51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú

Guided by the Equity Compass, 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Úcontinues to work towards a more equitable, diverse and inclusive environment on all our campuses. Here is a snapshot of significant progress in EDI at 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Úthis month. 

Improved Convocation processes

51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Úensures that gender-affirming names can now appear on graduation parchments for both undergraduate and graduate students. This is reflected in the official 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿ÚConvocation checklists for undergraduate and graduate preparing to cross the stage. 

The graduate name update process is also available year-round on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website. This update will also feed into the current project scoping and planning work underway by the Community of Practice’s Trans Equity Group, as part of a broader initiative to eradicate deadnaming at SFU. 

Improving student-facing supports

As part of SFU’s ongoing commitment to fostering a more accessible and inclusive campus, student services teams participated in workshops on neurodiversity. A total of 78 student-facing staff and 30 leaders participated in the sessions, which were designed to deepen understanding of neurodivergent experiences and offer practical strategies for fostering inclusive support to neurodivergent staff and students.

The workshops addressed common misconceptions about neurodiversity and highlighted the valuable contributions neurodivergent individuals make to university communities. Participants explored ways to reduce barriers for both students and staff, with a focus on how the Accessible British Columbia Act can guide the development of more equitable and accessible environments. 

As a next step, student services teams will be reviewing current practices, processes, and policies to identify potential barriers for neurodivergent students and working to develop a priority list of actionable changes. Additionally, student services will continue to engage with neurodivergent students—through student groups such as  (DNA)—to ensure that ongoing and future changes are both effective and respectful of lived experiences.

Update on the Black Student Centre

On May 9, 2025, the City of Burnaby approved building permits for the Black Student Centre at SFU, marking a significant step forward in the Centre’s development.

With permits secured, renovations will begin this summer. The redesigned Centre will include group and individual study spaces, multipurpose rooms for events and educational activities, and communal areas designed to support student connection, reflection and engagement. Renovations will enhance the Centre’s ability to offer academic support, career development services, mental health resources and culturally affirming programming.

This approval represents critical progress in realizing a vibrant, inclusive space for Black students at SFU. 

Learn more.

Black Graduate Students Writing Collective 

SFU’s Black Student Centre is launching the Black Writing Collective, a collaborative initiative developed in partnership with the Library’s graduate writing team (Research Commons and Student Learning Commons). This new program will run weekly from May 22 to August 7, 2025 and is designed to support Black graduate students in their academic journey by providing a focused, supportive and culturally affirming writing environment.

Students can work on their writing, access academic resources, and participate in micro-workshops aimed at developing key writing skills. Graduate-writing facilitators and coordinators will be on hand to offer guidance, while the collective format encourages peer support, motivation and a sense of community.

We invite the community to help spread the word and encourage eligible students to .

Days of Significance

Days and months of significance are a way to raise awareness and action about historical, cultural and equitable practices that will help create a more inclusive and just society. A list of days of significance in May is noted on our resource list.  

To view provincial/national holidays and important dates related to the academic year, please visit the Student Services website. To view dates related to major religious observances and holy days, please visit the Multifaith Centre website. 

BC AccessAbility Week: May 25-30

This week-long celebration focuses on promoting accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. It encourages reflection on ongoing efforts to remove barriers and celebrate contributions of the disability community.

EDI-Related Supports

51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Úis committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community for all. Important work is being undertaken by our Equity Office to ensure that 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Úis a safe and welcoming space for all students, faculty and staff. 

SFU's Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider has also opened a dedicated line for anyone experiencing emotional distress following the incident at the Vancouver Lapu Lapu Festival. Free, confidential support is available 24/7 for 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Úcommunity members by calling 1-833-375-0269. 

Please see our list of identity-based supports and reach out if you need help. For all other supports, please visit our community supports page.