Brock’s Equity Census is now underway, and faculty, librarians, staff and students are invited to participate.

The short, confidential survey provides an important ongoing picture of the socio-demographic makeup of the University community.

Please check your Brock email for the link. It will be delivered to University email addresses:

• As a standalone communication focused on the Equity Census.
• With the Undergraduate Experience Survey invitation.
• With the Week 6 Survey invitation.

The survey takes only two minutes to complete, but the knowledge it provides has a lasting impact.

Now in its fourth year, the census supports Brock’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, reconciliation and decolonization as affirmed in both the Institutional Strategic Plan and newly introduced Indigenous Strategic Plan.

By gathering information consistently over time, the University is better able to measure its progress toward becoming a more equitable and diverse institution while strengthening collective accountability. As some questions in this year’s census have changed, past respondents are invited to complete the census again to adjust their answers as needed.

Participation is important and the University recognizes the need to commit to and demonstrate transparency and concrete action.

Informed by census insights, Brock is developing its first Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization (EDID) Action Plan, a four-year framework that will help guide the University’s work to advance equity, inclusion, human rights and decolonization. Aligned with the strategic plan and priorities, and built on years of institutional work, the action plan is intended to address systemic barriers and gaps, strengthen institutional accountability and embed EDID into the University’s policies, practices and culture.

Data additionally supports the further development of efforts to enhance the Brock student experience, gaining a better perspective of challenges faced by the Brock community, recognizing areas for improvement and tracking evolving demographics.

Dynamic and Inclusive Culture is also one of the 10 University-wide indicators of success in the University Action Plan (UAP), measuring progress towards Brock’s priorities. This indicator examines how students, faculty and staff experience the campus environment, including perceptions of equity and inclusion. Census feedback helps inform this section of the UAP.

Equity Census data is confidential and information about the collection, use and handling of this personal information can be found on the census website. All information collected as part of the Equity Census will be handled in accordance with Brock’s Access to Information and Protection of Privacy policy and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act of Ontario.