Equal Opportunity and Diversity at the University of Bonn
As a learning organization, the University views diversity in its community, including different capabilities, characters, experiences, constitutions, life journeys and ways of living, as both an enrichment and a challenge. When activated through networking, diversity is an essential component to revealing different potential approaches to problems, which in turn opens new perspectives, ideas, lines of questioning and ultimately more comprehensive solutions. As such, the entire University community benefits from broadened horizons and a more effective use of resources.
The University of Bonn's Diversity Strategy is now finalised and will guide our work over the next five years. Many thanks to all our partners who participated in developing the strategy, as well as to the dedicated students, teachers and staff who supported us with their feedback, suggestions and perspectives.
Mission statement
Promotion of educational justice, good working conditions, reliable career perspectives and needs-oriented services are among the obligations that the University of Bonn voluntarily accepts on itself. It can only succeed in its efforts when there is a comprehensive understanding of equal opportunity and by bringing appropriate changes to its own structural framework conditions.
The University of Bonn is making a sustained effort to promote and improve equal opportunity and diversity over the long term. To this end, University management is committed to embedding an inclusive organizational culture that systematically uncovers and eliminates (structural) inequality and exclusion mechanisms.
Equal Opportunity and Diversity Unit
The Equal Opportunity and Diversity Unit supports and advises the Rectorate in the (further) development of concepts and strategies to promote equal opportunities and diversity, supports and networks organizational units, academics and staff of the University of Bonn in the planning and implementation of activities in the field of equal opportunities, identifies good practice measures, ensures their transfer and contributes to the establishment of an organizational culture characterized by mutual appreciation and recognition.
Vice Rectorate for Equal Opportunity and Diversity
Ensuring equal opportunity for the challenges of gender equality and diversity is a university-wide strategic management objective of the University of Bonn. Professor Dr. Irmgard Förster has been the Vice Rector for Equal Opportunity and Diversity since 2021.
Key Focus Areas
Anti-Discrimination
Anti-discrimination is an essential component of diversity work. Our goal is to use anti-discrimination measures to create equal and safe working and living conditions at the university.
Educational Equity
Our work on educational equity focuses on measures to improve access to university – during undergraduate or postgraduate studies and through to career entry.
Family Friendliness and Compatibility
Family commitments are as varied as the families themselves. Our services are designed to provide flexible support that is optimally tailored to your needs.
Gender Equality
For us, gender equality means the equal participation of all genders and gender identities in university life, regardless of sexual or romantic orientation.
Inclusion and Participation
University life can present obstacles, especially for people with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses. By removing physical, digital, linguistic and other barriers, we want to make it easier for everyone to participate.
Funding Programs of the Diversity Unit
Pathways to Research
The Pathways to Research program is designed to support young people and early-career researchers with a refugee or migration background.
STEP
The Strengthening the Equal Opportunity Process (STEP) program is designed to recruit junior female scientists and professors and support them at all career stages.
Against sexualised discrimination and violence
The Vice Rectorate for Equal Opportunity and Diversity has developed a video in cooperation with the Gender Equality Office and Human Resource Development to raise awareness of sexualised discrimination and violence. With this educational video, the University of Bonn wants to draw attention to the fact that sexualised assaults can also take place in the university environment and show how those affected can find help. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexualised discrimintaion or violence, you can find recommended procedures here.
Sexualized discrimination and violence | Uni Bonn
Bild © Universität Bonn / YouTube
Ideas and suggestions
Feel free to contact us if you have ideas or suggestions for our work. Our contact form allows for sending anonymous messages as well.
Contact
Dr. Annabelle Krause-Pilatus (she/her)
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
Ruth Ellen Bischoff (she/her)
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
Notice on accessibility
In case you want to visit us in our offices, please note that the offices of the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Unit are not entirely barrier-free. If this could affect you, please inform us in advance so that we can arrange a meeting at a more suitable location.
