Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences sees itself as a diverse and open institution, characterised by a variety of life stories, backgrounds, individual skills and different academic perspectives. It is aware of its great diversity and regards this as an asset for its future development. In addition to valuing diverse potential, it is therefore important to identify unequal educational opportunities among the student body, to reduce and prevent disadvantages, and to enable compensation for any disadvantages.
Diversity is present in the day-to-day work of teaching and research. For our university, these various dimensions represent great potential; whilst this certainly presents challenges, it also offers significant opportunities.
The university aims to facilitate structural equality of opportunity, thereby addressing the diverse needs of students and staff alike, and doing justice to the heterogeneity of all members of the university community. Through the activities of central and decentralised structures, the university pursues the promotion of a diversity-sensitive and family-friendly university culture. These include, amongst others, the Diversity Officer, the Equal Opportunities Officer, the Representative for People with Severe Disabilities, the Inclusion Officer, the Staff Council and the International Office.
Diversity at the university should be promoted in all areas and at all levels, and all members of the university community should consciously regard diversity as an important and integral part of the institution:
Mission Statement of Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences
Equal opportunities are enshrined in our mission statement: “We foster a trusting, open relationship with one another and support one another. The elimination and prevention of all forms of discrimination form the basis for this. We are committed to comprehensive equal opportunities for all members of the university community, in particular to gender equality and the compatibility of family life with studies and work. We take into account the specific needs of people with disabilities and those with chronic illnesses.”
Internationalisation strategy
As part of its internationalisation strategy, the university is therefore increasingly focusing on the diverse learning backgrounds and learning styles of its students.
Action Plan on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
With its action plan for implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Schmalkalden University aims to raise awareness among its members regarding accessibility and equal opportunities, and to highlight measures that demonstrate the institution’s organisational development towards becoming an inclusive organisation. The action plan is intended to encourage members of the university to critically examine attitudes, structures and processes and to consciously develop them in such a way as to enable all members of the university to participate, regardless of their circumstances.
Diversity Charter
Im Jahr 2016 ging die Hochschule Schmalkalden mit der Unterzeichnung der „Charta der Vielfalt“ die Selbstverpflichtung ein, sich für „Diversity Management“ einzusetzen. Damit bekennen wir uns zu Vielfalt und zeigen, dass wir diese als Chance begreifen – innerhalb der Hochschule und in der Öffentlichkeit.