From February to June 2021, the UBC Dietetics Program worked with Equity Consultant, Belle Cheung, to undergo an internal audit of the program’s operations, academic initiatives, and student-facing services. An equity audit was chosen as an important benchmark to understanding where the program currently sits, and provides a starting point for future strategic planning.
The equity audit included the following:
- Program analysis of operations, academic initiatives, student-facing services, and a review of policies, documentation, communication materials
- Understanding the program in the context of UBC’s commitments towards equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Market analysis of other dietetics programs in Canada and their equity commitments and/or initiatives
- One focus group session with UBC Dietetics program staff and faculty
- Executive summary, recommendations, and suggested implementation plan
The Consultant made 41 specific recommendation in multiple domains (Program level recommendations, Faculty level recommendations, Advisory and Stakeholder recommendations, Practice Education recommendations, and Admissions Recommendations), which employed approaches to equity that are interwoven with business development and operations: processes, redistribution of power, structure and decisions, and equity as work.
As recommended by the consultant, the UBC Dietetics team synthesized a new Vision, Mission, and Values statement in the Fall of 2021. The Program translated the recommendations into operational tasks and goals with action plans and timelines over the next several years, taking into consideration human resources, capacity, financial resources, and the context of the university system.
The Program is working on a report to share on the Equity & Anti-Racism page.