RDP’s New EDI Strategy

Red Deer Polytechnic is pleased to share our new five-year Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy: Connection. Empowerment. Bravery.  The strategy highlights RDP’s commitment to creating a learning and work environment where everyone feels welcome and valued and has equal opportunities.

As an educational leader, Red Deer Polytechnic plays a pivotal role in shaping and responding to the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion landscape of central Alberta,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, RDP. “Through a collaborative effort with RDP faculty, staff and students, including active listening and continuous feedback, we are collectively creating a culture of belonging where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals are supported to reach their full potential.”

Centered around three guiding principles, Connection, Empowerment and Bravery, the EDI Strategy provides a clear roadmap for RDP to achieve our desired EDI outcomes. The RDP EDI roadmap is built on a bottom-up approach, deeply rooted in the belief that meaningful change is driven by the collective voices and actions of our community members. Based on the approach of active engagement and empowerment of students, staff and faculty, RDP has created a new EDI governance structure that includes both student and employee advisory groups.   

“Red Deer Polytechnic is committed to creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus that is accessible to all,” comments Linsay Engel, Vice President Academic and Student Experience. “Our goal is to be intentional in our actions and initiatives to achieve our stated EDI commitments. To achieve our goal, we will focus on education, communication, reviewing our current systems and processes, and engaging with the larger RDP community.”  

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy: Connection. Empowerment. Bravery supports RDP’s 2030 Strategic Plan: Productivity and Social Impact. The EDI Strategy also supports RDP’s Reconcili-Action Plan.