Working together on diversity, equity and inclusion

Do you want to contribute to a more inclusive university, or are you looking for connection with others yourself? There are several networks and initiatives you can join. These networks are committed to raising awareness, building community, and strengthening the voice of students and staff from diverse backgrounds.

DEI Student Ambassadors

DEI student ambassadors promote and advocate for DEI within the organisation. They aim to increase awareness around diversity, equity and inclusion, and to create a more welcoming community for people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Depending on the needs of the community they represent, they can take on different roles.

DEI Ambassador Fleur: “You can really allow people flourish.”

Read Fleur’s full story here

DEI Student Trainers

The DEI Train-the-Trainer programme provides dedicated students with the skills to give workshops on diversity, equity and inclusion. These trained students bring fresh perspectives and offer tailor-made DEI sessions for student organisations, fellow students, staff, and more. The workshops are free of charge.

Would you like to book a session? Click here for more information and to organise your own workshop.

Gender and Sexuality Alliance

Since late 2023, Radboud University has had a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)! This initiative, founded by several DEI student ambassadors and the organizing committee of the event Queer(ing) Radboud, aims to facilitate a queer network for both students and staff and to represent queer interests at Radboud University.

If you have questions, you can contact the GSA at gsa [at] ru.nl or check out the Instagram page: @GSA_Radboud. There you’ll also find all upcoming events.

Mijn pijn & Moed (“My pain & Courage”)

Mijn pijn & Moed is a foundation by and for students who feel held back by their bodies. This can have various causes, such as chronic pain or a physical disability.

For these students, increasing independence or enjoying student nightlife is not a given. That is why Mijn pijn & Moed organises feasible, fun, and educational activities to bring these students together. In addition, the foundation works to raise awareness around the themes of physical pain and disabilities.

All students who feel addressed are welcome. Visit the website, send an email, or join one of the activities.

Sunflower WhatsApp Community

The sunflower is a symbol for invisible disabilities. But sometimes you actually want to be seen by your fellow students. That’s why the Sunflower WhatsApp community exists. This community is open to Radboud University and HAN students of all nationalities who want to connect with other neurodivergent people, people with invisible disabilities and/or people facing other health challenges. Your health condition does not matter. Everyone looking for contact with like-minded peers is welcome.

It’s an accessible way to share information, tips, and experiences, support each other, and organize meet-ups. There are different subgroups, such as the ADHD support group and the chronic pain group, but also interest-based groups, like the Gaming group. You can always suggest creating new groups!

Would you like to join the community? You can do so via this link:
Join the WhatsApp Community

Disability and Accessibility Committee

In 2022, the Disability and Accessibility Committee (DAC) was established as part of Radboud University’s DEI Office. The committee’s mission is to improve the university’s accessibility. It focuses not only on the physical accessibility of the campus but also on making the campus more accessible for students and staff with autism or an anxiety disorder.

Through panel discussions, lectures, and other carefully curated sessions, the committee addresses issues such as ableism, support for students and staff with disabilities, labor participation, and more.

If you would like to get in touch with the DAC, please send an email to dac [at] ru.nl.

Contact

Do you have ideas to make the campus more inclusive, know of a network not yet listed above, or would you like to start a new initiative yourself? Let us know via inclusion [at] ru.nl. We wouldld love to hear from you!