It's that time again! Today – 1 October - is Diversity Day in the Netherlands. Here at UT, we use this day to give extra attention to the fact that we are all different. We focus on the simple fact that these differences are inspiring, interesting, and sometimes quite complex. We work together, we collectively face the consequences of impactful decisions, and we learn together – from and with one another. Every day, all year round, we feel the energy that comes from successfully bringing together different ideas and perspectives. We also experience what happens when it doesn’t work out, when we clash and realise that we don’t agree with each other – or with a decision. Taking time to reflect on this helps. How we are doing that today and in the coming weeks, is what you’ll read about in this message!
You may have already seen the announcement. This afternoon (between 13:30 and 15:00), in the workshop hosted by Jordy Nijenhuis from Dare to be Grey, we’ll explore how you can avoid getting entangled in polarising conversations – whether that’s here at UT or at home. Will you take on the challenge and experience what happens when we move away from black-and-white thinking and make an effort to find more nuance together? Jordy will give you all the tips and tricks you need!
Submit your incentive fund 2025 proposal now!
Do you have an innovative idea to effectively embed DE&I within our organisation, for students or staff? Then submit your project proposal now! You can do so until 31 October. More information about the requirements your proposal must meet, as well as the procedure, can be found on the UT Incentive Fund website. We look forward to receiving all your ideas!
From University of Twente to Diversity of Twente
But wait, there’s more! Soon – expected to be revealed on International Coming Out Day on 11 October – you’ll get to see how we can use our letters to occasionally reflect on the fact that everyone at UT is different, and that this only makes us stronger. Curious to find out how? Keep an eye on our social media channels, and if you’re an employee, don’t forget to subscribe to the ‘Diversity, Equity & Inclusion’ subject, available on our Employee Portal.
Accessibility Week: Will you join in?
In October, during Accessibility Week, we focus on how important it is that everyone can go anywhere, feel at home quickly in any place, and easily find the (digital) information they’re looking for. This year, Accessibility Week (website in Dutch) kicks off on 7 October, and for UT, it’s off to a great start. We’re taking part in the Most Accessible Week Start in the Netherlands, a Dutch spoken event organised by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), together with Ieder(in), SWOM, Emma at Work, KRO-NCRV, and ASML. Do you want to join in? Let yourself be surprised and sign up!
And while we’re on the subject of accessibility: it's been a few years since we signed the UN Declaration of Intent "Accessible Education for Everyone". This commitment still keeps us focused. What’s going well, and where do we need to improve – both in policy and implementation? We’re working on this with students, study advisors, student counselors, colleagues of CFM, and the DE&I Team, with support from the Expert Centre for Inclusive Education (ECIO). Additionally, we’ve taken the first steps towards setting up a support network. Here, students with a disability, chronic illness, and/or condition can share experiences, learn from each other, and exchange useful tips and tricks.
Pride Symposium and Rainbow Days in Enschede
As mentioned, Diversity Day is a great opportunity to highlight our core value of “inclusion”. After all, that’s what it’s all about: ensuring that no one is left out or excluded (inclusion) on the basis of equity, and recognising that we are all different (diversity). It’s about making sure that everyone feels heard, respected and valued. In other words, seeking connection and building bridges. This is a key principle that will also be central to the symposium that Th!nk with Pride Saxion and UT are organising on 16 October at Enschede’s Town Hall. Sign up now for this interesting and informative event, which is completely free of charge. The symposium is part of the Rainbow Days in Enschede, which will be held from 11 to 20 October. Take a look at the programme to see what else is happening in Enschede during these nine days.
Want to know more or eager to contribute?
Lastly, if you have any questions or would like more information, have a look at the DE&I dossier on our ServicePortal or visit the corporate website. Of course, you can also reach out to the DE&I Team. Also good to know: we will soon be publishing a new multi-year plan (running until 2027). This plan outlines how, step by step, we will continue to ensure that “inclusion” remains a fundamental condition, a standard core value, upon which we base our decisions, set our goals, and collaborate. Especially in these challenging times.
