Diversity is translated as 'Vielfalt' in German, but as a practical approach it is much more than a description of the status quo at the university: Diversity focuses on a conscious approach to diversity and the recognition of different and complex life realities. The equal value of all people is the basis for interaction, in which the recognition of similarities as well as differences is relevant. After all, focusing on specific differences and providing necessary support based on disadvantages is also part of a diversity approach to support equity for all individuals at the university.

Supporting Equal Opportunity

Appreciating individuality, diverse experiences, and perspectives form the basis for interactions. An important aspect of this is to expand the support of equal opportunity and to ensure protection against discrimination across the board. The TU Darmstadt wants to actively contribute to a non-discriminatory interaction.

The goal is to establish and live an open university culture with all university members. This includes a daily respectful interaction with colleagues and students as well as an mindset that’s kind towards mistakes. In the spirit of lifelong learning, this also means creating equitable educational opportunities in training and further education.

Managing everyday life at the university

For many members of the TU Darmstadt, everyday university life as well as the environment in which they live are diverse, which in turn has an influence on their academic success and work ability. Some examples: More than 60% of students finance their studies through a part-time job, many members have nursing and care responsibilities or start a family during their time at our university. Health issues or chronic illnesses are also challenges that staff members and students have to deal with in their everyday life at the university. The examples show that diverse life concepts are realities for the members of the TU Darmstadt. These should be taken into consideration and be recognized in our interaction with each other.

As a university policy concept, diversity can start a self-critical discussion in order to enable the best possible study and working conditions for all members of the TU Darmstadt in this process. To this end, the university-wide development process of a diversity strategy was initiated.

Diversity strategy

In order to anchor diversity sensitivity and protection against discrimination consistently at all stages of the university, the first diversity strategy of the TU Darmstadt (opens in new tab) is currently being developed, which is to be implemented in 2023. The strategy was developed together with all university members in a participatory process within the framework of various events open to the university public.