USC is committed to creating a work and study environment which values the rich diversity of its students, facilitates equitable access and full participation for those from disadvantaged backgrounds or who are under-represented, and in which all members of the University community take personal responsibility for working to eliminate discriminatory practices.
Across our campuses and study sites, the USC community is working together to create an inclusive culture which:
- encourages universal student engagement
- improves retention; and
- enhances the overall quality of the student experience.
"Racism. It stops with me"
The University of the Sunshine Coast is a proud signatory to the Australian Human Rights Commission campaign "Racism. It stops with me". The campaign is part of the National Anti-Racism Strategy which encourages us all to work together by taking action against racism, in all its different forms.
USC has a long and proud history of working to make our organisation inclusive and free from racism. Ongoing work in this area includes:
- NAIDOC Week activities coordinated by Indigenous Services
- Cultural awareness programs
- Student Expectations and Responsibilities awareness-raising campaign
- C-SALT's work on Indigenous Knowledge and the curriculum
- An Indigenous Employment Strategy
All initiatives are underpinned by our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Governing Policy which identifies our commitment to the principles of equity in employment and education, freedom from discrimination and from harassment of all forms.
For more information about the campaign and access to resources go to "Racism. It stops with me"
Cultural Diversity on the Sunshine Coast
USC acknowledges that the recognition of diverse cultures enriches experiences for people from all walks of life. Taking steps to settle and engage new residents and visitors in a manner that makes them welcome and connected to the Sunshine Coast community builds a sense of belonging. Go to the Multicultural Welcome Hub to find out what programs and events are taking place across our Region. For more information about our multicultural communities and support services in other UniSC regions please go to our Diversity and Inclusion page.
Reconciliation
Recognition of the Traditional Custodians of the country on which USC is located is now part of the USC way and, in partnership with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and community, has become standard practice for all university official events. Whether Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander peoples, other Australians or international, this genuine partnership with the Gubbi Gubbi / Kabi Kabi is something that USC students value greatly. It bodes well for reconciliation both at home and abroad.
EO Online for Students
EO Online is an equal opportunity training program that raises awareness about discrimination and harassment issues. It has been developed for the higher education community by a consortium of Australian Universities.
It covers theoretical knowledge and a practical understanding of how to apply equal opportunity principles in work and study environments.
In Australia, it is unlawful to discriminate against or harass someone at or in an education facility. The University has an obligation under State and Federal discrimination and human rights legislations to provide a work and educational environment that is free from harassment, discrimination, bullying and vilification.
Students are encouraged to re-visit EO Online periodically to refresh their knowledge, and to use the program as a resource when necessary.
Students are not required to register their completion of EO Online (this applies only to University staff).
Students can gain access to EO Online via the University website, via a University computer without a password.
USC Ally Network: 'Creating safe study and work spaces for LGBTIQ students'
The USC Ally Network is a group of students and staff who have participated in training around working with people with sexual and gender diverse backgrounds and who may or may not identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex or Queer (LGBTIQ). The aim of the Ally Network is to advocate and support cultural change, build and support an advocacy network and help create a safe and inclusive and educational and work environment. More information about training workshops and resources can be found at USC Ally Network.
2023 Dates TBA
Register via student hub all workshops delivered via Zoom
Student Unconscious Bias Training
Today discrimination is no longer acceptable and in many cases, unlawful. As a consequence, we find ourselves concealing our prejudices to the point where we are often not consciously aware of them ourselves. Yet our unconscious biases influence the decisions we make every day.
This two-hour course covers the following content:
- what unconscious bias is and where it comes from
- how unconscious bias affects decision making
- methods to identify and counteract unconscious bias.
At the completion of this workshop participants will be able to:
- understand the meaning of unconscious bias and the psychological basis of it
- identify their own unconscious biases and the underpinning drivers
- identify bias in decision-making processes and make necessary changes
- take practical steps to reduce the impact of unconscious bias in the workplace.
2023 Dates TBA
Register via student hub all workshops delivered via Zoom
Gender Identity and Discrimination
Gain an understanding of gender identity as defined by the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 and the protections provided by the Act for trans and gender diverse people.
2023 Dates TBA
Register via student hub all workshops delivered via Zoom
The University of the Sunshine Coast is proud of the diversity that exists among our students, our staff and our community. Throughout the year, we celebrate the diversity that each of us brings to our workplace, our classrooms, and our community. The Vice-Chancellor and President takes a direct leadership role in ensuring that equity and diversity are key objectives, integrated within all University plans. The support of this commitment by staff, students and community is evidenced through the growing engagement in key events across 2021:
- International Women's Day 8 March
- Close the Gap 17 March
- Harmony Week 15-21 March
- International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Phobia and Transphobia and (IDAHOBIT) 17 May
- NAIDOC Week 4-11 July
- USC Diversity Week 15-19 August
- International Day of People with Disability 3 December
Celebrating Cultural Diversity Calendar
The purpose of this online calendar is to celebrate and raise awareness and understanding of significant events for people who may identify with different diversity groups. Developing an effective Diversity and Inclusion culture is an important part of being a world-leading university. Diversity adds value to our problem solving, decision making and creativity. Inclusion fosters collaboration, trust and respect and supports psycho-social safety and well-being.
The Calendar of cultural and religious dates is an online resource that acknowledges significant religious and spiritual dates.
The Calendar is updated annually by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs and focuses on countries' national days, significant multicultural festivals in Australia, and events that are widely celebrated by Australia's major ethnic and religious communities. Please be advised the Calendar is not exhaustive of all events that are celebrated around the world and should be considered a guide only.
2022 Diversity Week
Diversity Week is about celebration, conversation and inclusion.
Activities will run from 15-19 August 2022 across all USC campuses, showcasing the contributions made by students, staff and alumni and encouraging creative conversations about diversity and inclusion.
Program will be available July 2022
Vice Chancellor and President’s Diversity and Inclusion Awards
The Vice-Chancellor and President's Diversity and Inclusion Awards were established in 2015 to recognise and reward staff, students, and graduates of the University who have made an outstanding and demonstrable commitment to diversity, inclusion and reconciliation within the University and/or its broader community over a sustained period of time.
View the recipients of the VCP Diversity and Inclusion Awards for 2021 and previous years.