CIFAR Surveys for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Frequently Asked Questions – CIFAR Communities
DEMOGRAPHIC SURVEY
Why is CIFAR collecting this data?
Excellence flourishes in an environment that embraces the broadest range of people. This data will support CIFAR’s commitment to creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, which will in turn support international research excellence and collaboration. More specifically, the data will assist with evaluating the progress of our EDI Action Plan, identifying and removing barriers and determining what initiatives are needed to advance EDI in CIFAR’s community.
Who should complete the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) survey?
All staff, board members, President’s Advisory Council members and researchers (Advisors, Program Directors, Fellows, Scholars) within CIFARs programs, Solutions Networks and Canada CIFAR AI chairs are asked to complete the survey. This will take place during our customary reporting period along with annual reporting.
How do I access the survey and how long will it take to complete?
A link will be provided and the survey should only take about five minutes to complete.
Can I change my answers?
You will have an opportunity to complete the survey each year during the reporting period; however, you will not be able to access your survey to update it once it has been submitted.
Can I delete my answers after I have submitted?
No. You will not be able to access the survey to delete answers once it has been submitted.
What should I do if I am not comfortable responding to these questions? Do I have to complete the survey?
If you do not want to self-identify, you have the option to choose “prefer not to say” for each question. You must select an option for each question to complete and submit the survey.
How will this data be used? How will it be stored?
This data is collected, used, disclosed, retained and disposed of by third party provider Diversio in accordance with privacy legislation. Collected responses are anonymized and aggregated such that specific responses can never be matched to an individual. CIFAR will only be provided with anonymized aggregated data. Diversio’s privacy statement.
Why are these particular demographic questions asked?
The survey gathers a broad range of demographic information – this includes information about age, citizenship, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, Indigeneity, racial or ethnic community. This data will help us understand our community and identify any gaps in representation.
How was the terminology in the survey chosen?
Identity is personal and complex, so we looked at a wide variety of terminology and considered many ways to collect this information. We are working with equity diversity and inclusion experts at Diversio who have spent years consulting with specialists within the EDI community to develop and test the questions.
I do not identify with any equity-deserving group. Why should I complete the survey?
The primary goal of this survey is to gain a deeper understanding of the composition of our community. Your personal participation in the survey is a way to be part of our collective action towards advancing EDI at CIFAR.
Why does the survey ask about my experiences at CIFAR?
By collecting data about inclusion, we can better understand the lived experiences of members of the CIFAR community. This is valuable data that will help us to promote an inclusive, safe, accessible, equitable and respectful environment for all.
Will my responses have any bearing on my status at CIFAR?
No. Collected responses are anonymized and aggregated such that specific responses can never be matched to an individual. CIFAR will only be provided with anonymized aggregated data.