Diversity and Inclusion at QUT (Queensland University of Technology)

QUT aims to ensure that the staff and student population mirrors the diversity of the community outside the university and that all staff and students prosper, regardless of their background.

QUT recognises that gender is one dimension of diversity and are committed to achieving fair and equitable outcomes for staff and students in all aspects of work and study, regardless of gender identity or presentation.

Gender equity for staff and students enables diverse communities of staff and students to flourish and achieve their potential.

• QUT provides flexible working arrangements to support staff with family or caring responsibilities and consults regularly with staff on a comprehensive range of gender equity matters
• QUT holds workshops for all academics in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine) to improve organisational culture. The QUT Women in STEMM program aims to improve progression and retention of academic women in STEMM, through support programs, removing barriers and biases, providing better access to leadership positions, and actively involving senior staff.
• QUT has received citations as an Employer of Choice for Women each year from 2002-2013, and the Workplace Gender Equality Agency Employer of Choice citation each year from 2014-2017.
• QUT ensures all interview panels, conferences, speaker series and the like, organised or supported by QUT, have a gender equity policy to ensure balance and diversity in their programs.
• Since 2015, QUT at least 48% of academic staff have been female.

The QUT Blueprint which guides QUT’s ambitions and purpose has a strong focus on ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are heard, through increasing the Indigenous Australian staff and research focus and further developing Indigenous Australian researchers. It is also committed to increasing QUT's Indigenous student intake and providing dedicated support to Indigenous students.

• QUT's Oodgeroo Unit is committed to developing better access to university education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and promote higher levels of participation in tertiary education.
• QUT’s Elder-in-Residence Gregory Egert, also known as Uncle Cheg works closely with the Oodgeroo Unit in supporting and creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prospective students, current students and staff.
• QUT works closely with staff from the Carumba Institute, a multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, research affiliates and postgraduate students. The Carumba Institute shares Indigenous knowledge, research and solutions through global connections.
• There are several scholarships available to Indigenous students.
• Enrolments of Indigenous students has been increased or been maintained year-on-year since 2015.
   

Studying can be challenging at the best of times, which is why QUT is committed to supporting people with a disability to promoting inclusion and participation for all.

QUT provides a range of support services and continues to improve their policies and practices to enhance equitable access for people with a disability.

• QUT offers free and confidential appointments with Disability Services to offer support to students with a disability, injury or health condition.
• Assistive technology rooms are equipped with specialised computing equipment, enabling students with a disability to independently access the various electronic media essential for academic success.
• Hand-operated electric mobility scooters may be loaned to students for use on campus.
   

QUT is committed to providing an environment which values each member of its diverse community and protects staff and students from bullying, harassment and unlawful discrimination.

This includes staff and students who identify as lesbian; gay; bisexual; transgender; intersex; queer or questioning; asexual, agender or aromantic; and those with other diverse genders and sexualities (LGBTIQA+).

• QUT's Ally Network provides support, safe zones, services, events, information and resources to LGBTIQA+ students and staff on campuses. Allies are trained to understand sexuality and gender issues, and are committed to promoting a safe, inclusive and diverse university.
• The QUT Guild has a strong history of representing diversity on campus and contributing to a safe, fair and equitable experience for all students. The guild provides services for gender and sexuality issues, increases awareness of sex education amongst the student body, and provides students with a space to discuss gender-equality issues.
• The QUT Pride Staff Network (QPSN) connects staff with diverse genders, sexualities and identities. The network offers a forum for staff to celebrate diversity, network, collaborate, share experiences and to represent their communities in university business and policy making.
   

QUT has a strong commitment to develop a culturally diverse staff and student population, and eliminate racism on campus. QUT recognises the importance of valuing diversity to create a vibrant, flexible and creative university culture, which encourages innovative approaches and enriches the work and study environment for everyone. This includes the freedom to worship and observe individual spiritual and religious customs and rituals.

• QUT facilitates cross-cultural competence by providing professional development and learning opportunities for staff, and will recognise those who develop their skills and knowledge in this area.
• QUT programs are culturally inclusive in course design, curriculum content and teaching methodologies. Through these programs the University is responsible for producing culturally-competent graduates who can engage with multiple perspectives, operate in diverse environments and work in multicultural teams.
• QUT has chaplaincy centres and services for people of all faiths for quiet prayer, worship services and prayer meetings. There are also chapels and Muslim prayer rooms at QUT's Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses.
• QUT has over 9,000 international students, making up 18% of the student population.