Cultural diversity

[Print-friendly version]

In this section...

Cultural Diversity Policy
Staff Diversity Network and Language Register
QUT Publications
Additional resources
Useful links

Cultural Diversity Policy

QUT has a strong commitment to developing a culturally diverse staff and student population and to the elimination of racism on campus.

QUT's Cultural Diversity Policy recognises the importance of valuing diversity to create a vibrant, flexible and creative university culture. This encourages innovative approaches, enriches the QUT work and study environment for everyone, and enhances the University's ability to respond to the rapidly changing needs of Australia and the countries with which it interacts.

The policy also recognises the inherent challenges and tensions in cultural diversity that can arise if cultural differences are associated with racism or exclusion. Therefore, the University has in place measures to prevent and eliminate racial discrimination and harassment.

Staff Diversity Network

The QUT Staff Diversity Network is one of many initiatives provided by the University in support the Cultural Diversity Policy. The Network provides

• a forum where staff of non-English speaking or cultural backgrounds can raise issues which affect them as employees of QUT
• staff with opportunities for meeting and networking with other staff of non-English speaking or cultural backgrounds
• a resource for the University when seeking people with expertise in a particular cultural background
• opportunities for staff of non-English speaking or cultural backgrounds to increase their visibility.

The Staff Diversity Network holds a number of events each year, has an email network and a language register. Click here to find out how you can participate.

Language Register

The Staff Diversity Network (SDN) Language Register is part of the Network's range of activities aimed at promoting cultural diversity and awareness. The SDN Language Register is being established in 2005 to provide opportunities for staff to share their cultural and linguistic knowledge and expertise with colleagues.

Assistance and support available through the language register includes:

• informal mentoring and orienting new staff to QUT and Australia
• establishing social and professional contacts and networks
• exchange of cultural protocols
• sharing experiences and information.

If you would like to register for the SDN Language Register, please download and complete the application form and email or post back to the Equity Section at Room X105, Gardens Point Campus.

Publications and resources at QUT

Celebrating Diversity: diversity and inclusiveness at events Make you event as successful as it can be by making the right choices about catering, venue, access, entertainment and protocos so that all members of QUT's diverse community can participate fully.

Working with Diversity: inclusive language and presentation This guide is for both staff and students on inclusive language and presentation across all fields of work and study. It contains examples and practical suggestions on how to communicate inclusively in all genres and fora.

QUT's Cultural Diversity Calendar is an on-line calendar of cultural and religious and community festivals and days for QUT, Australia and around the world. Plan ahead. Are your cultural holidays, festivals or special religious days missing? Email us to add them to the calendar.

Successful Cross-cultural Communication [PDF]: Communicating across cultures can be both a challenging and enriching experience. Crosscultural misunderstandings can be minimised with an understanding of the role of culture when communicating, and with an awareness of potential issues. This information sheet is designed to assist staff to be aware of issues that may arise when communicating with other staff and students from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Additional resources, activities and links

Read, watch and participate in Cultural Diversity through a range of resources listed for staff and students interested in more information. Contact the Equity Section for more information on equityenq@qut.edu.au

Useful organisations and links

Submit your useful organisations and links for consideration to equityenq@qut.edu.au.

Multicultural Affairs Queensland
Department of Immigration, Indigenous and Multi-cultural Affairs
Multicultural Association of Queensland
Amnesty International Australia
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
We are all boat people