“By participating in the Diversity Audit, the University of Potsdam has reached important milestones in its diversity work and created a solid foundation for the coming years,” says Vice President for Research, Early Career Researchers and Equal Opportunities, Prof. Dr. Barbara Höhle.
Together with six other universities, the University of Potsdam underwent a two-year process and engaged in an intensive organizational development process. Among other things, the goals were to agree on a common understanding of diversity, to engage in an open dialogue on the topics of diversity and anti-discrimination with all university employees, and to develop a custom-tailored diversity strategy for the University of Potsdam. The diversity audit was accompanied by the external auditor Dr. Isabell Lisberg-Haag and coordinated within the University of Potsdam by a steering group and a steering committee. The formulated goals were translated into concrete projects and measures by several working groups. For example, the University Senate 2022 an anti-discrimination guideline in 2022 that regulates complaint channels and procedures in cases of discrimination. Currently, a survey on diversity and experiences of discrimination at UP is being evaluated in order to identify further needs for diversity work. The two-year process was accompanied by numerous events such as the Diversity Week, a lecture series on gender diversity, and a four-part series on racism and higher education.
“Participation in the Diversity Audit initiated important discussion processes and brought the topic to the attention of the university. The sustainable structural anchoring of diversity work at UP was particularly important, because diversity and anti-discrimination are not only cross-cutting issues, but also long-term tasks. The Diversity Audit process is now complete, but the work continues,” says Dr. Nina Khan.
The certificate is valid for three years. Fifty-nine universities have successfully participated in the Stifterverband’s Diversity Audit to date.
More information:
http://www.stifterverband.org/diversity-audit
Photo: Dr. Britta van Kempen, Vice President for Teaching and Studies, and Dr. Nina Khan, Equal Opportunity and Diversity Officer (from right to left). Photo: Peter Himsel/Stifterverband
Contact:
Dr. Nina Khan, Equal Opportunity and Diversity Officer
Tel.: 0331 977-4039
Email: nina.khanuuni-potsdampde
Media Information 21-02-2023 / No. 023