Reduced Inequalities
The societal impact focuses on reducing inequalities and ensuring no one is left behind. It envisions communities that are free of discrimination and have access to equitable opportunities and where students from diverse backgrounds have equal access to quality education and opportunities for personal growth. By fostering a sense of community, Lakehead University looks to bridge the gap between different socioeconomic groups and empower students to overcome barriers to achieve their full potential.
Measures Against Discrimination
10.6.1 Non-discriminatory admissions policy
Does your university as a body have an admissions policy which is non-discriminatory or which details and explains the logic for any appropriate positive discrimination policies in admissions, which is publicly posted?
Lakehead University maintains a non-discriminatory admissions policy, in alignment with its Human Rights Policy (last updated 2022), and Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Lakehead University is committed to providing all university members, applicants and visitors an environment that is free of discrimination.
As an institution focused on access and equity, Lakehead University ensures that applicants from all backgrounds, who meet the program requirements, have equal opportunity to pursue post-secondary education free from discrimination and harassment on the grounds of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, visible or not visible disability, age, marital status and family status.
The Human Rights Policy affirms Lakehead’s commitment to non-discrimination by promoting EDI (equity, diversity, and inclusion) in recruitment and access to academic programs. The policy includes the following provisions:
Upholds these principles for underrepresented groups, including Indigenous peoples, racialized groups, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals
Applies to all university activities, including recruitment, admissions, and student services
Recognizes that equity may require measures to ensure fair access to opportunities
Lakehead University’s policies are publicly available through its official website found here. Policies are developed and managed by the University Secretariat through an impartial, fair governance process guided by Lakehead’s Policy Guidance Framework.
The Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan includes indicators that focus on recruitment and retention of a diverse student body and workforce including underrepresented groups. Included in this plan is a comprehensive assessment of admission criteria to identify and address any potential biases.
Where appropriate, Lakehead University implements admissions measures to support underrepresented groups, particularly Indigenous and racialized students, through targeted outreach, pathway programs, and holistic admission reviews.
10.6.2 Access to university track underrepresented groups applications
Does your university as a body measure/track applications & admissions of underrepresented (and potentially underrepresented) groups including ethnic minorities, low-income students, non-traditional students, women, LGBT students, disabled students, and newly settled refugee students?
The Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) introduced the Ontario Postsecondary Access and Inclusion Program (OPAIP) in 2018 to address non-financial barriers to postsecondary education for underrepresented groups. OPAIP is designed to target a broader group of Ontarians, for whom intervention and support may increase the likelihood of both access to and success in postsecondary education. OPAIP-eligible participants include but are not limited to:
Secondary school students with low credit accumulation and/or low achievement rates
Adults who have not completed their Ontario Secondary School Diploma
Students in rural or remote communities with limited access to outreach/transition supports
Students with disabilities
First-generation students
Racialized students
Indigenous students
Newcomers to Canada
LGBTQ+ students
Low-income students
Through Lakehead University's Strategic Plan and Annual Reporting Cycle to the Board of Directors, the university measures and tracks admissions of underrepresented groups annually. Lakehead University has made explicit commitments to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion by systematically tracking the representation of underrepresented and potentially underrepresented groups within its student population. These commitments are articulated through regular reporting throughout the year to Lakehead University’s Board of Governors, including metrics to monitor Indigenous enrolment, evaluate the participation of marginalized students in specific programs, and assess overall student population demographics compared with the surrounding regions.
Metric 8 - Lakehead’s domestic student population will reflect the demographics and diversity in the regions served by the University providing a broader, regional lens by comparing Lakehead’s student body with the population demographics of Northwestern Ontario, which includes Thunder Bay, Kenora, and Rainy River, and Simcoe County.
Lakehead Thunder Bay Campus:
% of Population Self-identifying as Female | % of Population Self-identifying as Indigenous | % of Population Self-reported Disabilities | Progress Towards Target | |
Northwestern Ontario (2016 Census) | 49.5% | 25.5% | 3.2% | - |
2018/19 | 58.2% | 14.4% | 11.4% | Target achieved |
2019/20 | 58.2% | 15.2% | 12.8% | Target achieved |
2020/21 | 57.2% | 13.7% | 13.8% | Target achieved |
2021/22 | 56.9% | 13.1% | 11.7% | Target achieved (impacted by COVID-19) |
2022/23 | 58.8% | 12.4% | 11.3% | Target achieved (impacted by COVID-19) |
2023/24 | 57.1% | 12.4% | 15.0% | Target achieved (impacted by COVID-19) |
Lakehead Orillia Campus:
% of Population Self-identifying as Female | % of Population Self-identifying as Indigenous | % of Population Self-reported Disabilities | Progress Towards Target | |
Simcoe County (2016 Census) | 48.0% | 4.7% | 2.5% | - |
2018/19 | 67.6% | 8.9% | 12.8% | Target achieved |
2019/20 | 67.4% | 7.4% | 11.9% | Target achieved |
2020/21 | 67.5% | 5.7% | 11.5% | Target achieved |
2021/22 | 68.4% | 5.6% | 10.0% | Target achieved (impacted by COVID-19) |
2022/23 | 65.3% | 5.2% | 8.9% | Target achieved (impacted by COVID-19) |
2023/24 | 65.5% | 5.1% | 12.9% | Target achieved (impacted by COVID-19) |
Metric 10: Indigenous student enrolment at both baccalaureate and graduate levels monitors the number of students who self-identify as Indigenous at both undergraduate and graduate levels, relative to the total number of domestic students.
Year | Self-Identified Indigenous Students | % (Actual) | Progress Towards Target |
2017/18 | 1017 | 14.3% | - |
2018/19 | 1079 | 15.1% | Achieved target |
2019/20 | 1063 | 15.2% | Achieved target |
2020/21 | 948 | 13.5% | Positive trend |
2021/22 | 922 | 13.0% | Positive trend |
2022/23 | 882 | 12.4% | Positive trend |
2023/24 | 860 | 12.1% | Positive trend |
2024/25 | 928 | 12.4% | Positive trend |
Metric 16: Increase enrolment of under-represented student groups in specific programs. The groups are identified as follows:
women
visible minorities,
Indigenous peoples, and
students with disabilities
Year | Percentage | Progress Towards Target |
Baseline | 48% | - |
2018/19 | 51% | Achieved target |
2019/20 | 54% | Achieved target |
2020/21 | 55% | Positive trend |
2021/22 | 58% | Positive trend |
2022/23 | 59% | Positive trend |
2023/24 | 63% | Positive trend |
2024/25 | 64% | Positive trend |
The Equity Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan also includes a mission to establish "equitable and inclusive principles and practices to realize a university where diversity thrives", and commits to recruiting and retaining students from under-represented groups.
10.6.3 Access to university underrepresented groups recruit
Does your university as a body deliver programmes to recruit students/staff/faculty from under-represented groups?
Lakehead University has made an explicit commitment to Universities Canada Inclusive Excellence Principles and remains committed to being an active champion of equity, diversity and inclusion on our campuses, in our communities and across the country. The Inclusive Excellence Principles express shared values of openness, fairness and tolerance including the following principles:
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: University leaders and institutions actively champion equity, diversity, and inclusion, making it a visible priority across campuses.
Equity in Access and Advancement: Barriers are identified and addressed to support recruitment, retention, and career progression for students, faculty, staff, and leaders from under-represented groups.
Evidence-Based Integration: Inclusive excellence is embedded across teaching, research, governance, and community engagement, guided by proven practices and shared nationally and internationally.
Lakehead University’s new strategic plan, EvoLUtion 2025-2030, is built around five interrelated and interconnected strategic themes:
- Expanding student opportunity and success,
- Sustainable economic and community development and entrepreneurship,
- Advancing our societal impact,
- People and culture, and
- Financial sustainability.
Through the People and Culture pillar, Lakehead University confirms its institutional commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion by implementing strategies to recruit and retain students, staff, and faculty from under-represented groups, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ2S+ communities.
As part of its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, Lakehead University offers unique access programming designed to provide the necessary skills and academic preparation for a successful transition into university studies.
As part of its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, Lakehead University offers unique access programming designed to provide the necessary skills and academic preparation for a successful transition into university studies.
To support students who might not meet regular or mature student admission criteria, Lakehead University offers the Indigenous Transition Year Program, an Indigenous Nursing Entry Program, and an Indigenous STEM Access Program (ISTEM) that provides opportunities for Indigenous students to pursue a university education in an academically, socially and culturally supportive environment.
Lakehead University also delivers community-based outreach programs, called Humanities 101 and Humanities 201, for community members who have a love of learning and face financial or social barriers to experience a university-level educational experience. These programs do not provide entry into Lakehead University but provide opportunities to various educational opportunities and paths.
10.6.4 Anti-discrimination policy
Does your university as a body have an anti-discrimination policy?
Lakehead University’s Human Rights Policy (last updated in 2022) is a comprehensive policy based on Ontario’s Human Rights Code that affirms every community member's right to work and study in an environment free from racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of discrimination or harassment. Lakehead is guided by its mission to institutionalize equitable and inclusive principles and practices, fostering an environment where diversity thrives. The policy includes provisions which:
Outlines response mechanisms to harassment and discrimination
Applies to students, faculty, staff, and volunteers across all university settings.
Promotes prevention through education, training, and the Office of Human Rights and Equity
During the 2023–24 academic year, Lakehead continued to implement actions outlined in the Equity Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, which includes key activities and strategies to increase knowledge and understanding among the university community of anti-discrimination policies and reporting.
Lakehead University’s policies are publicly available through its official website found here. Policies are developed and managed by the University Secretariat through an impartial, fair governance process guided by Lakehead’s Policy Guidance Framework.
10.6.5 University diversity officer
Does your university as a body have a diversity and equality committee, office and/or officer (or the equivalent) tasked by the administration or governing body to advise on and implement policies, programmes, and trainings related to diversity, equity, inclusion and human rights on campus?
The mandate of the Office of Human Rights and Equity is to promote and protect the human rights of students, employees and volunteers at Lakehead University. The office advises on implementing policies, programmes and training related to diversity, equity, inclusion and human rights on campus and supports staff, faculty and students in reporting potential violations of human rights.
10.6.6 Support for underrepresented groups
Does your university as a body provide mentoring / counselling / peer support programmes to support students, staff, faculty from underrepresented groups?
Lakehead University is committed to providing comprehensive support for all members of our community, including those from underrepresented groups. In 2023-2024, 95% of Lakehead University’s domestic undergraduate student population faced at least one barrier to accessing higher education. These barriers may include being a first-generation student, having a disability, entering through an entry or transfer program, receiving financial aid, coming from a rural, northern or remote community, being an Indigenous student, or having a low entering average.
The Student Health and Wellness Centre serves as a hub for students of various support services offering counselling, mentoring and peer support programs. Notably, we also provide access to TalkCampus, an anonymous app available to Lakehead students. This app facilitates peer support and offers a professional crisis support helpline.
For self-identified Indigenous students, the Indigenous Student Services Centre is a dedicated culturally supportive environment supporting academic success through a range of specialized services. This includes the Elder in Residence program which invites an Indigenous elder or knowledge keeper to provide traditional knowledge, cultural guidance, cultural teachings and counselling to students and staff. This service is open to all students, faculty and staff.
Lakehead International also provides tailored support for international students through the International Student Centre.
Lakehead University is committed to the holistic well-being of our community. This commitment is articulated through the university’s Wellness Strategy. We believe that investing in health and wellness interventions is integral to our collective success, both in the academic setting and the workplace.
10.6.7 Accessible facilities
Does your university as a body provide accessible facilities for people with disabilities?
Lakehead University is dedicated to ensuring the full inclusion and active participation of individuals with disabilities in all facets of university life, including the provision of accessible facilities. We adhere to all applicable legislation and regulations including the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
There are several ongoing initiatives and policies enacted by Lakehead University that ensure the provision of accessible facilities and support services for people with disabilities, including the Provision of University Goods and Services to Persons with Disabilities Policy (last reviewed in 2021) which ensures that campus spaces and services are accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities, and the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.
The Student Accessibility Services Centre at Lakehead University facilitates the provision of academic accommodations for students with temporary and/or permanent disabilities/medical conditions. The staff collaborates with students, staff and faculty to develop strategies for a successful learning experience while maintaining the academic standards and requirements.
Creating an inclusive and supportive work environment is a priority for Lakehead University. The University recognizes that employees may, at times, experience medical conditions that require workplace adjustments to enable them to perform their essential job functions effectively, and has information on medical accommodations for employees here.
The guiding principles of the Employee Medical Accommodation program are detailed in the Accommodation for Employees with Disabilities Policy and Procedure (temporary and permanent, work and non-work related) found here.
The Office of Human Rights and Equity also supports students, faculty and staff who may require accommodations because of their disability, religion/creed, or family status.
10.6.8 Disability support services
Does your university as a body provide support services for people with disabilities? (e.g. personal assistants, interpreters)
The Office of Student Accessibility Services facilitates the provision of reasonable academic accommodations and services for students with temporary and/or permanent disabilities/medical conditions. Services include accommodations like personal assistants, notetakers, interpreters, and assistive technology.
Lakehead University has various policies and procedures in place to ensure people with disabilities are supported. This includes the provision of accommodations for employees and staff through the following policies.
Lakehead University’s Accommodation for Employees with Disabilities Policy (established in 2018) ensures equitable support for staff with disabilities, reinforcing the University’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion in the workplace. The policy:
Provides individualized accommodation plans for employees with temporary or permanent disabilities.
Aligns with the Ontario Human Rights Code and related legislation to ensure fair treatment and participation.
Outlines responsibilities and procedures to guide the accommodation process while respecting dignity and integration.
Lakehead University’s Provision of University Goods and Services to Persons with Disabilities Policy (last reviewed in 2021) extends accessibility beyond the workplace, ensuring services are inclusive and respectful of all individuals. The purpose of this policy is to:
Deliver goods and services in ways that uphold dignity, independence, and equal opportunity for people with disabilities.
Supports the use of personal assistive devices, service animals, and other accessibility measures across campus.
Applies to all employees, volunteers, and contractors, and includes training to improve communication and service provision for persons with disabilities.
Lakehead University’s policies are publicly available through its official website found here. Policies are developed and managed by the University Secretariat through an impartial, fair governance process guided by Lakehead’s Policy Guidance Framework.
10.6.9 Disability access scheme
Does your university as a body provide access schemes for people with disabilities?
The Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) offers dedicated support for students with disabilities. Similar services are available for faculty and staff who require support due to disability and medical conditions through the Office of Human Resources and the Office of Human Rights and Equity.
Lakehead University’s campuses are fully accessible to students with disabilities, including tutoring, note-taking support, checklists, assistive technologies, and other accommodations to support student needs.
Targeted financial support for students with disabilities/medical conditions can be accessed through Student Awards and Financial Aid and the Office of Student Accessibility Services.
10.6.10 Disability accommodation policy
Does your university as a body have reasonable accommodation policy/strategy implemented, including adequately funded mechanism for persons with disability?
Lakehead University has made an explicit commitment to Universities Canada Inclusive Excellence Principles and remains committed to being an active champion of equity, diversity and inclusion on our campuses. Lakehead’s commitment to accessibility, equity and inclusion is articulated through the Strategic, Academic, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action plans.
The Office of Student Accessibility Services facilitates the provision of academic accommodations for students with temporary and/or permanent disabilities/medical conditions. The provision of services for students with disabilities and medical conditions are articulated through Lakehead University’s Accommodations and Access for Students with Disabilities/Medical Conditions Policy (last reviewed in 2022).
This policy states Lakehead’s commitment to providing academic accommodations (individualized adjustments to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to education) which includes:
Accommodations are tailored to each student’s needs and informed by legal obligations
Education providers have a duty to accommodate students adversely affected by academic standards or requirements
Accommodations support access without compromising academic integrity or program requirements
Academic accommodations may involve changes in curriculum delivery, participation, or evaluation methods
Accommodations and supports are also articulated through the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and can be accessed by faculty and staff members through the Office of Human Resources.
Finally, creating an inclusive and supportive work environment is a priority for Lakehead University. The University recognizes that employees may, at times, experience medical conditions that require workplace adjustments to enable them to perform their essential job functions effectively, and has information on medical accommodations for employees here.
The guiding principles of the Employee Medical Accommodation program are detailed in the Accommodation for Employees with Disabilities Policy and Procedure (temporary and permanent, work and non-work related) found here.
The Office of Human Rights and Equity also supports students, faculty and staff who may require accommodations because of their disability, religion/creed, or family status.
10.6.11 Anti-harassment policy
Does your university as a body have an anti-harassment policy?
Lakehead University’s Human Rights Policy (previously named the Harassment and Discrimination Policy, last reviewed in 2022) is a comprehensive policy on harassment and discrimination that articulates our commitment as an institution that is diverse in its content, structure and people. Lakehead is guided by our mission to institutionalize equitable and inclusive principles and practices, fostering an environment where diversity thrives.
The policy includes the following provisions:
Upholds these principles for underrepresented groups, including Indigenous peoples, racialized groups, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals
Applies to all university activities, including recruitment, admissions, and student services
Identifies harassment and discrimination procedures including reporting harassment, confidentiality notices, alternative resolution processes and formal resolution process.
Lakehead University’s policies are publicly available through its official website found here. Policies are developed and managed by the University Secretariat through an impartial, fair governance process guided by Lakehead’s Policy Guidance Framework.
The Equity Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan also includes key activities and strategies to increase knowledge and understanding among the university community of anti-harassment policies, practices and reporting.