Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW) aims to ensure the MSW curriculum represents the lived experiences and learning goals of our diverse student group while preparing students with the EDI competencies necessary to practice social work. Over the course of the project, the project team plans to: update the required pre-admission EDI training program and develop a manual to guide future training; strengthen the integration of EDI into the MSW student orientation and develop a manual to guide future EDI-centered orientations; develop a “Lunch & Learn” EDI-focused speaker series; review all MSW courses to identify what areas can be improved to strengthen FIFSW’s EDI-centered curriculum. We will also create resources that better reflect the current Canadian sociocultural context and illustrate EDI-focused practice principles.
Outcomes
A new Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Training Program has been developed to support incoming first-year and advanced standing students. This initiative is part of a broader effort to embed EDI principles into the student experience from the outset.
Alongside the training, the project introduced new orientation protocols designed to enhance student onboarding. These protocols prioritize accessibility, provide clear guidance on available mental health supports, and outline procedures for reporting EDI-related incidents ensuring students are welcomed into an environment committed to inclusion and accountability.
As part of this work, a comprehensive review of course outlines across the one-year and two-year programs was conducted. This review focused on the integration of EDI principles in curriculum design and delivery. Findings were reported back to the Faculty, along with targeted strategies to further embed EDI across the curriculum in meaningful and sustainable ways.