Diversity Day 2025

 Voorbeelden

• Social Safety 

  VU Amsterdam continuously works to strengthen social safety within our community. A diverse team of confidential counsellors is available to both staff and students, and various initiatives have been developed to make desired and inclusive behaviour visible and appreciated. With the Inclusive Workplaces project, the Diversity Office is developing a set of recommendations for services, faculties, and teams to foster more inclusive collaboration. In this way, we continue to build an academic community in which social safety, respect and inclusion form the foundation, and in which everyone feels seen, heard and supported. 

  Contact: Jessica van der Schalk-de Boer (Social Safety), Lu Wie Hu-Peijster (Inclusive Workplaces)  

• Dialogue at VU Amsterdam

  Dialogue is an essential part of our academic culture. Through VU Dialogue and the Science in Dialogue Network, students, staff and researchers are given the opportunity to engage carefully with complex and sometimes sensitive topics. The aim is not consensus, but listening, shifting perspectives and practising openness – a core element of academic education and world citizenship. 

  This dialogue also has a physical home in 3D, VU’s bottom-up dialogue platform. During the day, it provides space for conversations on diversity, inclusion and social issues. In the evening, under the banner Life is Better in 3D, the stage hosts programmes that foster encounter and community building. 

  Contact: Sem Barendse (Dialogue) and Miranda van Holland (3D) 

• Learning to engage with differences 

  At VU Amsterdam we practise making the most of differences in various ways. For staff, there is the TeamUp workshop, where teams explore how to collaborate more effectively and inclusively. Together they work on shared goals, clarify roles, and learn how to talk about what goes well and what could improve. This leads to stronger connections, clearer agreements and a healthier working climate. 

  In education, the Mixed Classroom model provides opportunities for both teachers and students to turn so-called hot moments – moments of tension – into opportunities for dialogue, critical thinking and creativity. In addition, the A Broader Mind programme encourages students to look at societal issues from multiple perspectives and to develop into engaged, resilient and responsible world citizens. Together, these initiatives contribute to an inclusive and inspiring learning climate. 

  Contact: Rolien Walinga (TeamUp) and Siema Ramdas (Centre for Teaching & Learning, Mixed Classroom) 

• Bridging Success: Student Engagement and Cultural Diversity at VU Amsterdam

  Different parts of the VU community are brought together through the Bridging Success programme. This programme raises awareness about cultural diversity and supports student associations in organising activities that celebrate cultural diversity. Guided by the principle “for students, by students”, associations voluntarily host events such as Día de los Muertos, Diwali, the Chinese Spring Festival, Multifaith Iftar and Holi. These events foster dialogue, understanding and a sense of belonging. This year, ten student associations are participating, supported by the Diversity Office and SOZ. 

  Contact: Amu Shrestha (Diversity Officer Campus & Community) 

• Community Networks 

  These initiatives are closely connected to the many networks and communities active at VU Amsterdam. VU Pride advocates for LGBTIQA+ students and staff, while WO&MEN@VU works towards gender equality within the university. Student organisation FAM (Family of Academic Minds) supports and gives visibility to students from diverse backgrounds, and Univers focuses on empowering and connecting neurodivergent staff. These are just a few examples: VU is home to many more networks that together foster an inclusive and engaged community.