The Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy recently instituted changes in the faculty hiring process to further prioritize EDI. Search committees now typically include racialized members, gender diversity, and faculty and staff at different professional levels, all of whom must complete unconscious bias training. Advertisements focus on excellence and diversity, use inclusive and gender-neutral language and emphasize the Faculty’s commitment to EDI.
Candidates are asked to include a statement discussing past, current and planned contributions to equity and diversity, and the committee is instructed to keep an EDI lens throughout the selection process and consider non-traditional career paths. The interview process includes public research and teaching talks, as well as meetings with diverse groups of stakeholders and the selection committee.
These changes to the hiring process will increase fairness in recruitment, compensation, and faculty and leadership development opportunities.