Introduction

On March 17, 1988, The University of Western Ontario ("Western") became a signatory to the Federal Contractors Program. By so doing, Western declared its commitment to achieving and maintaining a fair and representative workforce.

This commitment was affirmed in November, 1988, when Western adopted its own employment equity policy. The Employment Equity Program, MAPP 3.2 (appended), states as follows:

While the fundamental principle is to select the most suitably qualified candidate for any open position, The University of Western Ontario is dedicated to employment equity as a vital component of its human resources management. The University also recognizes that employment equity is consistent with the educational and corporate philosophy of this institution. Accordingly, The University of Western Ontario seeks to integrate fully the principles of employment equity with its other human resources policies and procedures in order to ensure all present and potential employees receive equitable treatment in all matters related to employment.

Employment Equity means that each individual will have genuine access to employment opportunities that are free from artificial barriers, systemic or otherwise. It also means The University of Western Ontario will take steps, where appropriate, to ensure that throughout the entire organization representation rates of historically disadvantaged groups reflect their availability within the external labour force.

Final responsibility and accountability for the University's employment equity plan rests with the President.

Recognizing that the success of any employment equity program relied upon input from Western's employees, the President's Standing Committee for Employment Equity ("PSCEE") was created in 1989. The Committee included representatives of the administration, the employee unions and associations, and the four designated groups - women, visible minorities, Aboriginal peoples and persons with disabilities. The Committee is required to prepare and submit an annual report to the President, including specific recommendations, which is to be released to the University community.

In 1993, Western's first Employment Equity Work Plan was approved by Senate and the Board of Governors. The development of such a work plan is one of the criteria of the Federal Contractors Program, discussed further below, and a requirement of Western's own Employment Equity Program.

It has been some time since an annual report was submitted to the President. With the preparation and submission of this report, however, the Committee is beginning the process of reaffirming Western's commitment to employment equity.