Diversity Matters Survey - Frequently Asked Questions | Diversity and Human Rights (DHR)

WHY IS THIS INFORMATION BEING COLLECTED?

All faculty and staff are asked to complete the Diversity Matters survey to help the University better understand the composition of our workforce.
This information will help U of G in identifying under-representation of designated group members at all levels within the University.
It also helps monitor the success of our Employment Equity Program

WHY SHOULD EVERYONE COMPLETE THE SURVEY?

To accurately reflect the whole of the University’s workforce, survey responses are needed from everyone who works here.
Through your survey response, even if you are not a designated group member, you are providing important information to help U of G better understand the make-up of our workforce.
By taking part, you are helping support the University’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

WHAT IS A DESIGNATED GROUP MEMBER?

Designated groups include those that are generally under-represented in Canadian workplaces.
They include:
Women
Visible Minority/Racialized individuals
Members of the LGBTQ+ community
Persons with disabilities
Aboriginal peoples

DON'T THESE QUESTIONS CONTRAVENE HUMAN RIGHTS and OTHER LAWS?

No. The Canadian Human Rights Act stipulates that it is not a discriminatory practice to collect information if it is intended to be used in adopting or carrying out a special program, plan or arrangement designed to eliminate discrimination of certain groups of individuals.

HOW WILL MY INFORMATION BE USED?

The information you share will be used to create statistics about the composition of our workforce.
It will allow us to assess representation in different occupational groups and at different levels to set goals and to monitor progress in reaching those goals.
No individual will be identified.

MUST I RESPOND TO THIS SURVEY?

Your response to the Diversity Matters survey is voluntary.
However, it is mandatory for you respond to the first questions indicating if you want to complete the survey or not even if you choose not to fill out any of the information.

I FILLED OUT THIS SURVEY IN THE PAST. DO I HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN?

The University periodically surveys its workforce as it changes (e.g., at retirements, during hiring, etc.). The survey information captures a point in time.
Even if you have self-identified in the past, you are asked to complete the survey at this time to ensure that you are counted in and counted correctly.

WILL MY INFORMATION BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL?

Yes. The information you provide is protected by privacy legislation and will be kept confidential.
The Employment Equity Act states that self-identification information can only be used for employment equity purposes.
Your information will be kept separate from your personnel file.

MAY I CORRECT or CHANGE INFORMATION ABOUT MYSELF?

Information about you can be corrected and/or changed by completing a new survey.
You can also contact the Office of Diversity and Human Rights at any time if you want to access information related to you.

IF I AM BEING ACCOMODATED IN THE WORKPLACE - SHOULD I IDENTIFY as a PERSON with a DISABILITY?

Yes. All persons with disabilities, including those who have been accommodated in the workplace, are asked to self-identify.

CAN I SELF-IDENTIFY in MORE THAN ONE GROUP?

Yes. The Employment Equity Regulations permit employees to identify in more than one designated group.
The self-identification survey includes definitions to help you accurately identify which group(s) you may belong to.

CAN ANYONE ELSE IDENTIFY ME?

No. You are responsible for your own identification.
By law, no one can submit this information on your behalf unless you authorize them to do so in writing.

IF I HAVE QUESTIONS - WHO DO I CONTACT?

or

Bradley Minaker, Senior Research Associate
Office of Institutional Analysis & Research
bminaker@uoguelph.ca