Call for Participants: ACIFA Focus Groups on Discrimination & Inclusion
Dear SAFA Members,
We invite you to participate in the You’re Not Alone focus groups, a key part of an ongoing initiative between the Alberta Colleges and Institutes Faculties Association (ACIFA) and the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC). These confidential discussions will explore experiences of discrimination, equity, and inclusion within ACIFA-affiliated institutions. To participate, register by April 23, 2025: Registration Link
This is an opportunity to share your experiences, contribute to meaningful change, and help shape recommendations to improve institutional policies and faculty protections.
About the Focus Groups:
- Facilitated by JHC as part of ACIFA’s broader assessment on systemic barriers.
- Held online via Zoom, with small groups (max 5-7 participants) for a safe, meaningful discussion.
- Pre-registration is required to maintain confidentiality and safety.
- Participants will receive a gift of appreciation for their time.
Upcoming Sessions from 4:30 pm – 6 pm
May 1: Racialized & Indigenous Faculty – Barriers, Tokenism, and Reconciliation
May 5: Faculty with Disabilities & Chronic Illness – Navigating Accommodations & Inclusion
May 6: Leadership Accountability & Trust – Breaking Barriers to Open Dialogue
May 7: Barriers to Reporting Discrimination & Strengthening Grievance Procedures
May 8: Equity, Workload, & Representation – Challenges for Academic Support & Part-Time Faculty
Confidentiality is our priority. No video or audio recordings will be taken, and no identifying information will be collected. Participants may choose to keep their cameras off and withdraw at any time. For questions, please contact renee@jhcentre.org.
Best,
Angelica Quesada
Direction of Research and Adult Education
John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights
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Nominations for ACIFA Officer Positions Now Open
ACIFA is the Alberta Colleges and Institutes Faculties Association, a representative professional association that acts as the provincial voice for its members, the academic staff associations of Alberta’s colleges and technical institutes. Through the collective action and resources of its members, ACIFA promotes the professional and economic well being of college and technical institute faculty in the interest of advancing the quality of post-secondary education in Alberta.
During the ACIFA Annual General Meeting, held on May 13th, 2025, at the ACIFA Conference, three positions on the Executive Council will be open for election: Vice-President Internal, Vice-President Professional Affairs, and Vice-President Finance and Records. Please see the attached document for descriptions of all three positions and the nomination form. Completed nominations forms should be emailed to admin@acifa.ca. If you have questions about this process, contact Karen Roberts, the ACIFA Administrative Officer, at the ACIFA email address.
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For additional information about attending the AGM, please refer to the email sent on April 2, 2025, or contact the SAFA Office.