University of Tasmania
PA-5: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The University Equity Committee provides a forum for the discussion of inclusion, equity and diversity issues, generating ideas and initiatives that build momentum and contribute to the communication and reinforcement of shared values to support a culture of inclusiveness within the University. The Committee also plays a key role in the development of the University’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Strategy and progressive implementation of its objectives.
Some example key activities of the Equity Committee include:
- Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2024: People with disability are part of our University community as students, staff, residents, visitors and through our activities in learning and teaching, research, and community engagement. The plan for inclusion identifies targeted actions in five priority areas: Learning and teaching; Digital and online environment; Employment;
Leadership and capability building; Inclusive campus. Creating diverse, inclusive, and accessible educational experiences and environments to which people with disability feel a sense of belonging and connection is the responsibility of all members of the University community.
- Breastfeeding on campus: The University welcomes and actively supports staff and students wishing to manage parenting responsibilities and their employment or study commitments. The University is accredited as a 'Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace' through the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) and the benefits are for all members of our community.
- Children on University campuses: The University recognises that family responsibilities are not confined to social or private realms of life but are the concern of the University community as a whole. Supervisors and lecturers shall treat requests to bring children on campus sympathetically and no reasonable request should be refused. Requests shall be treated with flexibility and sensitivity.
- Workplace flexibility: The University recognises that staff members have personal responsibilities outside the workplace. The University provides a range of flexible working arrangements in order to assist staff members in managing their work and personal responsibilities; and to attract and retain staff members.

STAFF:
- Equal Opportunity Online (compulsory): The University of Tasmania aims to enable an inclusive and diverse environment in which all students and staff are treated fairly and equitably; free of harassment and discrimination. To raise the awareness of staff about harassment and discrimination issues, and to be clear about expected standards of behaviour we require all newly appointed staff to complete the online equal opportunity training program (https://www.utas.edu.au/equity-diversity/resources-and-training-opportunities)
- All staff is required to complete the “Appropriate Workplace Behaviour” module online, which comprise three sections: appropriate workplace behaviour, fair play on campus, and sexual harassment and sexual assault.
- Staff also have the opportunity to do additional training including Behaviour Contact Officer training, LGBTI awareness and Ally training, cultural awareness training, unconcious bias or Mental Health First Aid.

STUDENTS have access to the following training opportunities
- LGBTI awareness and Ally training (https://www.utas.edu.au/equity-diversity/ally-network)
- Come Walk with Us is a an introductory three-hour cultural safety workshop run by the Aboriginal Higher Education Advisor. The workshop assumes participants have no prior knowledge about Tasmanian Aboriginal history, health status and culture and is suitable for students and staff of the University of Tasmania.