SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

SDG 10

Reduced Inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries.

TRU works to eliminate barriers through accessibility services, Indigenous student support, and international education initiatives that promote inclusion and equity. The importance of equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, is explicitly articulated in TRU’s vision statement and core values. With inclusive excellence and the elimination of achievement gaps included in our strategic priorities, there is a clear commitment at TRU to foster an environment where human rights are respected and all members of our community feel safe to be their authentic selves.

Learn more about SDG 10

Discover how TRU advanced this Sustainable Development Goal in 2024/25

Equitable Admissions

Tracking Underrepresented Groups Applications

TRU collects and reports applicant demographic data, including gender, self-declared Indigenous identity and country of origin. This information is used to monitor trends among groups that may experience barriers to post-secondary education, including Indigenous learners, women and international students. These data are publicly available through TRU’s annual Factbook.

Student Admission Policy

TRU's Student Admission Policy requires admissions criteria to be transparent, fair and equitable, ensuring that applicants are assessed through consistent processes designed to support equal access.

Equity Admission

TRU's Equity Admission process reserves seats in select competitive programs for Indigenous students and other equity-deserving groups, helping increase access to post-secondary education.

Planned Actions to Recruit Underrepresented Groups

Student Recruitment

TRU Transitions Day

TRU Transitions Day welcomes Indigenous high school students to campus for workshops, activities, tours and interactions with faculty and staff, helping participants explore post-secondary opportunities and pathways to university.

Scholarships and Bursaries for Underrepresented Groups

TRU supports equitable access to post-secondary education through 56 scholarships and bursaries designated for underrepresented groups. In 2024-25, these awards provided financial support to 232 students, helping reduce barriers to participation and academic success.

Coyote Project

The Coyote Project advances Indigenous recruitment, retention and success by strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and embedding Indigenous-informed practices across the university.

Women in Trades

TRU's Women in Trades program supports the recruitment and participation of women in skilled trades through targeted programming, mentorship and hands-on learning experiences that encourage entry into traditionally underrepresented fields.

Women in Engineering

An annual Women in Engineering event engages girls in Grades 8-12 through hands-on engineering workshops and activities, providing opportunities to connect with faculty, explore engineering facilities and learn about pathways into engineering education and careers.

Girls Exploring Trades and Technology

Through Girls Exploring Trades and Technology, TRU provides female secondary school students with hands-on experiences in a variety of trades led by Red Seal instructors, helping build confidence and encouraging participation in trades education and careers.

TRU Welding Camp

TRU instructors and Welding Foundation graduates delivered a welding camp in Williams Lake, introducing participants to welding skills and skilled trades education pathways through hands-on learning experiences.

Forging Forward; Lighting the Fire of Inclusivity

TRU welding instructor Jim McCarthy partnered with Insight Support Services to deliver Forging Forward: Lighting the Fire of Inclusivity, an initiative that introduced students with autism to welding through hands-on learning and mentorship.

Gathering Our Voices

At Gathering Our Voices, a four-day gathering that provides Indigenous youth with educational opportunities and cultural programming, the TRU School of Trades and Technology delivered a hands-on workshop introducing participants to welding, plumbing and skilled trades careers.

Faculty and Staff Recruitment

Careers at TRU

TRU incorporates an equity, diversity and inclusion statement in faculty and staff job postings, encouraging applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan

TRU's Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan outlines measures to reduce barriers and increase representation of underrepresented groups in research leadership positions, supporting equitable recruitment and advancement of research faculty.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism

TRU maintains a range of policies, services and supports that advance equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, helping create a campus environment where all members of the university community can participate and thrive.

Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy

TRU's Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy prohibits discrimination and harassment and supports an inclusive workplace for employees and students, regardless of religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or place of origin.

Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism

The Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism works with students, faculty, staff and community partners to advance equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism across the university. The office provides consultation, educational workshops, policy and document review, and community engagement activities that support an inclusive campus environment.

Committees and Working Groups

TRU's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism is advanced through a network of university, faculty, departmental, Senate, student and employee committees.

Respectful Workplace and Harassment Prevention Course

This online training introduces members of the university community to harassment, discrimination and respectful workplace principles.

EDI Basics, Unconscious Bias, Active Bystander Courses

Delivered by the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism, these workshops build awareness and practical skills related to equity and inclusion. Sessions cover foundational EDI concepts, unconscious bias, and active bystander strategies to help participants foster respectful, inclusive and equitable learning and working environments.

Universities Canada Inclusive Excellence Principles

TRU upholds the Universities Canada Inclusive Excellence Principles, a national commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion through inclusive learning, working and research environments.

Support for Underrepresented Groups

TRU offers a range of mentoring, counselling and peer support programs that help foster an inclusive environment and support the success and well-being of students, faculty and staff from underrepresented and marginalized communities.

Student Mentorship Programs

TRU offers peer mentorship programs, including the Indigenous Mentor Program and Intercultural Ambassadors Program, which connect students with trained peer leaders who provide guidance, support and opportunities to build community and strengthen academic success.

Cplul'kw'ten

Cplul'kw'ten provides Indigenous students with culturally relevant supports, including mentorship, Elder support, learning circles, counselling and dedicated staff who help students navigate university life and achieve their educational goals.

Counselling Services

TRU Counselling Services provides confidential mental health and wellness support to students through individual counselling, crisis support, workshops and referrals.

Women in Trades and Technology Mentorship

The Women in Trades and Technology Mentorship Program connects women entering trades programs with experienced female tradespeople who provide guidance, support and encouragement throughout their educational and career journeys.

International Student Advisors

TRU's International Student Advisor team provides personalized, multilingual support to international students and their families, offering guidance on academic transitions, immigration matters, cultural adjustment and access to services that support student success and well-being.

BorderPass

Through a partnership with BorderPass, TRU provides international students with access to Canadian immigration lawyers and study permit support services, covering legal and subscription fees for initial study permit applications to help reduce barriers to studying in Canada.

GuardMe Student Support Program

The GuardMe Student Support Program provides all TRU students with free 24-hour access to confidential counselling, mental health resources and crisis support services in multiple languages, ensuring assistance is available whenever it is needed.

Ombaashi

TRU serves as the national coordinating centre for the Indigenous Network Mentoring Program. The Ombaashi network provides opportunities for Indigenous students to access international Indigenous mentors through online workshops, one-on-one relationships and speakers at the National Gathering.

Disability Supports

Accessible Facilities

Accessible Campus Map

TRU provides an accessible campus map that identifies accessible entrances, parking stalls, pathways, elevators and washrooms, helping students, employees and visitors navigate campus facilities and transportation routes more easily.

Inclusive and Accessible Spaces

The Intercultural Learning and the Intercultural Ambassadors Team developed a campus-wide initiative to map inclusive and accessible spaces at TRU.

Accessible Parking

TRU provides accessible parking stalls throughout campus to support equitable access to university facilities. Accessible stalls are located near campus buildings and are available to individuals displaying a valid provincial accessibility placard or an approved temporary parking permit.

Accessibility Action Plan

TRU's Accessibility Action Plan 2025-2028 includes actions to improve the accessibility of the built environment, campus infrastructure and transportation routes by identifying and removing physical barriers that affect access to university facilities and services.

Disability Supports

Accessibility Services

Accessibility Services provides academic accommodations and support services for eligible TRU students, both on campus and through Open Learning. Accommodations are tailored to individual needs based on documentation from qualified health professionals and the functional impacts of a disability or health condition.

Persons Requiring Assistance Program

TRU's Persons Requiring Assistance Program helps students, employees and visitors with disabilities or health conditions develop emergency response plans to support safe evacuation and emergency preparedness on campus.

Assistive Technology Resources

Accessibility Services provides access to assistive technologies and learning tools that support students with disabilities and health conditions. Available resources help students access course materials, complete academic work and participate fully in their studies.

Guide Dogs and Service Animals

TRU’s Animals and Pets on Campus Policy permits certified guide dogs and service animals on campus in accordance with British Columbia’s Guide Dog and Service Dog Act.

Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Policy

The Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities policy affirms TRU’s commitment to providing reasonable academic accommodations and reducing physical, attitudinal and systemic barriers to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities.

Disability Access Schemes

Student Mentorship

TRU's Student Mentorship Program connects students with trained peer mentors who provide guidance, encouragement and support as students transition to university life and develop skills for academic success.

Orientation and Transitions Mentors

TRU's Orientation and Transitions Mentors provide peer support to new students, helping them navigate campus resources, build connections and successfully transition into university life.

Education and Skills Training Program (ESTR)

The Education and Skills Training program provides students who experience barriers to employment with training, work placements and career exploration opportunities, helping participants develop skills for future employment and greater independence.

ESTR’s Market

ESTR's Market provides students with diverse abilities hands-on work experience in a supported retail environment, helping develop employability skills and prepare for future careers.

Life Skills Program

Delivered in partnership with People in Motion, the Life Skills Program supports students with physical and cognitive disabilities in developing independent living, social and employment skills, helping participants strengthen community connections and prepare for volunteering and work opportunities.

SDG 10

Reduced Inequalities

Discover how TRU advanced this Sustainable Development Goal in 2024/25

Equitable Admissions

Tracking Underrepresented Groups Applications

Student Admission Policy

Equity Admission

Planned Actions to Recruit Underrepresented Groups

Student Recruitment

TRU Transitions Day

Scholarships and Bursaries for Underrepresented Groups

Coyote Project

Women in Trades

Women in Engineering

Girls Exploring Trades and Technology

TRU Welding Camp

Forging Forward; Lighting the Fire of Inclusivity

Gathering Our Voices

Faculty and Staff Recruitment

Careers at TRU

Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism

Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy

Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism

Committees and Working Groups

Respectful Workplace and Harassment Prevention Course

EDI Basics, Unconscious Bias, Active Bystander Courses

Universities Canada Inclusive Excellence Principles

Support for Underrepresented Groups

Student Mentorship Programs

Cplul'kw'ten

Counselling Services

Women in Trades and Technology Mentorship

International Student Advisors

BorderPass

GuardMe Student Support Program

Ombaashi

Disability Supports

Accessible Facilities

Accessible Campus Map

Inclusive and Accessible Spaces

Accessible Parking

Accessibility Action Plan

Disability Supports

Accessibility Services

Persons Requiring Assistance Program

Assistive Technology Resources

Guide Dogs and Service Animals

Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Policy

Disability Access Schemes

Student Mentorship

Orientation and Transitions Mentors

Education and Skills Training Program (ESTR)

ESTR’s Market

Life Skills Program

People with Disabilities as Social Enterprise Enablers

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