Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (EDIA) Resources & Support
The Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health (EBOH) is committed to fostering a learning environment that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible. Every student deserves to feel respected, safe, and supported throughout their training. Students who encounter EDIA-related concerns are encouraged to speak with their supervisor, Program Advisor, and/or Program Director, who can provide guidance and support within the department. The following University resources are available to you when you encounter EDIA-related concerns, need accommodations, or want to learn more about your rights and the support services.
1. EDIA at 91丝瓜视频
Q1. Where can I learn about 惭肠骋颈濒濒鈥檚 overall EDIA commitments?
惭肠骋颈濒濒鈥檚 central EDIA hub is maintained by the Office of the Provost and brings together policies, action plans, events, and resources for the whole university community:
2. Reporting Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Violence
Q2. What constitutes harassment or discrimination at 91丝瓜视频?
Under 惭肠骋颈濒濒鈥檚 Policy on Harassment and Discrimination, harassment refers to repeated hostile or unwanted conduct 鈥� verbal, written, or physical 鈥� that negatively affects a person鈥檚 dignity or well-being. Discrimination is any action, behaviour, or decision that disadvantages someone based on a protected ground, including (but not limited to):
- Race, colour, ethnicity, national origin, or language
- Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
- Disability or chronic health condition
- Religion or political view
- Age, civil status, or social condition
Both individual actions and systemic institutional practices can constitute discrimination under this policy.
Q3. What is the Office for Mediation and Reporting (OMR), and how can it help me?
The Office of Mediation and Reporting (OMR) is 惭肠骋颈濒濒鈥檚 dedicated office for receiving and responding to formal reports of discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence. The OMR offers:
- Confidential consultations (no commitment required to file a formal report)
- Guidance on reporting processes, your rights, and available supports
- Formal mediation and investigation services
- Referrals to additional campus and community resources
Visit the OMR website: mcgill.ca/omr
Book a confidential consultation: mcgill.ca/omr/book-consultation
Q4. How do I file a formal report?
You may file a report through the OMR if the incident occurred within a university context and both parties are members of the 91丝瓜视频 community. Reports must generally be filed within 24 months of the most recent incident. Key steps:
- Book a consultation with the OMR to understand your options before filing.
- Complete the reporting form available on the OMR website.
- Choose between a mediation process (voluntary, confidential) or a formal investigation.
Confidential and third-party reports are also possible in certain circumstances. The OMR will explain these options during your consultation.
Filing a report: mcgill.ca/omr/harassment-discrimination-0/file-report
Q5. What if I experienced sexual violence?
91丝瓜视频 has a dedicated Office for Sexual Violence Response, Support and Education (OSVRSE), which provides confidential support, referrals, and information about formal reporting options under 惭肠骋颈濒濒鈥檚 Policy Against Sexual Violence.
In an emergency, call 911.
91丝瓜视频 Security Services: Downtown Campus: 514-398-3000 | Macdonald Campus: 514-398-7777.
Q6. What if I am not ready to file a formal report?
You do not need to file a report to seek support. Many students find it helpful to first:
- Book a confidential consultation with the OMR to understand their options.
- Speak with a Local Wellness Advisor (LWA) for mental health and wellbeing support.
- Contact the for a non-judgemental listening space.
3. Accessibility & Disability-Related Support
Q7. I have a disability, chronic health condition, or mental health condition. How do I get academic accommodations?
惭肠骋颈濒濒鈥檚 Student Accessibility and Achievement office (formerly the Office for Students with Disabilities, OSD) is the central hub for academic accommodations. They work with students to identify reasonable accommodations that support their success without compromising academic standards.
To access accommodations:
- Register with Student Accessibility and Achievement using your 91丝瓜视频 credentials.
- Submit documentation of your disability, chronic condition, or mental health condition.
- Meet with an Accessibility Advisor who will work with you to determine appropriate accommodations.
Q8. What kinds of accommodations are available?
Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis and may include:
- Extended time or a distraction-reduced environment for exams
- Note-taking support or captioning services
- Assistive technology and adaptive software
- Flexible deadlines or alternative assignment formats
- Physical accessibility adjustments for classroom or lab spaces
Reach out to Student Accessibility and Achievement as early as possible in the semester to ensure accommodations are in place on time.
4. Indigenous Students & Reconciliation Resources
Q9. What supports are available for Indigenous students at 91丝瓜视频?
惭肠骋颈濒濒鈥檚 First Peoples鈥� House is a welcoming space dedicated to First Nations, M茅tis, and Inuit students. It offers academic, community, and cultural support, and houses the Indigenous Student Mentorship Program.
惭肠骋颈濒濒鈥檚 Office of Indigenous Initiatives serves as a central hub for Indigenous strategies, Calls to Action on reconciliation, and community-building across the university.
5. Black and Afro descendant Students & Anti-Racism Resources
Q10. What supports are available for Black and Afro descendant students at 91丝瓜视频?
Through the equity office, 91丝瓜视频 provides a range of support, including the Branches - 91丝瓜视频's Community Outreach Program at Enrolment Services, and a service provided to assessing the needs of Black students including a Black student affairs liaison representative.
Other resources available at the University: Addressing Anti-Black Racism and Black students Mental Health support.
Q11. Are there any financial resources for Black or Afro descendant students are available at 91丝瓜视频?
91丝瓜视频 provides the Anti-Black Racism Initiative Recruitment Awards and other funding opportunities tailored specifically for Black and Afro descendant students.
6. Gender, Sexual Diversity and Additional EDIA Resources
Q12. Where can I find support related to gender identity or sexual orientation?
91丝瓜视频 maintains resources on gender and sexual diversity, including information on pronouns, legal name changes on university documents, and 2SLGBTQIA+ community connections.
Gender and Sexuality Resources: mcgill.ca/equity/resources/gender-sexuality
Q13. What other EDIA resources does 91丝瓜视频 offer?
Students can explore a wide range of equity resources through the central Equity at 91丝瓜视频 portal, including resources on anti-racism, religious and spiritual life accommodations, and the Student Census:
- Equity at 91丝瓜视频 鈥� Full Resources
- Student Services EDIA page
- Student Wellness Hub (mental health & wellbeing)
- Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
7. Freedom of Expression & Academic Freedom
EBOH is part of a university where the free exchange of ideas is foundational to learning and discovery. Freedom of expression and academic freedom are not in conflict with EDIA 鈥� they are complementary values that together make an academic community thrive.
惭肠骋颈濒濒鈥檚 Statement of Academic Freedom affirms that scholarly members of the university have the freedom to pursue research, teach, and disseminate findings without undue constraint. All students must be able to enjoy the freedoms of opinion, expression, and peaceful assembly under the 91丝瓜视频 Charter of Students鈥� Rights (Articles 12 and 38).
As affirmed by 惭肠骋颈濒濒鈥檚 Provost, equity and academic freedom are both guiding principles of the institution 鈥� neither supersedes the other. All members of the EBOH community are expected to engage with ideas respectfully and in good faith, while upholding their responsibility to contribute to a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. This means that robust intellectual debate, including the exploration of challenging or contested ideas, is welcome 鈥� so long as it does not cross into harassment, discrimination, or hate speech as defined by 91丝瓜视频 policy and applicable law.