Ruhr-Universität Bochum has always been a place of diversity and commitment. But how exactly does the university work to promote diversity? Let’s take a look at the exciting developments that have taken place since the establishment of the Vice-Rectorate for Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Development in November 2021:
All-gender toilets on campus
Anti-discrimination policy
Anti-discrimination office
Decentralized diversity officer
Inclusion plan for students
“Freedom and diversity” code
Handout for gender-inclusive language
Room of silence
The Stifterverband’s “Shaping Diversity” audit is an important step in this direction. This audit enables our university to systematically review and further develop its diversity strategies. Diversity is not an isolated issue, but encompasses aspects such as equality, inclusion and anti-discrimination.
A central goal of RUB’s diversity strategy is to firmly anchor diversity in the university’s structures. This means that diversity measures should be continued in the long term and independently of individuals or projects.
The university also works closely with other universities at regional level to strengthen the promotion of diversity and use resources more effectively. Together with the universities in the Ruhr region (UA-Ruhr), forces are pooled to promote the topic of diversity.
Another important goal is to create a university culture in which diversity and inclusion are taken for granted. People should be equally supported regardless of their origin, gender, identity, religion, etc.
The University also strives to create structures that reward and support the commitment of individuals with regard to the perception and promotion of diversity.
In order to achieve these goals, the university is working in a structured process. A steering group consisting of various members of the university steers and coordinates the process. This group regularly consults with a larger steering group (University Commission for Diversity) to ensure that all relevant aspects are taken into account.
Workshops led by the auditor are an important part of this process. In these workshops, progress to date is evaluated and analyzed and ideas for measures are developed. They reflect on what is already going well and where there is still room for improvement.
We opened the doors to the entire university community for our first workshop in April 2023. The response was overwhelming and the workshop was a complete success. Based on this positive feedback, we have decided to make this workshop an annual event.
Now we would like to invite you to actively participate in Diversity Day. Take part in our workshop entitled “Diversity Dialogue with the Vice-Rector for Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Development”. Your perspective is important to us in order to achieve goals together and create an inclusive university for all.
The workshop will take place on May 29, 2024 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the UFO. We look forward to welcoming you there. Registration information will be available shortly at https://uni.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/de/diversity-day.