Senate Standing Committee for Equity, Diversity and Status of Women (EDSW)

The Senate Standing Committee for Equity, Diversity and the Status of Women (EDSW Committee) has a wide-ranging brief in the area of equity and diversity matters for staff and students. The Committee’s deliberations are particularly informed by the work of The Equity Office, Human Resources Division, Student Services, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit and UQ International.

Terms of Reference (Senate 9.10.03)

i. Consider and make recommendations to Senate in relation to equity, diversity and the status of women, for staff and students of the University.

ii. Facilitate the University's institutional response to its responsibilities under state and federal legislation.

iii. Enhance the coordination and accountability of equity and diversity provision across the University in areas such as policy and procedures, service provision and staff development.

iv. Consult with and advise other committees and University Boards, and officers of The University of Queensland on equity and diversity matters as appropriate.

v. Facilitate the development of strategic initiatives to promote a work and study environment that is free of harassment and discrimination.

vi. Develop and regularly review a University-wide Equity and Diversity plan, and monitor and report to Senate on its implementation.

vii. Establish sub-committees and working parties to address specific equity and diversity issues as necessary.

viii. Facilitate the University's strategic response in advancing the University of Queensland Reconciliation Statement.

The EDSW Committee has three subcommittees approved by Senate; Cultural and Linguistic Diversity and Indigenous Australians, Disability, and Gender Equity. They each have a small ‘core’ membership but are able to co-opt additional members for short periods to provide expertise in projects or research. The Chairs are automatically members of EDSW, which also has a representative on each subcommittee.

Composition (2012)

Up to three members of Senate

Ex officio:

Pro-Vice-Chancellor 
President, Academic Board, or nominee
Director, Human Resources Division, or nominee
Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit
Director, The Equity Office

Other members:

One academic staff member nominated by the Academic Staff Consultative Committee (ASCC)
One general staff member nominated by the General Staff Consultative Committee (GSCC)
One representative of Executive Deans appointed by the Committee
One representative of Heads of Schools appointed by the Committee
Two staff members representing the academic and research staff appointed by the Committee
Two staff members representing the general staff appointed by the Committee
One undergraduate student nominated by the President of the University of Queensland Union
One postgraduate student nominated by the Postgraduate Students Area Committee
Chair of the Disability subcommittee (or nominee) appointed by the Committee
Chair of the Cultural and Linguistic Diversity and Indigenous Australians subcommittee (or nominee) appointed by the Committee
Chair of the Gender Equity subcommittee (or nominee) appointed by the Committee
Power to coopt additional members from time to time to ensure diversity of views and perspectives are represented on the Committee

Observers:

Equity and Diversity Consultant (Policy and Research)
Equity and Diversity Consultant (Gatton and Ipswich)
Senior Manager, Equity and Diversity

Terms of Office

Two years for chairpersons of the permanent subcommittees and representatives of academic and research staff and general staff.

One year for nominees of the staff consultative committees, student representatives and co-opted members.

(Appointments made by Senate are for three year terms generally corresponding to the term of office of a Senate.)
 

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