Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award

All undergraduate and graduate students and recent alumni in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science are eligible for this award. Specifically, applicants must be enrolled in one of the Bachelor of Science programs offered by the Faculty, be enrolled in a Master’s or Doctoral program and supervised by a faculty member in the Faculty of Science, or have graduated from one of these programs within the last 12 months. The nomination must have the support of at least one individual from an underrepresented group in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) who was positively impacted by the EDI activities of the nominee in the last 12 months.

Note that an individual who won the award previously will be ineligible for the same award for two years; i.e., a student who won in 2024 is not eligible in 2025 and 2026.

• Nominations may be submitted by individual or groups of students, alumni, and faculty members (including Department Heads, Associate Deans, and Dean) in the Faculty of Science. Self-nominations will not be considered.
• Only nominations pertaining to activities carried out within the last 12 months will be considered.
• A nomination form must be submitted through the link provided on this page. Submitted nomination forms will be sent directly to the Dean’s office.
• Eligible nominees will be contacted by the Dean’s Office to submit a nomination package.
• The Faculty of Science Awards Adjudication Committee will review the nomination packages.
• The Dean’s Office will contact the award winner and release the results.
• The award will be presented at the Annual Faculty of Science Awards Ceremony.

All nominees will be contacted and asked to submit a statement that provides evidence of excellence in supporting and promoting EDI in the Faculty of Science. The statement should address the following points in a maximum 4-page document written in 12-point font with 1-inch margins:

• Nominee’s statement that explains their personal mission, the context of EDI activities, and evidence of the activity outcomes (maximum 2 pages).
• Letter(s) of support (maximum 1 page each) from individuals of an underrepresented group who can attest to the impact of the EDI activities carried out by the nominee within the last 12 months.

EDI activities that positively and directly impact an underrepresented group. An “underrepresented group” is broadly defined as a group of minority individuals defined based on their race, colour, place of origin, religion, immigrant and newcomer status, ethnic origin, physical ability, cognitive ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, income status, position of employment, and employment status. Specifically, the criteria for this award include:

1. Demonstrated Excellence

   Organized and led activities that support and promote EDI for underrepresented groups that have experienced systemic barriers and biases; examples include connecting others to EDI resources, sharing projects, publications, and/or research with a community, and exemplifying leadership in fostering an inclusive campus.

2. Transformative Impact

   Contributed to significant and positive changes in the experiences of underrepresented group(s). Examples include running an ongoing initiative that helps an underrepresented group feel welcome and included, creating a tool that provides accommodations for an equity-seeking group, assisting those with disabilities to have greater access to resources, and building a community of similar minds to support engagement and connections.

3. Policy Development and Implementation

   Removed systemic barriers by developing or improving formal or informal institutional processes and practices to encourage EDI for underrepresented group(s); examples include adapting existing procedures or policies to make them fair and more inclusive, and developing and implementing EDI training policies and materials.

4. Sustained Commitment

   Established a record of EDI activities that foster EDI in the Faculty, at UBCO, and/or within the broader community; examples include diversifying one’s teaching, research, and/or creative practices, leading EDI initiatives over multiple years, and working with community partners to foster EDI initiatives.

Nominations will be accepted throughout the academic year.

• Annual deadline for nominations is May 15th.
• Nominated faculty will be notified no later than May 31st and will be asked to complete their package by June 30th.
• Nominations will be adjudicated in July and award presentations will be made in September.