This was a highly iterative, exploratory process that built upon internal and external expertise.

Method for the framework involved multiple stages:
- Defined purpose, principle, parameters, and scope.
- Reviewed and built-upon previous institutional research and reports.
- Established the outline for the framework.
- Conducted environmental scan and comparative review of Canadian universities' equity data practices.
- Consulted with leaders at other Canadian universities (e.g., University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University, Dalhousie University).
- Consulted with institutional stakeholders (e.g., Student Union, Registrar, IT Services, Faculty of Student Development, General Counsel and Privacy Office).
- Identified comparators for benchmarking of census results (e.g., StatsCan).
- Presented proposal at TRU's inaugural EDI in Action Conference.

The goal of TRU's Data Equity Fellowship project was to develop an equity data framework for students and employees to:

1. Identify and better understand equity gaps, and
2. Make data-driven decisions to advance EDI.

Lessons learned include:
- Collection of equity data is not a straightforward process.
- Many Canadian institutions are working on creating a framework for collection of equity data.
- Requires consideration on multiple levels including federal and provincial legislative environment, as well as local and institutional context and needs.
- Drafting of questions is difficult and needs to consider local context and use of language.
- Data is collected across the institution with little clarity as to an institutional approach for collection and use of equity data.
- Requires a multi-pronged approach due to need for many different types of expertise (e.g., IT, EDI, legal, human resources, Registrar, etc.).
- One of the most important outcomes has been increase in areas/individuals with EDI knowledge.