Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At UWA we believe all members of our community should have the right to learn and work in an inclusive environment, where everyone is supported to reach their full potential.
We have a diverse community at UWA, and we celebrate this diversity of people, cultures and thought. At the same time, we must continually challenge ourselves to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.
Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy 2022-2025 reiterates our ongoing commitment to inclusion and diversity. It is a strategic roadmap designed to guide UWA on the journey to create a pervasive inclusive campus climate, culture and services through clearly defined objectives and actions. The strategy is informed by the UWA 2030 vision.
Our committee and working groups
UWA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is the advisory body to the Vice-Chancellor on matters relating to DEI. The committee membership includes all members of the University Executive, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Education, Director Human Resources, and representatives from across the University. The committee is chaired by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee oversees five working groups: Cultural and linguistic diversity; Disability access and inclusion; Gender equity; LGBTIQA+; and Student equity and participation.
Our focus areas
Training and resources
Training
Staff
Our staff are encouraged to enrol in DEI training such as Ally training, Step Up bystander training, disability awareness training, unconscious bias training, the self-paced UDL in Tertiary Education eLearning package, or SBS core inclusion course. More information is available on the Staff Intranet.
Students
Our students can choose to sign up for Ally training or Step Up Bystander Training, which explores the importance of being an ethical bystander to create a safe and supportive UWA community.
Resources
Policies
- Policies related to diversity, equity and inclusion can be found in the Policy Library.
Cultural and linguistic diversity
- Australian Department of Home Affairs Calendar of Cultural and Religious Dates: This calendar assists staff to gain an understanding of cultural and religious significant dates for staff and students. The community calendar can be used when applying for cultural or religious leave, deferred exams or alternative arrangements.
If a religious or cultural event is not listed in this calendar, leave may be approved at the discretion of your manager, provided it relates to legitimate ceremonial, cultural, or religious observances. - The Student Guild’s International Students’ Department looks after the welfare of international students studying at UWA.
Disability
Gender
- The Student Guild's Women's Department represents women and non-binary students on campus.
- You are welcome to breastfeed anywhere on campus. We also provide Parents Rooms in various locations across campus.
LGBTIQA+
Student equity
- UniAccess provides support for students with physical or mental health conditions.
- Our equity programs provide broad-based, early intervention outreach and an admission entry pathway for students of high potential but limited means and opportunity.
