NSCAD Commits to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Hiring Black, Indigenous, and Racialized Faculty

Six faculties will see new instructors hired in an effort to diversify teaching and learning at NSCAD.

NSCAD University has announced a cohort hiring initiative of six faculty members who identify as Black, Indigenous, or racialized. NSCAD is adopting a cohort model to support the ambitions of equity-deserving artists, designers, and academics as well as to diversify NSCAD's faculty. The ultimate goal is to enrich the educational experience of the community. The search for new faculty has begun!

"In order for NSCAD University to be a welcoming place for all students, staff, and faculty and to continue in its role as an engine of creativity, it must reflect the rich cultural diversity of the world," said Dr. Ann-Barbara Graff, Vice-President (Academic and Research) and Provost. "NSCAD is demonstrating its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by hiring a cohort of diverse faculty in positions across the university. This will ensure that not one individual alone is responsible for our efforts to diversify, and recognizes that we are all ultimately responsible for the success of our EDI commitments."

The importance of diverse instructors

Hiring a cohort of new faculty will allow the group to share and learn from one another and for the university to provide support, mentorship opportunities and resources for the new faculty. NSCAD is also committed to providing ongoing cultural competence training to staff, faculty, and students.

"Diversity of faculty has significant, direct benefits for teaching and research in higher education. Educational experiences for students are enriched and opportunities for growth and new academic pursuits among colleagues are encouraged," said Dr. April Mandrona, Assistant Professor and Director of the Masters of Arts in Art Education program. "For NSCAD, the cohort hire is an important step toward embedding equitable relations across the campus culture."

The new faculty will join the following areas:

• Art Education
• Contemporary Ceramics
• Contemporary Sculptural Practice
• Expanded Media
• Indigenous Art Histories
• Photography and Lens-Based Practices

The goal is to have all new faculty appointments begin in July 2022. Click here to read more about NSCAD's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.