Call for Applications: ALSS Equity and Diversity Committee
The Equity & Diversity Committee is chaired by the ALSS Ombudsperson and is responsible for fostering an equitable and respectful learning environment at Allard Law. Through inquiry, education, respectful dialogue and outreach on issues related to the wide variety of student backgrounds, concerns and lived experiences, the Committee strives to promote its vision among Allard Law students, faculty and administrators. This vision is to create a progressive and holistic learning environment that respects, values, and includes the diverse perspectives that are present in Canadian society. To that end, it devotes considerable focus on the representation of women, LGBTQ+ students, Indigenous people, those who live with a disability and visible minorities within the law school, while remaining live to the voices of other individuals and groups with equity and diversity concerns.
In addition to the Ombudsperson, the Equity and Diversity Committee is comprised of the ALSS President, the ALSS Indigenous Director of Student Affairs and Members-at-Large with equal representation from each year level.
This year, the Equity and Diversity Committee is seeking six (6) Members-at-Large (two 1Ls, two 2Ls, and two 3Ls) to sit on this important Committee. The Committee will meet at least once a month throughout the year to discuss equity and diversity concerns that arise within the law school, to establish educational initiatives meant to promote dialogue and understanding amongst the student body, and to act as a mechanism for feedback to faculty administrators. Committee members will be expected to attend all meetings, and to liaise with fellow students on an ongoing basis to stay informed on the equity and diversity concerns of law students. Additionally, this year a wellness component will be introduced, with one Committee member being chosen to sit on the UBC Wellbeing Network as a representative for Allard Law. In an effort to engage as many students as possible in pursuing these goals, current executive members of ALSS Clubs will be excluded from consideration, but will no doubt be key contacts for Equity and Diversity members throughout the year.
If you are passionate about promoting a fair, respectful and inclusive environment, and wish to be a part of the important work of the Equity and Diversity Committee, you are encouraged to submit an application. This requires no more than 200 words outlining your interest and qualifications to the ALSS Ombudsperson Catriona Dooley at ombuds@allardlss.com before the application deadline of 4:00p.m. on Friday, September 25th, 2015. Applicants will be selected by the consensus of the ALSS Ombudsperson, President and Indigenous Director, and successful applicants will be informed via email prior to the committee’s 1st meeting at 12:30p.m. on Friday, October 9th, 2015.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.
Best regards,
Catriona Dooley
Ombudsperson, Allard Law Students’ Society
Peter A. Allard School of Law
1822 East Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1