Dalhousie's Be Counted campaign kicked off earlier this month encouraging faculty and staff to participate in a revised university census organizers say will allow more people to see themselves accurately reflected.
Now in its ninth year, the census provides valuable insight into the diversity of Dalhousie's community. The information helps inform programs, services, and initiatives that advance equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (EDIAB) across the university.
"The census takes just two minutes to complete, but those are two very important minutes you can give to yourself and your community," says Huwaida Medani, manager, Employment Equity and lead on this year's campaign.
This year, several questions have been updated. Beyond the survey committee’s review, members of the Dal community provided feedback, particularly on language and definitions, including strengthened terminology related to Indigenous Peoples, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
“Accurate data matters. It helps us better understand who we are as a university and informs decisions that affect our people, policies, and programs,” says Medani.” It also supports accreditation requirements, strengthens our relationships with local communities, and enhances our ability to engage and collaborate on a global scale."
While Dal’s awareness campaign ends Monday, October 19, the census remains open year-round and can be updated at any time.
How to complete the census
To participate, visit dal.ca/becounted and follow the instructions provided:
1. Go to dalonline.dal.ca (login required)
2. Log in using your NetID and password.
3. Select the Personal Information tab.
4. Select the last option, Dalhousie Census Be Counted.
Employees experiencing access issues are encouraged to try using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari, and, if working off campus, ensure they are connected through Dalhousie’s VPN.
Why participation matters
All faculty and staff with paid or unpaid positions at the university, including emeritus professors, are encouraged to complete the census. Participation is voluntary, but every response helps create a more accurate picture of the people who work and learn at Dalhousie.
→ Watch the census video to learn more about the purpose of the census.
Even employees who have completed the census in previous years are being encouraged to log in and review their information to ensure it reflects their current identity and experiences.
The census supports the goals of A Rising Tide, Dalhousie's strategic framework, by providing the information needed to better understand our community and shape priorities, programs, and supports for the future. Census data also helps meet employment equity reporting requirements under the Federal Contractors Program and contributes to accreditation-related efforts within some faculties.
“Hearing from all employees, particularly members of equity-deserving groups, helps ensure the university's programs, policies, and supports are informed by the realities of its community,” says Medani.
New leadership for the census
This year marks a transition in leadership for the census after Medani’s position moved earlier this year to the Office for Equity and Inclusion (OEI) within People and Culture.
As part of this year’s awareness campaign, Medani has been working with Employment Equity Leads across the university to promote participation. Throughout October, she is visiting select departments and team meetings.
She is also available to present to Faculties and administrative units interested in learning more about the census and its impact. Units interested in hosting a presentation can contact becounted@dal.ca.
Accessible options available
Printed copies of the census are available upon request for employees who lack regular access to a computer. Faculty and administrative units can contact becounted@dal.ca to request copies for their areas.
A printable PDF version of the census is also available on dal.ca/becounted and can be completed and mailed directly to the Office for Equity and Inclusion, Room 150, Henry Hicks Academic Building, 6283 Alumni Crescent, Studley campus.
Looking ahead
Results from the 2026 census will be compiled into a report that will be shared with the university community in spring 2027 and will be made available on the Be Counted website mentioned above.
Questions about the census can be emailed to becounted@dal.ca. You can also review a series of FAQs on dal.ca/becounted.
“Thank you for helping build a stronger, more equitable, and inclusive Dalhousie by making sure you are counted,” says Medani.
Protecting privacy
All census information remains confidential. Responses are not shared with managers or supervisors and are not linked to employee records.