Diversity and inclusion

Hanze has the ambition to work and learn in various learning communities, which requires an inclusive approach and culture.

Hanze stimulates the dialogue about what an inclusive approach and culture is in various ways, as described in the article by lecturer-researcher Charlotte Wekker De betekenisvolle dialoog. Met elkaar in gesprek over alledaags racisme binnen het hoger beroepsonderwijs'  (The meaningful dialogue. Talking to each other about everyday racism within higher professional education) Both employees and students are involved in this.

The Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) working group, established in 2021, has an activating and stimulating function in this and aims to increase awareness and offer support for this culture change within Hanze.

In doing so, Hanze commits itself to the 6 spearheads of the Position Paper (in Dutch) entitled "Working together on inclusive universities of applied sciences with an eye for diversity" of the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences:

1. Universities of Applied Sciences are open to all students.
2. Employees contribute to the aims of inclusion and diversity.
3. Everyone feels 'at home' at a university of applied sciences where all voices are heard.
4. Equal opportunities regarding internships and the labour market.
5. Practice-oriented research with a focus on inclusion and diversity.
6. Employees as a recognisable reflection of (regional) society and student population.

For the period 2024 – 2025, there is an explicit focus on educational development, increasing awareness, skills and competences and social safety. The aim is a culture change that is embedded in policy, structure, behaviour and culture throughout the organisation.

There is an exchange of knowledge in a network structure that includes employees from different departments so that colleagues and students are supported, inspired and informed. We work together with the Expertise Centre for Diversity Policy ECHO.