Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Our mission is to promote and advance a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within the College of Agriculture and Bioresources and to support all faculty, staff and students in understanding and living the principles of EDI.

Upcoming events

Courageous Conversations: A Spotlight on Individual Experiences

Call for Panelists

We are excited to invite passionate individuals to join us as panelists for an upcoming conversation on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) titled "Courageous Conversations: A Spotlight on Individual Experiences".

This event is organized by the College of Agriculture and Bioresources EDI committee to foster open, honest, and thought-provoking dialogue around the personal experiences of individuals navigating life, highlighting the challenges and triumphs in the pursuit of greater equity and inclusion. We are looking for anyone who is eager to share their stories, perspectives, and insights to help guide this important conversation. We want to hear real stories from real people.

We Are Seeking Panelists Who:

  • Have lived experience navigating issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion
  • Are comfortable sharing their personal stories and perspectives with an audience
  • Can engage in respectful and courageous conversations that challenge the status quo
  • Offer practical insights and actionable ideas for creating more inclusive environments

If you are interested in being a part of this impactful panel, please submit your application by February 17th, 2025 via email to agbio.edi@usask.ca. In your application, please include:

  • A 100-word bio and background
  • A brief summary of your personal experience within the context of equity, diversity, and inclusion (optional)

Submission Deadline: February 17th, 2025
Tentative Event Date: USask EDI Week (March 3rd to March 7th)

We look forward to hearing your stories and learning from your experiences as we come together to create a more inclusive and equitable future.

For questions or further information, please contact Ana Azevedo (acp263@mail.usask.ca) or Khloe Baker (oly068@mail.usask.ca).

Projects

AgBio is one of the few buildings on campus to not have a gender-neutral washroom. We are working on fixing that. We have worked with USask Facilities to identify an appropriate space in the building for this new washroom and are currently waiting to receive quotations for the renovation.

We are aware that there are often infants in our building and that caregivers will require secure changing facilities. We are currently working with the USask Office of the Provost and VP Academic to secure funding for the installation of several changing stations in Agriculture Building washrooms.

Under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, any building open to the public must be accessible. Where discrimination is on the basis of disability, this requires a service provider to take steps to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities.

The college is in the process of securing an external provider to conduct a full building accessibility review in order to ensure the Agriculture Building is fully accessible and easy to navigate for those with physical limitations.

In Winter 2024, an EDI survey was released to all members of the college, including staff, students and faculty. The goal of the survey was to help the committee identify priorities for the coming year. The survey was open for participation for three weeks throughout February and March. 227 responses were received, an approximate 12% response rate.

Responses indicated that EDI support is most desired in the forms of:

  • Educational opportunities to learn more about EDI; and
  • In-person events aimed at supporting and fostering connections within minority groups.

EDI Committee

The diversity of our college community is represented on our EDI committee. Members of distinct cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, and lived experiences form this group of volunteers.

Edgar Martinez, Committee Chair and Coordinator, AgBio Bioprocessing Pilot Plant

Yongfeng Ai, Associate Professor, Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences

Khloe Baker, Bachelor of Science candidate, Animal Bioscience

Danielle Baron, Manager, Research, Graduate Studies, and External Engagement

Trever Crowe, Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies

Megan Loessl, Academic Programs Coordinator

Sirajum Munira, Lecturer, Departments of Plant Sciences and Soil Science

Rex Newkirk, Associate Professor, Department of Animal and Poultry Science

Candice Pete-Cardoso, Director, kihci-okawimaw askiy Knowledge Centre

Ana Pontes de Azevedo, Master of Science candidate, Department of Plant Sciences

Resources

AgBio faculty and staff can visit the EDI folder in Hopper SharePoint for research- and recruitment-related EDI resources.

Contact us

We know we have a long way to go. Please help us get there.

Reach out to any of our members with questions or concerns, or contact our confidential committee account: agbio.edi@usask.ca