UPEI announces Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer
Dr. Kathy Gottschall-Pass, Interim Vice-President Academic and Research, and Jackie Podger, Vice-President Administration and Finance, are pleased to announce that Patti Wheatley will assume the role of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer for UPEI.
Reporting to the two vice-presidents, Wheatley will work in a highly collaborative manner with campus members to advance the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at UPEI as outlined within the UPEI Strategic Plan (2018–2023). This includes the development and implementation of policies, programs, and practices that build education, awareness, and a greater understanding of EDI within our campus community, while providing leadership and expert guidance to the University community.
Wheatley will also support the UPEI Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Steering Committee, co-chaired by the two vice-presidents, which will review and provide input into the development and implementation of a “UPEI Institutional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Framework”; engage with the campus community to encourage information sharing, discussion, and collaboration to promote education, awareness, and best practices on EDI; work with University committees and service units to identify opportunities to implement EDI measures, programs, activities, and initiatives; and provide guidance to senior management on issues related to EDI.
Wheatley joined UPEI in 2017 as the University’s first Chief Access to Information and Privacy Officer, a role she will continue to carry out alongside her new responsibilities. A lawyer by profession, she was called to the bar in 2011. Beginning with her undergraduate studies, Wheatley developed a strong background in human rights, women’s studies, and gender studies. Over the past two decades, she has continuously volunteered with a wide range of organizations with equity seeking objectives and a commitment to devising strategies for greater inclusion. Currently, she is a board member of the Interagency Coalition on AIDS and Development, and the Learning Disabilities Association of PEI.
UPEI Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Steering Committee
Co-chairs:
Katherine Gottschall-Pass, Vice-President Academic and Research (Interim)
Jackie Podger, Vice-President Administration and Finance
Members:
Tracey Carmichael, President CUPE 1870
Nola Etkin, Dean of Science (Interim)
Aitazaz Farooque, Assistant Professor, Sustainable Design Engineering
Sharon Myers, President, UPEI Faculty Association
Sherri Russell, Coordinator, Mawi’omi Indigenous Student Centre
Keesha Ryan, Vice-President Finance, UPEI Student Union
Patti Wheatley, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer
