Diversity and inclusion work

How can higher education better support diverse students and staff to fulfil their potential? Find advice on university diversity and inclusion policies and actions that open pathways into higher education to non-traditional students and support student success for diverse cohorts by building inclusive institutions. Plus, learn how to achieve greater diversity at every level of academia and make everyone feel they belong.

Brightly coloured paper cut outs of hands reach towards the sky

Five questions to consider when embedding cultural competency for internationalisation

Cultural competency involves seeing the world through the lens of other people, across race, gender and age barriers, among others. Shuangyu Li outlines the five questions to ask when embedding it

Shuangyu Li

King’s College London

A yellow ball rolls out ahead of blue blocks

We can face the challenge of corporatisation by embracing subversive leadership

Educational developers must balance the corporatisation of higher education with providing transformative education. To do this, subversive leadership is the key, argues Richard McInnes

Richard McInnes

Adelaide University

The importance of Black spaces in white academia

An epistemological approach is needed to build more inclusive environments, argues Blanca Elizabeth Vega in this excerpt from Black Scholarship in a White Academy

Blanca Elizabeth Vega, Robert T Palmer, Sosanya Jones, Alonzo M Flowers

Montclair State University

A woman gives a presentation to a seated crowd in front of a whiteboard

Difference matters – and embracing it can change the world for all women

Joy Johnson reflects on her journey from inner-city hospital nurse to president of Simon Fraser University, and offers her advice on being a woman in leadership

Joy Johnson

Simon Fraser University

The language of inclusivity is not inclusive

Terms such as equity, diversity and inclusion give the impression that they are dealing with what is present. In fact, EDI work deals with what is absent, writes Pascal Matthias. He offers ways to think, speak and write differently

Pascal Matthias

University of Southampton

How to help first-generation students navigate the challenges of higher education

First-generation university students face distinct challenges. Strategies such as mentoring programmes and conversations that celebrate their achievements can help them succeed

Lyn R. Keith

The University of the West Indies

A road map for advancing digital inclusion for your students, staff and community

A multi-departmental and collaborative approach to digital skills training has helped tackle digital exclusion at Staffordshire University. Raheel Nawaz explains the key initiatives

Raheel Nawaz

University of Staffordshire

Black academic presenting at medical conference

Lots of talk about diversity in corporations, but what about universities?

Why real progress won’t be made unless universities solve three persistent issues: access to networks, unconscious bias and insider culture, writes Blane Ruschak

Blane Ruschak

The PhD Project

The problem with equity, diversity and inclusion in a multiracist world

EDI initiatives are commonplace in Western higher education. They pay little or no attention to the global diversity of racism. But should they, asks Alastair Bonnett

Alastair Bonnett

Newcastle University

Diversity efforts in academia are leading us towards ‘the oppression Olympics’

EDI campaigns and scholarships keep failing ethnic minority students because they are tailored to the needs of white people, writes Andrea E.L. Attipoe

Andrea E.L. Attipoe

Imperial College London

Campus webinar: Student support and wellness strategies for a new term

Academics from Campus+ partner institutions discuss effective ways to support students’ mental health, well-being and more

Helen Rowland, György Purebl, Kevin Friese

University of Southampton, Semmelweis University , University of Alberta

Overhead shot of students around a table

What is the cost of students’ social mobility from a community ties perspective?

Personal networking strategies can influence successful academic integration and emotional stability of students from under-represented communities in higher education. Here are ways to support these groups, based an analysis of the egocentric networks of Roma students

Ágnes Lukács J., Beáta Dávid

Semmelweis University

A checklist for advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in medical sciences and education, part two

Three questions that medical sciences lecturers should ask when revising curricula to promote ethical considerations, an understanding of health inequities and diverse perspectives

Musarrat Maisha Reza, Mia-Rose Gillison

The University of Exeter

A diverse group of medics sitting through a seminar

A checklist for advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in medical sciences and education, part one

Three questions that lecturers in medical sciences should ask when revising their curricula to promote diverse representation and health equity

Musarrat Maisha Reza, Mia-Rose Gillison

The University of Exeter

Supported social groups and student belonging: how do I get started?

Connecting students who share a lived experience such as bereavement, family estrangement or loneliness can help to foster a sense of community and belonging at university, explains Hannah Moore

Hannah Moore

University of Bath

Mural showing diversity of Australia’s Indigenous people

Recognising First Nations through place: creating an inclusive university environment

Universities, as places of social good and inclusive education, have a responsibility to create environments that nurture and support learning of First Nations people, writes Angela Leitch

Angela Leitch

Queensland University of Technology

What can we do about the diversity problem in economics?

A group of economists offer five ideas on how to allow and encourage wider access to economics degrees – which is crucial to making the discipline more effective

Amrit Amirapu, Amanda Gosling, Emma Gorman

University of Kent, University of Westminster

Multi-racial students walking arm in arm on graduation day

Supreme Court holds affirmative action unconstitutional, so what’s next?

The Supreme Court’s recent ruling against race-conscious admissions means many US universities must review their policies and practices to avoid further legal action. Audrey J. Anderson offers some useful first steps

Audrey J. Anderson

Bass, Berry & Sims Plc

Two hands, one offering up a tree growing out of the earth, the other offering up a high-rise city

Decolonisation as a driver for the Sustainable Development Goals

How decolonial approaches can underpin and drive work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals across higher education

Sean Porter, Eleanor Cook

The University of Exeter

Decolonising interview methods: a call to look to the moon

The interview process often rests on colonial perceptions of what counts as knowledge, how knowledge is generated and who ‘owns’ it. But researchers can use orienting questions to reflect upon and decentre this approach

Rosalind Edwards, Teah Carlson , Rachel Liebert

University of Southampton, Massey University, University of East London

For diverse communities to thrive, we need intersectional policies and practices

Inna Stepaniuk offers suggestions on how to design an inclusive and equitable campus

Inna Stepaniuk

Simon Fraser University

College to university student journey co-branding

Co-branding the student journey from further to higher education

Facilitating an early link with higher education through campus visits and support with applications can improve progression to and success at university

Melanie Pitcher

Canterbury Christ Church University

A Black woman lecturer speaks to a university class

What we can learn from Black women academics in the UK

As a Black female lecturer, Shelley McLetchie-Holder outlines lessons she has drawn from other Black women academics working in the UK and explains how institutions can best support these staff

Shelley McLetchie-Holder

King’s College London

Power to the people through automation of peer support programmes

The management of large institution-wide programmes such as peer support can be improved and scaled with the help of automation, as Amanda Pocklington explains

Amanda Pocklington

The University of Exeter

Two women giving a presentation to their colleagues

University administrators can and must act to nurture LGBTQ leaders

Advocacy by straight administrators and expansion of mentoring could increase the number of LGBTQ leaders in higher education, writes Kevin Leonard

Kevin Leonard

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

How to be an anti-racist ally on the university campus

Three academics from the University of Westminster provide practical advice on ensuring allyship is taken seriously in higher education institutions

Stephen Bunbury, Deborah Husbands , Dibyesh Anand

University of Westminster

LGBTQ+ campaigners pose with the rainbow flag

Work ‘with’ not ‘on’: making social research more inclusive for LGBTQ+ people

How to develop inclusive social research practices that involve carrying out work ‘with’ LGBTQ+ participants, rather than ‘on’ them

Paul Willis

The University of Bristol

Backing Black scholars: here’s how universities can do better

Yaz Osho offers nine ways that HEIs can start chipping away at the structural disadvantages and institutional practices that negatively impact Black scholars

Yaz Osho

University of Westminster

red arrow through a wall of wooden blocks

How to advance equity-informed leadership in universities

Increasing diversity at universities requires more than raising aspirations and enrolment among Indigenous and other under-represented students. Braden Hill offers seven ways leaders can address barriers to equity

Braden Hill

Edith Cowan University

Illustration of hands raised with hearts in the palms

Look after the intangibles and the metrics will look after themselves

Unmeasurable elements such as enthusiasm, belonging and motivation are valuable parts of the university experience. Sue Lee looks at ways to embrace these intangible assets

Sue Lee

University of Staffordshire

A black student raising their hand in class.

Ten actions lecturers can take to boost black students’ belonging

A 10-step guide to how lecturers can improve the experience of black students studying in predominantly white institutions

Patrice Seuwou

University of Northampton

two young women walk up a rainbow-coloured footpath

Supporting LGBTQ+ aspiring leaders in universities

LGBTQ+ staff bring to campus qualities such as courage and sensitivity that are key to leadership. Now a UK programme aims to develop those strengths in future academic and professional services leaders

Catherine Lee, Daniel Burman

Anglia Ruskin University

Welcome sign for belonging at university

How to advance equitable learning in your classes

We must extend belonging to help students feel they’re cut out for college, lower barriers such as impostor syndrome and ultimately support learning, says Flower Darby

Flower Darby

University of Missouri

Rainbow flag outside Cambridge University for LGBT History Month

How LGBTQ leaders navigate a predominantly non-LGBTQ world

Looking at LGBTQ leadership style as a reaction to the power structures that dominate our culture is essential to finding a common thread through a diverse community, writes Karen Whitney

Karen Whitney

Clarion University

Is your university taking diversity seriously?

How to tell if your university is making a genuine effort to increase diversity

There is zero doubt that bias pervades the HE system. Universities need to show they are taking it as seriously as they take publication and other key performance areas

Keon West

Goldsmiths, University of London

Foundation students moving on up at university

It’s time to end the negative narratives surrounding foundation students

Foundation students are often seen as somehow lacking, but we can challenge the stereotypes around their knowledge and backgrounds to force positive change

Christina Delistathi

University of Westminster

Primary sources as a tool for greater diversity

Primary sources can be used to diversify curricula and bring in marginalised voices. Jade G. Winn and Michaela Ullmann explain what library teams can do to support faculty and students in finding and assessing diverse materials

Jade G. Winn , Michaela Ullmann

University of Southern California

Illustration showing profiles in different pastel colours

Intersectionality is the only way to nurture academics of colour

Finding the blind spots in EDI efforts will more effectively support academics sitting at the intersection of minority identities. Here are three places to start

Wajeeha Aziz , Raheela Awais, Melody Obeng , Ellie Harrison

University of Sussex, University of Liverpool, University of Sheffield

How to decolonise initial teacher education: start with yourself

Decolonisation has the potential to rattle higher education’s sandstones and ivory towers, yet many struggle to know where to start. Karen Lambert and lisahunter use the context of initial teacher education in Australia to explain that it starts with you

Karen Lambert, lisahunter

Monash University

A group of university staff in discussions

Action to improve diversity and inclusion for Black students and staff

Where should action to improve equity, diversity and inclusion within universities be focused in order to have a tangible impact? Christina Dzineku and Patrice Sewou explain

Christina Dzineku, Patrice Seuwou

Leeds Trinity University, University of Northampton

How can universities ensure all new students feel welcome?

Nikki Anghileri and Elizabeth Parker share practical tips on executing an impactful and memorable welcome transition programme for new students from diverse backgrounds

Nikki Anghileri, Elizabeth Parker

St Mary’s University Twickenham

Community outreach like the Great Science Share for Schools requires listening

Flip the script: why listening is the best form of outreach

In aiming to widen participation, it’s easy to get lost in your own passion. Instead focus on understanding others’ needs – and keep it simple

Lynne Bianchi

The University of Manchester

Universities must bridge the gap between diversity and belonging

Universities must do better at bridging the gap between diversity and belonging

Lillian Nave outlines the three key interventions required for universities to help diverse students learn about, accept and participate in each other’s worlds

Lillian Nave

Appalachian State University

Digital exclusion often strikes early for university students

Digital exclusion hits students hardest at the start of their journey

VLEs, intranets, sports and social apps – the digital ecosystem at university is vast. We must induct students into it quickly and carefully to prevent them falling behind

Claire Smith

University of Sussex

Universities have a critical role to play in the preservation of Indigenous languages and culture

Higher education has a crucial role to play in reaching out to Indigenous communities

Indigenous researcher Roselind Wan outlines strategies for universities hoping to champion Indigenous languages and inclusion

Roselind Wan

Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)

How universities can ensure first-generation students and their families feel connected

How universities can ensure first-generation students and their families feel connected

A first-generation college student herself now working in enrolment, Aimee Huffstetler, shares insight into what administrators can do to ensure first-generation students and their families feel connected to their university

Aimee Huffstetler

Gwynedd Mercy University

Is it possible to decolonise the business curriculum?

Untangling business studies from the discipline’s imperial origins might seem an insurmountable task, but it’s up to university leaders to take the lead on this complex challenge, reflects Bobby Banerjee

Bobby Banerjee

City, University of London

A formula one team represents university collaboration to support refugee students

Simple ways universities can collaborate to bring more refugees into higher education

There’s strength in numbers when it comes to meeting the unique learning and support needs of refugee students

Rebecca Granato

Bard College

Diversity statements in higher education can embed inequality more deeply

Embedding equality, diversity and inclusion within public policy training for academics

Steps higher education institutions can take to make their policy engagement training programmes as diverse and inclusive as possible, based on the experience of a UK university

Audrey Tan

UCL

Mature students and other non-traditional students are often overlooked by university recruitment teams

How to attract and support non-traditional students in higher education

Hurdles and obstacles are created from the outset and then vice-chancellors wonder why their student population is not diverse, says Dilshad Sheikh

Dilshad Sheikh

Arden University

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