ACAD is committed to a creating an environment that welcomes diversity and encourages inclusiveness. "As a social concept, diversity refers to the variation of social and cultural identities amongst people existing together within a shared environment, workplace, institution or geographic location. As a starting point, the term diversity can be considered to encompass the following aspects of human experience: race, gender, ethnicity, physical ability, appearance, sexual orientation, age, religion, language, communication style, income, education, geographic location, and social status and responsibilities." (Cox, Taylor. Creating the Multicultural Organization. 2001.)
The Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) acts in an advisory capacity to the President of ACAD, and through the Office of the President to the ACAD community, in the areas of diversity, multiculturalism, inclusion, anti-discrimination and anti-harassment. The committee encourages all areas within the ACAD community to initiate a wide range of diversity related activities. The committee advises on College diversity related policy and procedure, and other activities as requested by the President.
Mandate - The Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) will provide leadership to ACAD in its work to develop a community that is diverse, respectful, inclusive and equitable. To this end, it will facilitate the organization and/or promotion of processes, projects and events that will increase awareness and understanding of discriminatory and harassing behavior and systemic discrimination, and provide members of the college community with the tools necessary to initiate individual and systemic change.
Committee membership is comprised of a student, a faculty member, a staff member and a manager each nominated by their respective constituent groups. There are four member at large positions that can come from any constituent group and two standing positions - a College Discrimination/ Harassment Advisor and the Manager of Human Resources. In 2006 to 2008 the Coordinator of the Systemic Change Initiative will also be a member. The President will review all nominations and appoint members to the committee on an annual basis. The committee chair is elected each year from within the committee.
If you are a member of the ACAD community and interested in participating in this committee, please consult with the President's Office for more information.
