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President and Provost update campus on freedom of expression action plan
A message from Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor and James W.E. Rush, Vice-President, Academic and Provost.
In June, we updated the University community on the progress of the Freedom of Expression and Inclusive Engagement Task Force, which had concluded its work and issued a final report.
The Task Force report outlined 24 general principles and 16 recommendations to help guide the University in its ongoing work to maintain a campus environment for open inquiry and exchange, free expression and inclusive engagement.
We are pleased to share more details about the University’s next steps and plan for implementing the recommendations of the task force.
Freedom of Expression action plan
To implement the recommendations of the task force, we have developed an action plan that covers three general areas:
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Developing statements that define the University’s position on specific topics related to freedom of expression. This includes statements on:
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the principle of institutional neutrality and exercising institutional restraint
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the authority of a University body (such as governing bodies, academic units or Academic Support Units) to take a collective position on social, political or moral matters
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Reviewing and developing policies related to freedom of expression. This includes:
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Reviewing and revising existing policies, including
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Developing a new policy on rights and responsibilities for both the University and University-recognized student groups
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Developing a new policy or guideline on the use of University websites and social media
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Setting up oversight structures and engagement plans
This includes:
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Creating an oversight structure for a new advisory body on freedom of expression and inclusive engagement.
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Creating a multi-year public engagement plan for students, faculty, staff with a focus on building community.
We will update our progress towards this action plan on the Freedom of Expression website as the year progresses.
The Action Plan will receive executive sponsorship from the Office of the Vice President, Academic and Provost, and will be developed and executed by the Office of Faculty Planning and Policy under the leadership of Dr. Christine McWebb. We aim to complete the implementation by the end of 2025 and will update the community on our progress through quarterly updates.
Implementing an interim position of institutional neutrality
While we focus on the important work outlined above, we know that there will be times this academic year where members of our community will expect, or call on, the institution and its leaders to communicate a public perspective, viewpoint, or stance on political, social, or moral matters.
As an interim measure until we are able to complete consultations as part of our implementation plan, and in line with the recommendations of the task force, we will adopt a position of institutional neutrality and restraint in our communications moving forward.
Adopting a position of institutional neutrality means the University will not issue statements or communications that take a position on broader social, political, and moral matters that are outside of our mission. If or when the University communicates on these matters, our communications will focus on providing our community information to access the supports we offer.
Clarifying our Freedom of Expression and Inclusive Engagement Principles
We are grateful to the task force members for the time and effort they put into producing a thoughtful and detailed report. While we were pleased to accept the report overall, after further careful review and deliberation, we have identified a need to clarify the institution’s interpretation of two of the 24 proposed principles:
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Principle 11: Expression in the Classroom
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Principle 14: Extramural and Public Expression – Faculty
We believe these principles, which cover deeply complex issues, should be further clarified with context from the report to aid in our implementation of the task force recommendations. This will be done as part of the implementation work ahead.
This vital work is central to our mission as a University to advance learning and knowledge through teaching, research, and scholarship, nationally and internationally, in an environment of free expression and inquiry.
We look forward to continuing this important work together.
October Anti-Racism Reads: Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies
A message from the Library and Print + Retail Solutions.
Join the Library and Print + Retail Solutions for the next Anti-Racism Reads discussion on Tuesday October 1. Leslie Wexler and Kevin George will lead a discussion of the first chapter of Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies by Jo Chrona.
“... With immense expertise, humility, and care Jo Chrona has created a path for each of us to examine the personal and systemic racism that is preventing Indigenous learners, their families, and communities from achieving their rightful place and success in the education system," says Teresa Downs, President, BC School Superintendents Association. "As we work towards reconciliation, the historic and current truths of oppression and injustice against Indigenous peoples must be known, understood, and addressed. Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies examines the truths of education and how they can be dismantled ...”
This in-person event will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the lounge area of Dana Porter’s main floor. To register for this event, please visit the Library’s website.
Copies of Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies are available through the Library's catalogue or for purchase at the W Store in South Campus Hall. Please note: We are working towards removing barriers to participation, providing easy access to the selected text. We have limited copies available free of cost for those who sign up for the event and indicate they'd like a copy on the registration form.
Staff Association elections start next week
A message from the University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA).
In October, members of the University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA) will elect the next president and four directors to help lead the association for the next three years. Nominations open Monday, September 16.
The staff association represents all USG staff in matters of salary, policy, and more.
Presidents and directors both shape the UWSA’s work on behalf of staff: The president sets short-term and advocacy priorities and supervises the Association’s day-to-day activities; directors set long-term goals for the association and provide important financial and governance oversight.
To vote in the elections, you need to be a member of the UWSA by October 1. If you were hired before October 2022, you aren’t automatically a member; make sure you’ve opted in so you can have your say in the future of the Staff Association!
UWSA leadership is a professional development opportunity open to all members
UWSA members are also eligible to run for either role. Both presidents and directors learn a lot about how the university runs and work with people from across UW. You’ll also get training in non-profit governance, meeting facilitation, leadership, and more.
“The most valuable part for me has been getting to work with a diverse group of employees from all across the campus," says Gitanjali Shanbhag, Chair of the Board of Directors. "It's a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the university’s inner workings.”
Current UWSA President Yessenia Guerrero says, “Being involved in the UWSA, within any capacity, is an opportunity to discover your role within the UW community and to empower yourself with knowledge about your rights as a staff member.”
Nominations open September 16 and close September 27. Election info sessions take place September 16 and 17.
Learn more about the elections and the president and director roles on the UWSA website.
Future-Ready Workforce Series continues
Ready to enhance your workplace with inclusive practices and effective accommodations? The Future-ready workforce series continues in September with Supporting Accommodations for Inclusive Workplaces, which will be held on Tuesday, September 24, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Register online via Zoom.
"Learn about the power and importance of creating an inclusive and accessible workplace for co-op work-term and business success!" says a message from Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE). "Join Anne-Marie Fannon, director of the Work-Learn Institute (WxL) as she presents key research findings on the barriers students encounter with accommodations. Discover how addressing these challenges can transform your approach to inclusivity. Fannon will be joined by Karolina Kural, global diversity, equity and inclusion manager at Kinaxis and Mitch Bewick, co-op student experience manager. The panel of experts will discuss available resources, actionable strategies and how to create inclusive, barrier-free environments through effective accommodations and universal design."
"If you’re looking to learn more about recruitment and workplace accommodations and how to implement them, this is the event for you!"