The University has committed to a strategic vision which aims to create a thriving, fair and diverse university community, working together respectfully to make a difference to each other and in the world. Join us on our journey to build a future where everyone in our community can feel a strong sense of belonging, and diverse perspectives fuel success.
The University’s diversity and inclusion program is a key priority aligned with our institutional strategy, Advancing Melbourne, our Indigenous Strategy, Murmuk Djerring, and the People Strategy 2023-2030. Our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2030 aims to advance and embed the principles of diversity and inclusion across all activities at the University to create enduring and widespread cultural change.
Recruitment of Indigenous staff
We’re committed to providing culturally appropriate staff recruitment, development, support services and programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across all academic and professional staff categories. One of these is the refreshed two-year Melbourne Indigenous Professional Employment Program (MIPEP) which provides the support to build an exciting professional career at the University of Melbourne.
The Indigenous Employment Framework is the key driver for prioritising Indigenous staff recruitment and retention across the University.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff working at the University of Melbourne have access to:
- Office of Indigenous Employment and Development (from 2024)
- Cultural and Ceremonial Leave available each year
- Indigenous Cultural Assist and Response for Employees (ICARE)
- Invitations to University cultural events such as Wominjeka and the Narrm Oration
- Indigenous Staff Network
- Regular social opportunities to meet and connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and students
LGBTIQA+ Inclusion
Our first LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Action Plan is a roadmap for creating an inclusive and welcoming University experience for LGBTIQA+ staff and students.
The Action Plan addresses the highest-priority issues identified by LGBTIQA+ students and staff, and aligns with current leading practices for LGBTIQA+ inclusion. Commitments in the Action plan include:
- Communicating and recognising the University’s commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion
- Designing policies, systems, and processes to support LGBTIQA+ staff to safely and fully participate and thrive at the University
- Valuing LGBTIQA+ staff and providing equitable opportunities to contribute and progress.
The University also has a Gender Affirmation Policy and a dedicated support officer for students and staff affirming their gender at the University.
Disability Inclusion
The University is strongly committed to an ongoing program of work to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disability. Our Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP 2023-2026) aims to remove or minimise barriers to participation in university life that are faced by people with disability. Its goals include:
- Creating a safe, welcoming, supportive and engaging place for people with disability
- Uplifting the accessibility and inclusivity of the University’s physical and digital environment
- Supporting best practice disability inclusion and accessibility principles in teaching and research
- Enabling staff with disability to feel confident, supported, and passionate about working at the University.
Gender Equity
We're proud to hold an Athena Swan Bronze Award, an accreditation that acknowledges our actions to improve gender equity in the workplace. Universities can present unique challenges to the equitable participation of women and gender diverse employees. In working to progress from Bronze to Silver accreditation, we demonstrate our commitment to actively address these challenges.
Our Athena Swan action plan tackles five key priorities:
- Combatting sexual misconduct with robust prevention and support measures
- Reviewing the promotions procedure and addressing barriers for women and gender-diverse people
- Recognising academic career interruptions, fostering flexibility and re-entry pathways
- Implementing inclusive recruitment practices that attract and retain talent increase diversity in the academic workforce
- Cultivating a welcoming and inclusive culture for trans and gender diverse staff and students.
In addition to the Athena Swan program, the University annually reports to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) and is fully compliant with the requirements of the Gender Equality Act (Vic, 2020).
Under the Gender Equality Act (Vic, 2020) the University has a Gender Equality Action Plan. This plan supports the advancement and embedding of diversity and inclusion principles at the University to create enduring and widespread cultural change with a particular focus on gender equality for professional and academic staff.
Respect at Melbourne
The University is committed to eliminating sexual misconduct within its community and promoting safety for students, staff and visitors. The Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy sets out our commitment to taking positive action, provides clarity on what constitutes sexual misconduct, and explains how complaints can be made and will be managed. Staff and students have access to support services through the Safer Community Program, and Counselling and Psychological Services. All staff and students are required to undertake mandatory training on preventing sexual misconduct.
Anti-Racism
As a diverse, multi-cultural and multi-faith community, the University of Melbourne condemns racism and actively stands against it. We are taking action to respond to and prevent racism at the University, and integral to this work is our anti-racism commitment and vision. Development of the University’s first anti-racism action plan is underway, informed by consultation with staff, students and the broader community.
Celebrating Diversity
Throughout the year, and particularly on key dates of significance, we put the spotlight on research that reflects our commitment to building diversity and strengthening equity and inclusion. We also have a range of events, initiatives, and networks designed to broaden your horizons and connect you with your passions.