Diversity Unit
In keeping with its mission statement, the ZHAW shapes and practices a university culture based on appreciation, dialogue and participation as well as on its principles of diversity and equal opportunities.
Diversity as a social obligation and opportunity
The diversity of the university’s staff and students and the different walks of life they come from both enrich and challenge the university as an organisation. An inclusive university structure requires a framework in which everyone feels recognised and equal. Only then can the ZHAW’s richness of different perspectives come into play as a key factor in driving innovation.
The university, as an educational institution subject to public law, assumes social responsibility by aligning its actions with the legal requirements and ethical demands placed on it by a pluralised and sustainable society. As an employer and educational organisation, we take the duty of care and support we have towards all of the ZHAW’s staff and students seriously.
Objective
Diversity, inclusion and equality are to be anchored in the structures and culture of the ZHAW. In particular, we are committed to ensuring diversity-appropriate working and study conditions, actual equality for all genders and people with disabilities, and inclusive teaching.
Tasks
The Diversity Unit is responsible for institutional diversity and inclusion management at the ZHAW and is based centrally within the General Secretariat. We work closely with the Schools, in particular with their respective Diversity Officers, as well as with the various central organisational units.
The Diversity Unit performs a wide range of tasks:
Counselling and support
- Coordination of the ZHAW’s counselling services
- Personal and professional advice on diversity aspects and topics
- Counselling on and intervention in connection with issues concerning discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying
- Counselling on and financial support services for reconciling private and work/study life
- Counselling on and management of academic accommodations
Training and raising awareness
Prevention, awareness-raising and skills development through campaigns, training courses and events
Networking and anchoring
- Networking of the university's staff and students (peer-to-peer groups) and establishment of their concerns
- Initiation and implementation of projects and anchoring of procedural, structural and cultural changes
