Cultural and linguistic diversity inclusion

UQ is a socially diverse environment with staff from many backgrounds and lifestyles. Each staff member brings unique experiences and knowledge that enriches UQ.

We promote diversity through our people, ideas and cultures. This:

• fosters an environment that is respectful, vibrant and inclusive
• allows for the growth and empowerment of staff from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles.

Strategic objectives

These objectives are aligned with the UQ Strategic Plan:

• establish strong policies in line with legislation that clearly outline our strong anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, and anti-racism stance
• recognise and promote the importance of the global researcher who is culturally aware
• provide resources and programs for staff from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• provide training and resources for staff and supervisors to raise awareness of cultural diversity to promote inclusive workplace practices
• promote inclusive language
• develop and maintain an inclusive, respectful and pleasant environment for staff from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles.

Culture online training module

All staff are encouraged to complete the Culture online training module to build their knowledge and skills for creating inclusive work and study environments.

Warm Welcome Program

The Warm Welcome Program helps new staff from overseas to settle into life in Australia by connecting them with a current UQ staff member. All staff can volunteer to become a welcomer.

Racism. It Stops With Me

UQ has pledged its support to the ‘Racism. It Stops With Me’ campaign. The campaign is an initiative of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) that encourages individuals and organisations to:

• promote awareness of the impacts of racism
• prevent and eliminate racism in the community.

We take a very strong stance against racism, and are proud to be a part of this campaign. In participating, we are taking active steps towards eradicating racism from our society and making a real positive social change.

Our objectives are closely aligned with the campaign objectives:

• raise awareness among staff that racism is unacceptable and not tolerated in our community
• give staff tools and resources needed to take practical action against racism
• empower staff to prevent and respond effectively to racism
• raise awareness that UQ is an inclusive space that embraces people from all different backgrounds and lifestyles, and is open to new ideas and cultures.

We will achieve these objectives by:

• providing educational resources and toolkits for staff
• promoting the campaign to raise awareness about the issue of racism
• developing programs to educate and raise awareness about racism
• organising an event to help promote the objectives of the campaign.

Contact your HR Client Services team or Workplace Diversity and Inclusion for more information about how you can get involved.

UQ Multi-Faith Chaplaincy service

The UQ Multi-Faith Chaplaincy is an inclusive space to share faith, traditions and spiritual practices with respect for each person’s spiritual journey and chosen faith. Facilities can also be found at Gatton and Herston Campus.

All students, staff and the wider UQ community are welcome. We have chaplains who provide pastoral care, support, spiritual conversations, learning and events for many faiths.

Toolkits and resources

• Managing Cultural Diversity toolkit from Australian Multicultural Foundation provides a comprehensive overview of how to effectively manage cultural diversity in the workplace.
• Inclusive Practice contains resources providing insight from exemplary practitioners on the topic of inclusive practices in education.
• Inclusive language discusses inclusive practice in the work and study environments.
• Beyond Blue's Invisible Discrimination campaign addresses the impact that racism has in the workplace, and provides resources on how to prevent this from occurring.
• Australian Human Rights Commission explains the Racial Discrimination Act, the background of the legislation, case law and impacts of racism, and provides other links.