University Successful in Diversity Re-Audit "Shaping Diversity

The Stifterverband highlighted the great commitment of numerous stakeholders who participated in the digital peer review in 2021 and are involved in further developing and implementing the diversity strategy of the University of Kassel. Diversity as a concept strives for the recognition of all people regardless of their social or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental abilities or other characteristics and their intersectional interdependence in order to achieve an appreciative, conscious and respectful approach to diversity and commonality(ies).

With the establishment of a position to coordinate diversity activities, the university has created structures to launch further measures in this area in the coming years. Under the leadership of Vice President Prof. Sonja Buckel, the results of the re-audit will be implemented over the next three years: "We have resolved that diversity will be systematically integrated into personnel and organizational development, diversity research will be advanced, and comprehensive discrimination protection for students and employees will be implemented." Lisa Ferin, the new Diversity Officer emphasizes, "I am pleased to be able to participate in this groundbreaking and important task for the future and to make the diversity of the University of Kassel more visible."

In 2016, the University of Kassel was the first Hessian university to participate in the "Shaping Diversity" audit. In the first auditing process, the university was supported in creating new structures and developing a diversity strategy for the university. In the re-audit, the progress made so far was reviewed, weaknesses were identified and new goals were set. To this end, the University of Kassel wrote a self-report that traced developments since 2016 and set its sights on new goals and measures. The core concern was to further advance the implementation of a diversity-friendly climate and to develop structures, offers and measures for diverse target groups and student groups. In particular, anti-discrimination work is to be expanded and diversity aspects are to be integrated more strongly into teaching and studies in order to lead students to academic success.

The university has now received the results report and the certificate, which is valid until 2024.

Founded in 1920, the Stifterverband is an association of 3,000 foundations, companies and private individuals: With its core themes of education, science and innovation, it is the only organization in Germany that provides holistic support in these three areas.

Contact:
Lisa Ferin
Coordination Diversity
Mönchebergstr. 19,  34109 Kassel
Tel.: 0561 804-7797
E-mail: diversity[at]uni-kassel[dot]de