Call to participate in the UPEI Action Plan Advisory Group
The University published the report, “University of Prince Edward Island Review” (the “UPEI Review”), in June 2023, after Rubin Thomlinson LLP conducted a review of University workplace policies, practices, and procedures. The UPEI Review lists a number of recommendations, as well as calls for “a comprehensive plan to address the many issues that require remediation” that needs “the input of many stakeholders within the University.” (p. 73)
UPEI is committed to implementing the recommendations within the report as a step towards improving the workplace culture and study environment on campus. UPEI is further committed to consulting with a diverse group that represents the University and broader community to guide the development of a UPEI Action Plan that addresses the recommendations and aims “at ensuring a safe environment for working and learning, and enhancing the University’s response to harassment, discrimination, fair treatment and sexual violence.” (p. 73)
Therefore, in response to the UPEI Review, UPEI is developing a UPEI Action Plan Advisory Group and issuing a public “Call for Expressions of Interest” to community members who would like to participate in and contribute to the Action Plan process.
Advisory Group Objectives
Composed of a diverse group of internal and external UPEI community members and led by third-party facilitator Sara Roach Lewis, the Advisory Group will provide input and guidance from multiple stakeholder perspectives to help inform the development of the UPEI Action Plan.
Advisory Group Membership
The membership of the 20-person Advisory Group will include four union-appointed members (one from each of: the UPEI Faculty Association, CUPE 1870, CUPE 501, and IBEW) as well as 16 internal and external UPEI community members determined through a public “Call for Expressions of Interest.”
Membership positions selected from the open call will be allocated to two undergraduate students, two graduate students, one faculty member, one staff member (non-union, non-executive), two Deans, two Alumni representatives, and six members from the broader community.
Expectations, Time Commitment, and Process
Values central to the Advisory Group consultation process include equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), collaboration, respect, learning, and action-oriented feedback. These values will help create a foundation for meaningful and effective discussions focused on EDI, while also emphasizing collaboration and action.
Advisory Group members will be provided with a number of supports and resources, as well as an orientation that will cover aspects such as EDI and collaborative processes.
Members are expected to attend all weekly meetings, taking place from approximately mid-September to late November on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, in person on the UPEI campus.
How to Participate: Application and Selection Process
Four members representing unions at UPEI will be appointed by their respective unions. The other 16 Advisory Group members will be selected through the open “Call for Expressions of Interest.” To ensure strong representation, community members are encouraged to express their interest in participating by filling out a secure online form that can be found on the UPEI website at https://www.upei.ca/response-to-independent-review/action-plan-advisory-group
Advisory Group members will be selected with an EDI lens based on their submitted form and their ability to attend meetings. Stakeholder groups such as the UPEI Student Union, UPEI Graduate Student Association, and UPEI Alumni Association, will be consulted in relation to representatives for their areas.
Submissions of expressions of interest via the online form will be accepted until September 7, 2023.
For more information, visit the UPEI Action Plan Advisory Group web page. Questions about the UPEI Action Plan Advisory Group and the “Call for Expressions of Interest” may be directed to equity@upei.ca.
