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Queen's Employment Equity Award
Background
On December 15th, 1995 The Employment Equity Act received Royal Assent. The purpose of this Act is to achieve equality in the workplace so that no person shall be denied employment opportunities or benefits for reasons unrelated to ability and, in the fulfillment of that goal, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment experienced by women, Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minority groups by giving effect to the principle that employment equity means more than treating persons in the same way but also requires special measures and the accommodation of differences.
The Employment Equity Act requires employers to engage in proactive measures to improve employment opportunities for the groups listed above. Queen’s policies on inclusion, however, go well beyond the four designated groups by including sexual and gender diversity considerations in its measures as well.
Eligibility
In acknowledgment of the spirit of employment equity, Queen’s would like to formally appreciate exemplary efforts and progress as demonstrated by students, faculty, staff, and external community members to Queen’s that create a positive impact on the University community. Established in 2011, the Queen’s Employment Equity Award is given annually to recognize and celebrate the achievements of individuals, groups, or organizations that through their ongoing diligence and commitment, are going above and beyond legislated requirements or their institutional mandate, thereby helping Queen’s become a truly representative and inclusive workplace. There are no restrictions on how many times an individual can be nominated for the award, unless they have previously held the award.
Who Can Nominate?
Any member of the Queen’s community including students, staff, faculty, or alumni, as well as members of the general Kingston community and surrounding area who have an interest in Queen’s University may submit nominations.
The closing date for nominations submissions will be February 15th each year.
One Employment Equity Award will be presented annually on or around December 15 to an individual, group, or organization. The Award consists of an individualized certificate. A plaque, showcasing each year’s recipients, will be on permanent display at the Equity Office or other suitable location.
Criteria
The Selection Committee will consider the following factors as it evaluates nominees for the Employment Equity Award:
A. Positive impact on the University community’s diversity and inclusivity
How has this effort changed the culture, landscape, etc. of Queen's University?
B. Sustainability
In what ways will this effort have lasting benefits for the University community?
C. Broad community partnerships
How has this effort encouraged partnership/cooperation between the University and communities, both internal and/or external to Queen's? Have any new or revitalized relationships been forged or strengthened through the effort?
D. Innovation
What makes this effort innovative and creative?
Examples of efforts in advancing employment equity could include (but are not restricted to):
- Exemplary efforts in recruiting and mentoring diverse candidates and colleagues across all equity-seeking groups
- Scholarly work, including paper presentations, lectures, or publications on equity
- Innovative strategies for creating a climate of equity on campus (e.g., flexibility in the workplace to take into account the scheduling needs of all employees)
- Service to faculty, staff, and student groups in the area of fostering a climate conducive to employment equity
- Providing mentorship, guidance, and support to members of equity-seeking groups on campus, including peer mentoring
- Excellence in teaching and innovative curriculum design to further the cause of employment equity and diversity
- Partnering with organizations to promote greater awareness of career opportunities for equity-seeking groups
For more information
Please direct any questions about the Employment Equity Award to the Equity Office at 533-2563 or equity@queensu.ca
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