2025 Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Award
The annual EDIA Awards aim to recognize the knowledge, passion, dedication, and campus engagement of individuals and teams who are actively promoting EDIA in teaching, learning, research, service, engagement, and working and living environments across our campus communities.
Celebrating the inspiring students, faculty, postdoctoral scholars, staff, and collaborative teams who are driving efforts to create a more accessible, equitable, diverse, and inclusive university. The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) is excited to announce the institutional call for nominations to recognize the transformative contributions of ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ community members. This is your opportunity to honor the passion, dedication, and engagement of individuals and teams committed to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in teaching, learning, research, community engagement, and campus life.
The annual EDIA Awards celebrate exceptional achievements in practices, events, applied research, policies, programs, and other initiatives that foster meaningful, sustainable change—especially for historically underrepresented groups on campus, including but not limited to women, racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+ persons. Whether recognizing ongoing work or a major milestone, these awards honour those creating meaningful change and measurable impact.
Nominees might include a faculty member who has embedded equity, diversity, and inclusion in a strategic plan, an initiative that welcomes and supports students from underrepresented groups, a tool that increases accessibility, or an action that addresses barriers such as systemic racism. The awards also highlight those who champion inclusive excellence and demonstrate leadership in fostering an inclusive campus community.
Nominations for the 2025 Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Awards are now open and will be accepted until December 18 at 11:59 p.m. MT.
The OEDI invites you to submit nominations in the following categories:
- Undergraduate Students
- Graduate Students
- Leadership
- Faculty/Academic Staff
- Management and Professional (MaPS)
- Sessional Instructors
- Postdoctoral Fellows
- Support Staff (AUPE)
- Teams
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students are those who have met the admission requirements and are enrolled in courses for credit towards an undergraduate degree, diploma, or certificate. This includes visiting students, visiting student researchers, and Open Studies students, all of whom are considered undergraduate students.
Graduate Students
An individual who has completed an undergraduate degree (such as a Bachelor’s) and is pursuing advanced education at the master's or doctoral (PhD) level, or in specialized professional programs. Graduate students engage in deeper study in a specific field or discipline, contributing to academic knowledge and research.
Academic Staff
Includes employees engaged in research and teaching such as Professors and Instructors, as well as Professional and Administrative roles such as Librarians, Counselors, and Department Heads. The majority of these roles fall under The ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ Faculty Association.
Leadership
This category is open to leaders at all levels within the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½, including executive leaders, senior leaders, middle leaders, and individuals in any other formal or informal leadership roles. Nominees may include those who hold positions of strategic influence, oversee teams or departments, or play key roles in driving initiatives that contribute to the advancement of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA).
Management and Professional
Designated for employees who support the operations of the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ in managerial or professional (MaPS) capacities and are excluded from a bargaining unit under the Alberta Labour Relations Code. These individuals may work in roles that provide administrative, operational, or strategic support across various departments, contributing to the efficient functioning of the university.
Sessional Instructors
A part-time, non-tenured faculty member hired on a contractual basis to teach specific courses during an academic term. Sessional instructors are appointed for a limited duration—typically one term or academic year—and may be responsible for teaching one or multiple courses, depending on the terms of their contract.
Postdoctoral Fellows
This category is dedicated to recognizing postdoctoral fellows, individuals who have completed a doctoral degree and are actively engaged in advanced research, typically within a university or research institution. They often work under the mentorship of senior faculty members while pursuing their own independent research projects.
Support Staff
This category recognizes employees who support the daily operations of the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ and are members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE). These individuals play essential roles in various aspects of university functions, contributing to the institution's success through their dedication and expertise in areas such as administration, maintenance, facilities management, technical support, and other operational services.
Teams
A team is defined as a group of two or more individuals who collaborate to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the university community. The team may consist of students, faculty, staff, or other members working together to advance EDI principles through their collective efforts.