Equity, Diversity, Decolonization, and Inclusion

Our core mission is education. Not just in terms of chemistry as a science, but also in terms of training future professionals who respect each other and recognize the strength that diversity brings to furthering discovery.

This page aims to raise awareness about our diverse academic community, provide tools to make us better allies and mentors, empower our future graduates, and promote success across all groups studying chemistry at the University of Waterloo.

Our Territorial Acknowledgement

The University of Waterloo and the Department of Chemistry acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Indigenous Initiatives Office.

Resources

Training and FAQs

Inclusive Research Resource Hub: An online, searchable document repository of training materials, guidelines, and resources related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous research.

Science Indigenous Initiatives: The Faculty of Science is the first faculty at the University of Waterloo to have an embedded Indigenous Initiatives Office. Learn more about current initiatives and resources on campus.

Science Anti-Racism Taskforce (SART): Includes frequently asked questions about racism on campus and a survey.

University of Waterloo Inclusive Communications Guide: Developed by more than 30 dedicated and caring communicators, this guide serves to provide advice on ways to make professional communications at UW more inclusive.

HART Book Club: The History Anti-Racism Taskforce (HART) launched its book club in February 2022. The HART Book Club is a student-focused space to discuss books related to and written by racialized people. It meets 2-3 times per term.

PART reading list: A list of 12 must-read books for all compiled by members of the President’s Anti-Racism Taskforce (PART).

UW Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism (EDI-R):

Resources & Allyship, Office of Indigenous Relations: Includes "Did you know?" learning section.

UW Black Faculty Collective: Includes academic resources, training, and allyship links.

Beyond Waterloo

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC): Equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations at each stage of the research process.

Canadians Working for Inclusivity in Chemical Sciences, Engineering, and Technology Network (CWIC): Promotes inclusivity, equity, and diversity for women and minorities in the chemical sciences across Canada.

Job postings, networks, directories, and scholarships

Bursaries, Awards & Scholarships, Office of Indigenous Relations: A comprehensive list of bursaries, awards, and scholarships for Black and Indigenous students. Graduate and undergraduate awards listed.

Of note on campus

Days of significance in Winter term

  • January 13th: Indigenous Relations Anniversary
  • February 21st: International Mother Language Day
  • March 31st: National Indigenous Languages day

Learn more: Office of Indigenous Relations

Organizations at Waterloo