FLANAGAN: Why the University of Alberta is moving from EDI to access, community and belonging

Academic excellence and research impact have always been at the heart of the University of Alberta’s mission. We are committed to drawing exceptional talent and fostering a vibrant intellectual community that reaches across divides and reflects the rich diversity of Alberta and beyond. In his first convocation address in 1908, President Henry Marshall Tory outlined the University of Alberta’s mission “to create an intellectual and spiritual atmosphere in which prejudice and hatred could not live, a just institution whose work would be to assist in the unification of the diverse elements which enter our national life.” 

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For many years, our efforts around equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) were aimed at advancing the university’s mission as articulated by President Tory. However, the time has come for us to evolve — not just in words but in actions that better reflect the kind of community we strive to be, continuing to build on President Tory’s aspirations. This is why we are moving forward with a new framework and new language: access, community, and belonging.

This shift is more than a change in terminology. It reflects a deepened commitment to creating a university community where everyone can thrive. For some, the language of EDI has become polarizing, focusing more on what divides us rather than our shared humanity. Some perceive an ideological bias at odds with merit. Words matter, and this evolution aims to craft a shared narrative with aligned actions that resonate more universally, emphasizing common ground and fostering authentic connections.

Access, community, and belonging better highlight our aspirations. Access signals our ongoing work to remove financial and social barriers, ensuring equal opportunities for all. Community underscores our belief in collective well-being and shared purpose. Belonging reflects our goal to cultivate spaces where individuals feel valued for their unique contributions.

By ensuring a supportive community where barriers are removed and opportunities are accessible to all, we create a university where the best talent can emerge and thrive, driving academic excellence and research impact. We expand our pool of talent, perspectives and ideas, driving innovation and accomplishment that reflects the full breadth of human potential. 

As the first major Canadian university to embrace access, community, and belonging, we are leading the way in reimagining how universities can foster excellence, open inquiry and rigorous debate. Universities must be places of diversity where ideas are exchanged freely, where challenging conversations across differences are embraced, and where intellectual growth flourishes. It is not the university’s role to take ideological positions but rather to create an environment that encourages dialogue, mutual respect, and the pursuit of knowledge.

This evolution is grounded in the voices of our community. Through extensive consultations with over 1,000 community members, three words — access, community, and belonging — emerged repeatedly as the most prominent and meaningful descriptors of what we are collectively striving to achieve. These terms authentically capture the spirit of our aspirations and reflect the priorities of those who live, learn, and work within our university.

This evolution is a commitment to aligning our practices with the foundational values of a public university — curiosity, rigorous inquiry, and the search for truth. We recognize that fostering dialogue and navigating differences can be uncomfortable. Yet, it is in these moments of discomfort where transformative learning and understanding occur.

We are reimagining our story at the University of Alberta, building on President Tory’s vision. Through a focus on access, community, and belonging, and building on our foundational commitment to academic excellence and research impact, we are creating a vibrant and interconnected university community with global impact. We are fostering a university of extraordinary talent from across Alberta and around the world, where ideas are exchanged freely, differences are valued, and every voice matters.

Bill Flanagan is president and vice-chancellor of the University of Alberta.