Initiatives designed to make Queen’s a more inclusive home to students was highlighted in the 2022-23 Indigenization – Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism (IEDIAA) Annual Report published March 5. The report showcases changes made from January to December 2022.
Among the initiatives listed, Queen’s established a financially accessible food market, reviewed policies for sexual violence, furthered Indigenous governance at Queen’s, and reallocated funding for new needs-based bursaries and scholarships.
The report suggests the changes secured Queen’s top three ranking in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings last June. Queen’s ranked second among universities around the world for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and seventh for Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Food Insecurity
Queen’s ranked first in the world for its contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), Zero Hunger, despite 29 per cent of students reporting food insecurity in a 2022 health survey.
READ MORE: Data across the board suggests increased food bank usership
The report included mention of the PEACH market, a “pay what you can” market on campus distributing untouched food to students. Started by University Student Affairs and the AMS, menu items are classified into tiered pricing at $1, $3, and $5, or an open rate.
Financial Aid
Queen’s is prioritizing need-based financial aid to increase access to the University for equity-deserving students.
From the merit-based Principal’s scholarship to new needs-based bursaries, supporting equity-deserving students more intentionally. Starting in 2023-24, new Major Access Awards will give $10,000 to $18,000 per year for four years to 100 incoming undergraduate students demonstrating financial need.
The Smith School of Business made several advances, including investing $100,000 in Black and Indigenous scholarships awarded to students enrolled in professional graduate programs.
Sexual Violence
The report highlighted strides Queen’s is taking towards making Queen’s a safer place for all. will experience sexual violence during their time at the University, according to a 2021 statement by Queen’s University.
READ MORE: External panel completes review of Queen’s sexual violence policy
The Policy on Sexual Violence Involving Queen’s University Students was reviewed by external consultants and finalized in 2023. The goal of the revised policy is to take a trauma-informed approach to complaints, putting survivors first.
Academic Supports
At Smith Engineering, inclusion programs such as Indigenous Futures in Engineering and Black Youth in STEM were started to support equity-deserving students within the faculty.
Health Sciences hosted an open house in 2022 for The Nest, which now houses the Office of Equity and Social Accountability and the Office of Indigenous Health, promoting differing cultural perspectives in health care.
I-EDIIA considerations were added to the proposed template for major modifications to Queen’s programs, incorporating equity into academic programs at Queen’s. Indigenizing and decolonizing professional development modules were created for teaching staff and faculty.
Tags
Board of Trustee, EDIAA, financial aid, report
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