Diversity and Inclusivity at UM
March 2023 — By Héléna Andreux
1. Introduction
Today’s blog will be about the diversity and inclusivity standards of Maastricht University. The main values and policies applied by the University will be discussed to provide you with a more concrete look at how UM works every day towards better standards and up-to-date ethics for the UM community. The different aspects discussed in this blog are as follows: diversity among classrooms, UM Gender Equality Plan, UM diversity and inclusivity grants, UM Action Against Racism, SBE Code of Conduct & five pillar values, and some more elements on inclusivity and diversity that you can physically see at the University buildings. I hope you enjoy the ride and that you will feel inspired to be part of the journey at Maastricht University.
2. Diversity among classrooms
Maastricht University places a significant emphasis on fostering an international classroom that celebrates diversity. With over 50% of its students and over 40% of its academic staff originating from abroad, and representing over 100 nationalities, UM boasts the most international academic community in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the university annually hosts over a thousand foreign exchange students, while nearly 40% of its students participate in foreign study programs, gaining valuable international exposure.
The primary goals Maastricht University has by offering its students to study in international classrooms are as follows:
- Promoting an inclusive culture where all students feel welcome, regardless of their cultural background;
- Preparing students for the global job market;
- Contributing to the internationalization strategy of Maastricht University, both in research and education;
- Developing activities for students and staff that strengthen their international communication skills.
Besides, Maastricht University seamlessly integrates Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and the International Classroom programme to provide students with a unique educational experience. PBL groups students and teachers from various countries in small groups, enabling them to work collaboratively to solve problems while leveraging their diverse backgrounds and viewpoints. Through this approach, students not only gain knowledge and skills but also develop a global perspective that is crucial in today’s rapidly globalizing job market.
3. UM Gender Equality Plan
The Dutch Advisory Committee Diverse and Inclusive Higher Education and Research highlights the importance of establishing a robust organisational infrastructure to facilitate sustainable changes. For this purpose, a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) must have access to dedicated resources and specialized expertise. Maastricht University meets this criterion by establishing Diversity and Inclusivity (D&I) expertise and by collaborating with other departments and networks within the university.
First, in partnership with other UM departments, faculty boards, and grassroots organisations, the D&I Office strives to promote diversity and inclusivity at UM by cultivating an environment that leverages the unique talents and competencies of all community members. The D&I Strategy 2020–2023 identifies four key areas of action to achieve this goal:
- Attracting and retaining talent;
- Fostering cultural change;
- Strengthening diversity competencies;
- Making life-phase-friendly HR policies.
Then, The D&I Office provides support for UM’s efforts to promote intersectional equity and uphold equality standards at all levels through various initiatives, events, and diversity policies. Likewise, The D&I Office encourages staff and student networks at UM that aim to foster a sense of community through events, activities, or projects.
4. UM Diversity and Inclusivity Grants
The D&I Office offers annual funding opportunities through grants that support research projects and activities aligned with UM’s broader institutional efforts in the D&I strategy. This approach encourages the promotion of diversity, inclusion, equality, and equity from the bottom up by supporting innovative initiatives and projects. Annually, the Executive Board invites students, staff, and alumni to translate their ideas into practical activities, tools, small research projects, or events that can create a sustainable impact and contribute to making UM an inclusive organization. Applicants to the UM Diversity and Inclusivity Grant can request up to €15.000 for the realization of their idea.
5. UM Action Against Racism
Maastricht University stands in solidarity with People of Colour worldwide, as well as those within the Dutch community and, more closely, the community in Maastricht. It is crucial for UM to be addressing issues such as racist violence, daily discrimination in various settings (e.g., streets, classrooms, workplaces, and supermarkets), ethnic profiling by institutions such as police and tax authorities, and institutional racism. UM believes that these issues reduce the opportunities for People of Colour to live their lives safely and pursue their dreams, ambitions, and talents.
Together with students and staff of colour, members of faculty boards, study advisors, confidential advisors, representatives of the University Council, HR and SSC and other community members who want to be actively involved in tackling racism at UM, the D&I Office drew the Action Against Racism Plan. This plan has been presented to the Executive Board and faculties in Spring 2021. Relevant units such as faculties and Student Services for example are encouraged to work with this Action Against Racism Plan in their respective context.
6. SBE Code of Conduct & Five Pillar Values
For UM’s very diverse environment to work smoothly, the School of Business and Economics has designed a special code of conduct to help students interact with each other in the best way. This SBE Mindset is there to facilitate the transition to the Problem-Based Learning Environment that is present at SBE. This Mindset involves five main values which inspire the SBE community and act as a framework for the personal conduct of employees and students: These are Respect, Commitment, Professionalism, Inclusivity, and Integrity.
- Respect: Everyone should be able to count on each other: among staff, among students, and in cooperation with each other. Respect, reliability, taking responsibility and self-reflection are at the heart of SBE goals. This involves for example the use of appropriate language in both written and spoken communication.
- Commitment: SBE is part of a community of motivated students and staff. Therefore, students and staff are expected to express their intellectual passion through ambition, initiative, and commitment. Staff and students must encourage each other in this process.
- Professionalism: Staff and students contribute to an inspiring work and academic climate from their various fields of expertise, knowledge, and experience. SBE values each other’s contribution in word and gesture. Students and employees have many rights as well as obligations, and the faculty acknowledges these and always applies them appropriately and professionally.
- Inclusivity: SBE is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, colour, nationality, sexual orientation, gender etc. The inclusion of all students and staff members is fundamental to the School’s diverse and international character. English is always used as the lingua franca within the School.
- Integrity: The School is committed to protecting and guaranteeing academic integrity. This means taking exams independently and honestly, indicating sources when writing a paper, essay or thesis and always being truthful when filling out forms and other documentation.
7. What you will see physically at the university
To conclude with some more practical aspects that you, future students at Maastricht University, will most likely encounter while walking into the SBE and Tapijn buildings, here are a couple of examples that make UM well aware of our diverse world and the needs encountered by UM staff and students. First of all, the canteens/cafeterias have a variety of vegetarian and vegan options such as sandwiches, paninis, wraps, soups, snacks, and patisseries available every day. Besides, the Global Village at SBE building prepares a varied selection of meals for lunchtime on a daily basis, satisfying both staff and students. Lastly, the bathrooms available at Tapijn have been organised in an inclusive way by being non-gendered bathrooms.
8. Final words
Dear prospective students, I sincerely hope that you now have a more concrete overview of how Maastricht University’s culture maintains its very diverse and inclusive standards. I trust that your days at SBE will enrich your student life and your personal development in a safe environment. I wish you the very best on your journey.
Greetings,
Héléna
