Graduate Student (Research), Equity and Inclusive Leadership Internship, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Position Overview

The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is currently seeking graduate students Equity and Inclusive Leadership Internship for a period of four (4) months, with the possibility of renewal.

Equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are integral to inclusive excellence and are foundational values, practices, and priorities at the University of Calgary. These foundational values and priorities are highlighted in many existing initiatives and strategic plans across campus units. Our Eyes High Strategy 2017-22, Growth through Focus, and ongoing efforts to embed equity, diversity and inclusion create an enabling environment to achieve inclusive excellence in teaching and learning, research and scholarship, community engagement as well as administrative supports and services. EDI principles and practices inform our Academic and Research Plans and undergird efforts to create an inclusive and respectful environment for all. They strengthen the university vision and mission to be recognized as one of the top research universities in Canada, and this commitment informs our work, locally, nationally and globally.

The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) is the institutional hub for initiatives to advance next generation perspectives, policies, and strategic directions to embed equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and promising practices on decolonization. The OEDI is committed to creating equitable pathways to, and success within, the UCalgary, particularly for under-represented groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, visible/racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S, as well as cultural minorities. The OEDI is committed to Identifying and ameliorating institutional diversity gaps, systemic barriers, and conscious or unconscious biases that may have an adverse effect on members of the campus community.

The OEDI is seeking recruits to the inaugural cohort of the Equity and Inclusive Leadership Internship (EIL) Program. The EIL internship program is an initiative to create equitable pathways and academic pipelines for the next generation of engaged scholars committed to justice, pluralism, and a more inclusive higher education and community. The Equity and Inclusive Leadership Internship Program is designed to recognize and support UCalgary undergraduate and graduate students who are leading transformative change for the betterment of the university and broad community. Interns will gain valuable knowledge, skills and applied experience, in research, policymaking, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility competencies, and communications skills for diverse audiences.

The internships are for a period of four months, with the possibility of renewal. There are three Graduate Assistant (Research) positions that will be filled. Consistent with the vision of creating equitable pathways, the EILs will deepen capacity in research, knowledge and engagement in the following areas:

• Anti-racism and decolonization
• Genders and sexual diversities
• Visible and invisible disabilities
• Pluralism
• EDI data

Position Description

The EIL internships are open to graduate students at the UCalgary who, through research, knowledge mobilization, and community engagement, are actively promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism initiatives at the university and in the wide community. An essential part of this work is the integration of research and practice on intersectionalities. As members of our team, Equity and Inclusive Leadership Interns will collaborate with other team members on specific aspects of the work being done in the OEDI, gain experience in on-the-ground work in the multiple areas encompassed by EDI, elaborate on their own areas of interest in a supportive environment, and gain invaluable applied knowledge, leadership and policy skills. To get a sense of the range of projects and initiatives the OEDI has been engaged in, or to learn more about our current team members, please visit the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion website.

Depending on the focus of the intern and work conducted, the Equity and Inclusive Leadership Intern will report to an Equity Leader in Residence, a Senior Advisor or Academic Director and/or the OEDI Office Coordinator. Working up to 8 hours per week, this position is part-time; hours may be negotiable.

Primary Purpose of the Position:

The EIL intern’s primary purpose is to work within the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to, among other areas of work:

•    Conduct literature, media and research reviews related to field of expertise;
•    Conduct an EDI audit of specific university and community resources and initiatives;
•    Review relevant EDI and related policies and resources on campus;
•    Write short policy briefs on issues affecting members of equity deserving groups;
•    Assist in creating EDI toolkits (e.g. invisible disabilities, anti-racism, gender and sexual diversity);
•    Catalogue digital media (webinars, podcasts, websites, social media) related to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, anti-racism, intersectionality, and decolonization on campus and in higher education. 

Qualifications:

• Working towards a graduate degree;
• Experience in and/or commitment to anti-racism and decolonial work, with knowledge of key issues and debates about intersectionality, privilege, and discussions in critical race, Indigenous studies (and other fields as relevant);
• Excellent initiative and organizational skills;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Strong research background and skills;
• Must work well in a team setting;
• Experience in conducting and writing literature reviews. 

Accountabilities, Tasks, and Duties: 

• Review, assess and annotate the literature, media and other resources from March 2020 to the present, particularly webinars, workshops, websites, podcasts, blogs, articles, books, reading lists, library resources, workshops etc., with a particular focus on EDI, accessibility, anti-racism and decolonization in Calgary, Alberta, and Canada;
• May write an article or other relevant publication by end of internship;
• Participate in OEDI initiatives, meetings and events, as required, including student and community outreach;
• Liaise with key stakeholders in EDI initiatives, particularly those focused on EDI, accessibility, anti-racism, and decolonization;
• Assist in development of promotional and communications material.

Application Deadline:  December 6, 2021

Applications should include a cover letter and resume and can be submitted to:
Tracy Garrick
[email protected] 
Office Administrative Coordinator
Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
 

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

Additional Information

COVIDSafe Campus Strategy

The University has implemented a new Vaccination Directive that requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. You will be required to upload proof of vaccination prior to commencing your duties. Please review the COVIDSafe Campus website for further information and access to additional resources.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

 About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.