Diversity Audit Starts at University of Freiburg
Freiburg, 04/03/2025
‘Shaping diversity’ is the theme of a diversity audit conducted by the Stifterband that the University of Freiburg will undergo in the coming two and a half years. All members of the University can share their ideas on equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion.
The University of Freiburg will undergo a diversity audit conducted by the Stifterverband in the coming two and a half years. The audit has the theme ‘shaping diversity’ and is an instrument of strategic and organizational development. The goal is to develop a university-wide strategy for equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion that combines the University’s previous activities in the area of diversity and develops them further. The process is targeted at all members of the University, who are important catalysts for formulating the strategy.
On completion of the auditing process, the Stifterverband awards a certificate that is valid for three years. ‘We consider diversity from a dual perspective: On the one hand, it’s a precondition for excellent research and teaching as well as good working conditions at the University. On the other hand, realizing diversity is the task of a University in a democratic society’, says Prof. Dr. Sylvia Paletschek, Vice Rector for University Culture at the University of Freiburg. ‘We want to flesh out this approach even further and breathe life into it.’
Together. Visible. Committed.
The auditing process includes five internal workshops moderated and supervised by an external auditor. The kick-off event of the audit – titled ‘Together. Visible. Committed.’ – will be held on 5 May 2025. On this day, all members of the University of Freiburg are invited to speak about gender equity, gender and sexual diversity, antiracism, cultural and religious diversity, inclusion, educational equity, and family equity at the University in English and German. The various topics, perspectives, and ideas will be integrated into the further process.
Strategy important for future planning
There will be further formats in addition to the workshops – such as roundtables, expert committees, and a diversity forum for exchange with other universities. The main elements of the newly developed strategy for equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion are to enter into the University’s structural and development planning starting in 2028. ‘We’re looking forward to a lively exchange on equal opportunity and diversity at the University of Freiburg that will strengthen us in developing our profile’, says Dr. Wibke Backhaus, director of the Department of Equity, Diversity, and Academic Personnel Development at the University of Freiburg.