Diversity Audit
Diversity Audit
Since October 2020, the University of Oldenburg has been taking part in the Stifterverband's Diversity Audit 'Vielfalt gestalten' ('shaping diversity'). The goal of the two-year auditing process is the development and implementation of a university-specific diversity strategy that anchors diversity as a cross-cutting issue in all areas of university life in the long term. In the center of the auditing process, there are five workshops, accompanied by an external auditor, to which members of all status groups contribute their expertise.
The Stifterverband organizes 'Diversity Forums' to facilitate collegial exchange between the universities participating in the Diversity Audit at the same time. In addition to the University of Oldenburg, the Free University of Berlin, the Bochum University of Applied Sciences, the Clausthal University of Technology, the Kiel University of Applied Sciences, the University of Marburg and the University of Potsdam are currently participating in the audit.
By participating in the Diversity Audit, the University of Oldenburg is building on its experience with a previous diversity programme by the Stifterverband in which it was awarded for its concept of a 'hearing-sensitive university'.
Further general information on the Diversity Audit can be found on the homepage of the Stifterverband (in German).
Structure of the Diversity Audit at the University of Oldenburg
The process of the Diversity Audit at the University of Oldenburg is led by the Vice President for Early Career Researchers and Equal Opportunities, Professor Dr. Annett Thiele. Supported by staff from the Planning and Development Unit, they form the project management team and decide on the strategic and substantive direction of the audit.
The steering committee, which consists of the project management team and other members from the Presidential Board and its supporting units, closely coordinates the strategic and substantive direction of the process.
The members of the diversity committee represent the different status groups of the university or are involved with various diversity aspects as representatives or stakeholders. The committee thus assumes a representative function on the one hand and, by serving as a multiplier for diversity issues at the university, a communicative function on the other. The committee also advises the project groups and provides input and ideas.
The project groups are made up of experts from different status groups, depending on the topic area. Their task is to discuss their assigned topics and to develop specific goals and measures that are to be implemented as part of the auditing process.
The scientific advisory council advises the project management team from a scientific perspective. The participating scientists from the University of Oldenburg deal with diversity issues in their research and draw on proven expertise in this area.
An essential part of the auditing process are five internal university workshops, which are accompanied by Dr. Daniela De Ridder, an external auditor, who advises the project management team on process design.