Equity & Diversity at UTS
UTS aims to ensure that the diverse nature of the Australian society is reflected in all aspects of employment and education at UTS. It also aims to maintain a leading position in the higher education sector for student and staff access, equity, diversity and social justice initiatives through its equity and diversity programs.
"...higher education shall be equally accessible to all
on the basis of merit. (2) Education shall be directed to the full
development of the human personality and to the strengthening
of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups,
and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace."
Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Equity and diversity principles
How are equity and diversity principles implemented at UTS?
Equity awards won by UTS
Equality Quality Assurance
Equity and diversity principles
Equity and diversity principles are an integral part of the UTS character. The Equity & Diversity Unit's work is based on these principles, some of which are:
- Celebrating student and staff diversity
- Promoting equality
- Social and environmental responsibility
- Community leadership and community service
- Making the University's resources and knowledge open to the community
- Creating a supportive culture that helps students and staff to develop to their full potential
- Responsible and ethical management
How are equity and diversity principles implemented at UTS?
UTS integrates equal opportunity and affirmative action principles within all of its decisions and operations:
- The Deputy-Vice-Chancellor is the Director of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at UTS.
- The Equity & Diversity Unit provides specialist advice and support to all areas of the university on policy development, program implementation and equity-related grievance resolution.
- All staff with management / supervisory responsibilities have a range of equal opportunity accountabilities.
- All university staff and students have a responsibility to avoid discrimination or harassment in their personal interactions with other staff and with students. Discriminatory or harassing behaviour is a serious breach of UTS policy and can lead to disciplinary action being taken under the relevant award (for staff) or University Rules (for students).
- The university has a number of equity committees that develop, monitor and review equity-related policies and programs for both students and staff. These committees are made up of both nominated and elected members who represent equal opportunity groups, management, unions, the Students' Association, and academic and support staff.
Equity awards won by UTS
UTS has won a number of prestigious national awards for its equal opportunity programs, including:
- In 2004, UTS was recognised by the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service for its outstanding work in providing work placements for people with disabilities.
- Since 1996, UTS has been awarded "Employer of Choice for Women" by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency for its outstanding affirmative action program.
- In 1999, the UTS won the Prime Minister's Employer of the Year Award, Higher Education category, for outstanding commitment to employing people with disabilities.
- In 1998, UTS was the national winner of the public sector category of the Women's Network Australia National Advancement Awards, for Work and Family.
- In 1994, UTS won the Business Review Weekly Affirmative Action Award, for moving women into more senior positions within the University.
Equity Quality Assurance
The Equity & Diversity Unit is committed to continuously improving our work with students, staff and the UTS community. The 'Plan, Do, Review, Improve' quality cycle is integrated into our day-to-day activities and underpins our service delivery.
At a University level, equity outcomes are monitored through key performance indicators in the priority areas of:
- student equity group participation and success
- staff equity group representation in the UTS workforce
At the Equity & Diversity Unit level, equity programs and services are regularly reviewed in accordance with the Equity Quality Assurance Framework. Priorities are identified through a number of annual equity reports to external agencies, UTS Council and other equity committees. The Unit's Annual Action Plan maps the implementation of ongoing programs and identified priority areas.
