Diversity at Witten/Herdecke University

We at Witten/Herdecke University have traditionally seen diversity as a tremendous chance and cultivate the inclusion of all our members in their individuality and specific characteristics. Diversity and inclusion are core elements of this university's philosophy. Appreciation, acceptance and promotion of every single student and staff member at Witten/Herdecke University are therefore a priority.

All university members are called upon to adhere to this commitment.  

Some examples of how Witten/Herdecke University translates the commitment to diversity into action are described below.  

CULTURAL DIVERSITY 

Witten/Herdecke University has students and staff from a wide range of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. We aim to handle and promote this diversity with respect and tolerance, and to remove potential barriers.

The official language at Witten/Herdecke University is German, but spoken and written English is widely used. The library has a comprehensive choice of English literature. We offer German language courses to international students and staff.

GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN'S ADVANCEMENT

Equal rights for women and advancement for female students and employees play an important role in diversity management. Like elsewhere women are still underrepresented in leading positions at UW/H. The university is aware of the problem and has initiated a debate on strategies to advance women's careers and remove the glass ceiling, but not introduced a quota system so far.

WORK LIFE BALANCE

Parents have initiated and manage a day-care centre on the premisses of UW/H where preference is given to children of UW/H members. Otherwise the general allocation guidelines for nursery schools apply. 

Student parents now find a diaper changing table in every UW/H building.

An intergenerational contract for students that governs tuition payments at UW/H permits flexible curricular organization; the duration of studies has no influence on the total of tuition fees to be paid.

UW/H employees have various options of part-time work, and a company agreement entitles them to reimbursement of child care costs under certain conditions. For details see the homepage, internal section under "UW/H Handbuch".

HEALTH IMPAIRMENTS, HANDICAPS

Witten/Herdecke University integrates staff and students with impaired health or handicaps as a matter of course and aims to provide the required facilities. 

Buildings on the UW/H campus were all designed barrier free; only one annexe at Stockumer Straße does not meet requirements. But every effort is made to ensure that all seminars, lectures etc. are accessible to handicapped students.

The human resources department is in close consultation with the Equal Employment Opportunity Authorities to recruit support for seriously disabled employees. Specific facilities and aids have been provided for staff members with impaired hearing and vision.

SEXUAL ORIENTATION/IDENTITY

Regular meetings of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) university members started in November 2009. Students, staff, teachers and other interested individuals get together once per month in an informal setting (http://www.uwh-diversity.de). In addition there are special events and activities, such as manning an information desk on Open Day, and on the first day of Studium fundamentale early in each semester, participation in Christopher Street Day parades, excursions to selected events and recitations at other universities and institutions.

See the contact details on the homepage in case of problems or questions related to sexual orientation/identity. 

The team of the LGBT initiative at UW/H plays an active role in all diversity strategies and activities. 

CONTACT/NEWS/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Witten/Herdecke University has established work groups for diversity issues which are open to all university members, staff and students alike. Newly formed work groups will be announced via e-mail. See the diversity team homepage for news, information and contact details. Any ideas and suggestions to reduce barriers and promote equality are welcome. 

http://www.uni-wh.de/en/university/divisions/diversity-team/

In cases of discrimination, harassment etc., please contact the diversity team.

Contact:
Diversity team
Kirstin Schütz, M.A.
diversity@uni-wh.de
phone: 02302/926-464
Room: 1.157