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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Self-Identification Survey

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Self-Identification Survey is being conducted by The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Ontario Tech University. The information collected in this survey will support Ontario Tech's efforts to ensure that our university reflects the diversity of Canada, Ontario and the Durham Region. The data will be used to analyze employment, recruitment and operational trends and inform institutional strategy and actions related to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Why is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Self-Identification Survey important?

In 2020, the President’s Equity Task Force released its report and list of recommendations, one of which was conducting a university community demographic survey at Ontario Tech. Along with information obtained from the Employment Systems Review (ESR), the EDI Self-Identification Survey will provide important demographic information that will let us know the make up of the university community. In order for Ontario Tech to develop data-informed EDI strategy, goals and action plans, we must first gain an understanding of the composition of our faculties, departments, offices, employment groups and the student body in order to highlight gaps, specify disparities and gain insight into how we can improve and move forward.

Participation

Participation is completely voluntary. If you choose to participate, but do not want to answer particular questions, each question allows you to select ‘I choose not to answer this question’ as a response. The survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete.

Confidentiality

Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of employees and students is crucial in this process. The university will engage in a series of best practices to ensure that the privacy and confidentiality of survey participants is maintained at every step of the process. Personal information in this survey is collected under the authority of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology Act, SO 2002, c. 8, Sch. O. At all times personal information provided in this survey will be collected, protected, used, disclosed and retained in compliance with Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act R.S.O. 1990, c. F.31.

The survey is encrypted, confidential and non-identifiable, but is not anonymous in order to gain a specific and accurate representation of our faculty, staff and students. Responses will be kept in the strictest confidence and used only to inform the implementation, evaluation and monitoring of employment equity measures at the university and to improve the recruitment, engagement, retention, success and support of current and future employees, students and community members. Summary reports of the data will only be reported in aggregate.

If you would like to request a copy of the business rules, please contact inclusive@ontariotechu.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is the purpose of the EDI Self-Identification Survey?

    The purpose of the survey is to support Ontario Tech’s efforts to ensure the university reflects the diversity of Canada, Ontario and the Durham Region. The information collected from faculty, staff and students will contribute to ongoing EDI efforts by allowing us to deepen our understanding of our community, helping us set the future direction of Ontario Tech’s EDI Strategy and supporting a data-driven approach to cultivating an inclusive campus.

  • What types of identification information will be collected?

    You will be able to confidentially self-identify in terms of gender, sexuality, 2SLGBTQIA+ status, Indigeneity, race and ethnicity, disability, religion and spirituality, family-care responsibilities, immigration status and language use and preferences. For each question, you will have the option to select 'I choose not to answer this question'.

  • How was the terminology chosen?

    The terminology was developed in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, as well as in consultation with best practices across the post-secondary education industry. Additionally, where appropriate, experts, offices and groups within the university community were consulted.

  • Why is Ontario Tech collecting self-identification information?

    We are collecting demographic-related information in order to learn who is part of our university, who is absent from our university and how they identify. The data will be used to highlight disparities that exist within our university community, to enable benchmarking with our institutions and to help us take a data-informed approach to cultivating a community where everyone can thrive and experience a sense of belonging.

  • Is the survey mandatory?

    No, the survey is not mandatory, however, we do encourage all faculty, staff and students to participate. The survey is voluntary and you will be asked to provide consent in order to participate.

    You will be able to update your responses at any time and choose which questions you want to answer. If you choose to participate you can choose to opt of responding to any survey questions. After completing the survey, you can alter your responses or request that your data be removed.

  • Why am I required to enter my Banner ID/Student Number?

    In order to determine the composition of faculties, departments, employment groups and the student body, we must collect Banner IDs and Student Numbers. Since a Banner ID/Student Number is required, the survey is not anonymous, however, it is confidential, which allows us to gain a specific and accurate representation of our faculty, staff and students.

  • How will my privacy be maintained?

    Data will only be publicly presented in aggregate form. Your name will never be connected to or stored with your Banner ID/Student Number.

    Only a limited number of staff in the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis (OIRA) who have received the relevant privacy training will be able to access the data to support the university’s work in linking data for analytical purposes. At all times personal information provided in this survey will be collected, protected, used, disclosed and retained in compliance with Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

  • When will the data be shared?
    Aggregated data will be publicly available on an annual basis on the Inclusive Ontario Tech webpage.
If you have a question or comment and would like a direct response from the Office of EDI, please email us at inclusive@ontariotechu.ca