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The WIDE Survey
As outlined in Towards Western at 150, Western is committed to fostering a community where equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization are embedded in everything we do. In line with the EDIDA Strategic Plan, the WIDE Survey is an important tool to understand the demographics of our Western community and support equity, diversity, and inclusion across our campus.
The updated WIDE Survey reflects the evolving language people use to describe their identities and ensures all members of our community can see themselves represented. Questions were revised by the EDI Data Working Group, following extensive consultation across campus to ensure clarity, inclusivity, and relevance.
The WIDE Survey will be available through My Human Resources and Student Center. Participation is voluntary and confidential. We strongly encourage all members of our community to complete the survey so your experiences and perspectives can help shape a more equitable and inclusive Western.
Background and Historical Context
Western launched its first community‑wide Equity Census in fall 2021.
- In March 2022, the university released the Equity Census Report, providing an initial understanding of the demographic composition of Western’s community.
- In August 2023, the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion published the 2022–23 Annual Progress Report, which expanded on the initial findings through deeper statistical analysis.
To reflect the evolving nature and broader scope of this initiative, the Equity Census was renamed to the Western Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (WIDE) Survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
For detailed step-by-step instructions, please click on the buttons below.
Steps for Students Steps for Employees
Student Center and My Human Resources (MyHR) are secure online platforms where Western students, faculty, and staff can view and update information related to their academic and employment records.
EDI data collected through these systems is protected and accessible only to authorized individuals responsible for institutional reporting.
To help safeguard this information, Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA) is required when accessing MyHR. MFA provides an additional layer of security by combining something you know (your password) with something you have (your mobile device or hardware token) to verify your identity.
Western is committed to keeping people as informed and up-to-date as possible about this important project. Individuals with further questions can contact:
Email: edi@uwo.ca
Project Lead: Dr. Michael Godfrey, EDI Data Analyst
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Data Working Group
- Chair, EDI Data Analyst – Office of EDI
- Associate Vice-President, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) – Delegate allowed
- Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) – Delegate allowed
- Member from Western Research, appointed by the Vice-President (Research)
- Member from Western Research Ethics, appointed by the Vice-President (Research)
- Member from the Office of the Registrar (OOR), appointed by the University Registrar
- Member from the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS), appointed by the Vice-Provost (SGPS)
- Member from the Office of the Vice-Provost (Academic Planning, Policy and Faculty) (APPF), appointed by the Vice-Provost (APPF)
- Member from Human Resources, appointed by the Associate Vice-President (Human Resources)
- Member of the University Secretariat, appointed by the University Secretary
- Member of Western International, appointed by the Vice-Provost (International)
- Western Privacy Office
- President of the University Students' Council (USC) – Delegate allowed
- President of the Society of Graduate Students (SOGS) – Delegate allowed
- A Senior Leader Representative from each of the Affiliated University Colleges, as determined by the President of each respective college
EDI-Related Data Needs
Members of the Western community sometimes require EDI-related information (e.g., racial identity, gender, sexuality, ability) from students, staff or faculty to inform planning-related activities or initiatives. Given the inherent sensitivity of this information, we created a series of questions about your EDI-related data needs to help steer your path forward. These questions are for consideration purposes only and will likely serve as a starting point for a broader consultation process with the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Is the EDI-related information you need for your planning activity/initiative anonymous in nature (i.e., you cannot identify individuals from the data)?
If NO: Please reach out to the Office of EDI at edi@uwo.ca for information regarding how to proceed.
If YES: Please continue to Question #2.
Do you have a set of EDI-related questions that you plan to ask respondents?
If NO: Please reach out to the Office of EDI at edi@uwo.ca for information regarding how to proceed.
If YES: Please continue to Question #3.
Have your questions been developed with/reviewed by equity-deserving community group members and/or EDI practitioners?
If NO: Please reach out to the Office of EDI at edi@uwo.ca for information regarding how to proceed.
If YES: Please continue to Question #4.
Will your project involve comparisons across demographic groups?
If NO: Please proceed with your planning activity/initiative.
If YES: Please reach out to the Office of EDI at edi@uwo.ca for information regarding how to proceed.