Our work
The Office of the Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion) oversees the work of the Human Rights and Equity Office, University Ombudsperson, Indigenous Initiatives, and Complaints and Investigations.
We are committed to fostering a university culture rich in inclusivity, equity, and belonging, while empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
Ever grateful for the lands on which we live, learn, work, and play, we acknowledge Â鶹¹ÙÍø is situated on traditional Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee Territory.
Our mission
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Enhance the university's commitment to ensuring a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
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Ensure that in the workplace, we live our values and that our human resources, organizational structure, processes, and culture are properly aligned to fulfil our mission.
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Enhance cultural competency and awareness by providing education and training opportunities that promote cultural understanding, sensitivity, and awareness among all members of the university community.
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Regularly evaluate and monitor the university’s efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Stephanie Simpson
Vice-Principal
(Culture, Equity, and Inclusion)
Stephanie Simpson has more than two decades of experience in human rights and advocacy. Stephanie has been instrumental in nurturing accountability at Â鶹¹ÙÍø's University in Indigenization - Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism, and Accessibility (I-EDIAA)-related matters.
As an Associate Vice-Principal (Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion), she played a key role in fostering both competence and legislative compliance around matters such as inclusivity, diversity, accessibility, anti-racism, human rights, and equity within the Â鶹¹ÙÍø's community.
VPCEI Portfolio
Each office in our portfolio serves an important role in guiding Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s toward a future that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Collectively, we will ensure that in the workplace, we live our values and that our human resources, organizational structure, processes, and culture are properly aligned to fulfil our mission. Furthermore, our work will enhance cultural competency and awareness by providing education and training opportunities that promote cultural understanding, sensitivity, and awareness among all members of the university community.
Human Rights and Equity Office
The Human Rights and Equity Office fosters a culture of human rights, equity, and inclusion through innovative equity strategies, policy guidance, unbiased support for sexual violence prevention, and enhanced campus accessibility.
Office of Indigenous Initiatives
The Office of Indigenous Initiatives builds community, advances reconciliation/conciliation and integrates Indigenous ways of knowing and being into the fabric and life of the university.
Office of the University Ombudsperson
The office serves as a comprehensive resource for community members, offering essential guidance on their rights, duties, and recommended steps to follow.
Office of Complaints and Investigations
The Office of Complaints and Investigations is responsible for determining jurisdiction to investigate allegations under the Â鶹¹ÙÍø policies on Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response, Sexual Violence Involving Â鶹¹ÙÍø Students, and Improper Acts Reporting, among other duties.
Select Events Around Campus
Recent Articles
Nov 02, 2026
Supporting movement, learning, and research
Three exercise-focused programs at the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies are being strengthened through an equipment donation.
Oct 27, 2026
Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s hosts diplomats for international forum
Representatives from 13 countries were on campus to discuss pressing geopolitical issues alongside Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s researchers and leaders at the Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s Asia-Pacific Heads of Mission Forum.
Oct 26, 2026
New chair advances Engineering for Humanity at Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s
At Smith Engineering, Myra Hird will advance interdisciplinary collaboration in teaching and research so engineering can better serve humankind.
Work conducted within the Office of the Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion) is directly tied to many United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to the university’s social impact and making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
