise EDISAP content
• Phase 6: Approval, rollout and implementation (March 2026 to 2030)

Early consultations took place in fall 2024. All community members were invited to complete a survey to share perspectives about how EDI can be advanced at TMU. Half of the survey participants identified fostering community and a sense of belonging as the top priority for advancing at TMU. This emphasizes that belonging is viewed as essential to progress.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to join one of our tabling sessions in the Student Learning Centre (341 Yonge. St) on March 29, April 2 and April 9, 2025, to discuss what “belonging” at TMU means to you and its significance in your personal, academic and professional lives. There will be a variety of ways to get involved in the conversation, including independent activities and opportunities to share your thoughts on belonging with the EDI Strategy and Action Plan project team and OVPS partners. Learn more about the tabling sessions.

We value your contributions in the advancement of EDI at TMU, which will support the university’s vision and outline priorities to drive meaningful, lasting change.

Learn more about how you can get involved in the future of TMU’s EDI Strategy and Action Plan on the consultations page.

Questions?

Please email the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion at edistratplan@torontomu.ca.