Equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives
The University is steadfast in its commitment to fostering Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). The Vice-Chancellor's Fund is instrumental in advancing EDI initiatives, delivering vital support to LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, ethnic minority groups, and other marginalised populations within the University. These efforts ensure a more inclusive, diverse, and supportive campus for everyone.
Transition project for vulnerable student groups
A positive start
Accessibility and Inclusion Services, Student Guidance Counselling and Wellbeing Services, Accommodation Services, and Admissions and Access jointly proposed offering a pre-semester transition event for new students with autism, visual impairments, complex mobility issues, and/or those who are care experienced or estranged, and who were moving into university accommodation.
For these student groups, transitioning into a university setting and independent living could prove challenging. A positive start was essential to ensure retention and ongoing success. Historically, many students had struggled to remain in residence or had dropped out of university entirely due to these challenges. Mental health issues, in particular, were common among these groups. The aim was to take a proactive approach by introducing wellbeing strategies at an early stage and providing a sensitive induction to services and facilities when the campus was quieter and less overwhelming. The primary goal was to foster a sense of belonging and empower these new students to reach their potential.
The intention was to pilot this initiative by offering an overnight stay in accommodation prior to the move-in weekend, incorporating a programme of tailor-made support sessions designed for the specific needs of each group. The content of these sessions was directly informed by feedback from current students and best practices from other institutions that offered similar programmes.
LGBTQ+ Pride Week
Over the years, the SU_LGBTQ+ society’s Pride week has become staple in the University calendar. The event was created in hopes of creating a sense of solidarity and community throughout the university. It’s important to us that everyone, students and staff, feels welcome to join the activities and celebrations. The SU_LGBTQ+ committee and society volunteers work throughout the year to create new and exciting activities for Pride week. During the day, the society arrange for information stalls and smaller activities to be available throughout campus in hopes of educating and involving people on important factors of the LGBTQ+ community. The evening events tend to be larger, while keeping in line with a daily theme. The society host events such as film screenings, sign-making evenings, Pride Stride, and upholding tradition, ends with the Drag Show- the highlight of the year to many students.
Pride week 2020 introduced new, innovative ideas as the society held their first Pride Stride event, and an intersectionality panel, where they invited guest speakers to discuss varying experiences in the community regarding intersectionality.
We want to expand the event to have even greater reach, and impact and help even more people throughout the University.
British Sign Language Classes project
Raising awareness
The Language Exchange Society initiated British Sign Language classes with a focus on raising awareness about deafness, attracting over 100 registrations, surpassing the limit. The classes consisted of two separate 45-minute sessions accommodating 18 students each over a 9-week period.
Supported by two interpreters and an assistant dog named Charles, the classes were structured around practical conversations. This approach recognized the importance of understanding BSL's different syntax and grammar to navigate conversations effectively. Themes covered included greetings, colours, and weather. Moreover, the final class of the autumn semester featured a Christmas Special, with Vice President Communities in attendance.
Students found the classes enjoyable as it helped raise awareness and understanding within various communities.