Statement on Equity, Diversity and Excellence
Mission
For all the students, staff and faculty, the University of Toronto Scarborough strives to cultivate a teaching, learning and working environment that is tolerant, accepting, inclusive and free from discrimination.
Principal endorses approach to equity and diversity
The University of Toronto has a long standing tradition of modeling the principles of equity and diversity throughout the institution. U of T Scarborough is an exemplary model of these core values within the larger University of Toronto community. Our commitment to equity and diversity goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to tolerance, acceptance, inclusivity and mutual understanding. At UTSC, we take pride in working and learning in an environment of respect, and strive to uphold these principles in every interaction.
Professor Franco J. Vaccarino
Principal, University of Toronto Scarborough
Vice-President, University of Toronto
University of Toronto Statement on Equity, Diversity and Excellence
The purposes of the Equity Statement are to express the University's values regarding equity and diversity, and relate these to the institution's unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission. To view the equity statement please click here.
It is the University’s goal to create a community that is inclusive of all persons and treats all members of the community in an equitable manner.
In creating such a community, the University aims to foster a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of all persons.
In working toward this goal, the University will strive to provide support for, and facilitate the accommodation of individuals with disabilities so that all may share the same level of access to opportunities, participate in the full range of activities that the University offers, and achieve their full potential as members of the University community.
The University will work to eliminate or minimize the adverse effects of barriers, including physical, environmental, attitudinal, communication and technological barriers, which may prevent the full participation of individuals with disabilities in the University community.
The University will provide the members of its community with opportunities for education and access to information regarding disability and the University's policies on disability.
At the same time, the University will endeavour to protect the individuals’ privacy, confidentiality and autonomy.
The University re-affirms that all individuals are expected to satisfy the essential requirements of their program of studies or employment, while recognizing that students and employees with disabilities may require reasonable accommodations to enable them to do so. The University is, as always, committed to preserving academic freedom and its high level of academic standards.
The achievement of the University’s goal depends on the participation of each and every member of the University community, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as their respective representative organizations. Each of these parties has a role in creating an equitable and inclusive environment, as well as in the accommodation process and the identification, removal, and/or reduction of barriers. The consultative relationship among the members of the University community is based upon a shared desire for an open, supportive learning and working environment, and a shared respect for individual rights and dignity.
In working toward its goals under this Statement, the University is committed to acting conscientiously and in keeping with its own policies and existing legislation related to disability.