Diversity means more however than just having people from different countries on the team. Instead, among many other things it means having colleagues of varying age and gender identity, having individuals with physical disabilities, and people who live in alternative family models. - and much more. Many colleagues and students at the University of Bonn are committed to an open approach to diversity and individuality.
These individuals are committed to ensuring equal opportunity and promoting diversity, and work to raise awareness of and sensitize people to diversity issues and their many facets, and are the ones to turn to when in need of support, advice or just a sympathetic ear.
They are serving as the main go-to’s for any inquiries concerning diversity and inclusion, as we evolve into a diversity-oriented university. Thus we went to these individuals and asked them: Why are you committed to diversity, and in what areas are you active?
Dr. Gabriela Edwards
Woman in Science (WiS)
“Making the workplace a more diverse environment in which every individual matters results in smarter, more successful teams. For bringing different perspectives together yields heightened creativity. We here on the Women in Science (WiS) Committee of the LIMES Institute are a group of women from different countries and a spectrum of scientific/academic backgrounds, employed at varying career levels. Our mission is to create circumstances favorable to the careers of women working in the scientific sector. We plan and organize scientific lectures, seminars and podcasts, and provide information on career opportunities.”
Noah Madest
“Queer-Referat” in the General Students’ Committee (AStA)
“Diversity is important at our University because education is something everyone should have access to. Structural suppression mechanisms exist however that will pose access barriers if we choose to ignore their existence. As part of our approach we provide advice, write open letters to the Rectorate and serve as complaint office when objections are raised to University lecturers using insensitive or discriminatory language. We also provide social gathering places for queer students where they can interact while feeling free to openly be themselves. And additionally we provide support to trans* students with changing their name, facilitating the process.”
Laurenz Hammerschlag
Head of the University Sports Inclusion Project
“Diversity enriches an environment by foregrounding the strengths of each individual, providing for their inclusion in many different areas. Our project is designed to bring people with and without disabilities together, ensuring that everyone has access to the University’s athletic and educational offerings.“
Marina Kohl-Wagner
Integration Officer for prospective students of refugee status
“In any given setting, diversity is always an asset, as there is value in having differing perspectives. Such perspectives are best obtained in dialogue with people with life experiences that are different from one’s own. I provide assistance to refugees who are at our University, and believe firmly that their presence creates great opportunity, in that having these individuals as part of our community makes our campus even more diverse and international. As part of refugee orientation at the University, we help them prepare for the student experience.”
Dr. Anna Bernzen
Involved in the Justitia program
“Thinking about diversity, the quote often comes to mind: ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’. Back when I started my studies, there were no female law professors in my faculty. While that has now changed, in German law departments the proportion of female professors still lags behind the proportion of female law students. I too used to see being a law professor as a “man’s job” until one day I attended a lecture by a woman who would become my doctoral supervisor. Justitia is a program conducted by professors and Habilitation candidates from the Law department who are dedicated to encouraging female students to consider careers in academia. The support we provide to program participants includes sharing our experiences, helping forge networks and giving them tips of a practical nature.”
Judith Ebach
Severely Disabled Staff Representative
“I believe we can only have diversity and equal opportunity at our University by taking an active stand to overcome and eliminate barriers and avoid creating new ones—in people’s minds, in buildings and in the digital tools we use. People can come meet with me at any time, as I am dedicated in my role to addressing the issues of severely disabled employees of the University of Bonn.”
Professor Annette Scheersoi
Vice Rector for Sustainability
“What defines a diverse university? The existence of differences in terms of perspective, expertise and experience. Diversity holds tremendous potential, and it will enable us to better complete the transformation process we are in the midst of to become a sustainable university. We have set up a suggestion box to take individual suggestions for improvement, enabling everyone to play a part in this transformation process. We regularly organize various activities as well, to promote involvement,“
Xenia Lehr
Head of the Office of Family Services
“Diversity represents an opportunity when it means the will to include people of differing age, gender, religion, socio-economic background, sexual orientation and physical and mental condition. Raising awareness of family diversity and ensuring equal opportunity for families of all constellations are tasks incumbent upon broader society, but are also part of our mission at the Office of Family Services. The online poster campaign on the website of the Office of Family Services represents one of our initial contributions to these efforts.“
Credits:
Fotos Protagonisten: Gregor Hübl / Universität Bonn Erstellt mit Bildern von piyaphong - "Explosion of colored powder isolated on white background. " • wachiwit - "colorful pink, blue and yellow painted wood panel background"