As in society as a whole, diversity is also a reality within the large group of staff and students at the University of Antwerp, which we see as an added value. Every staff member and student, regardless of their diversity characteristics, should feel welcome at and connected to our university by propagating a culture of openness and respect. This requires special attention, customisation at times, and that is what we are keen to pursue.

Over the past few years, a lot has been done to make us aware of this diversity in many areas such as cultural and religious background, disability, social class, age, gender and sexual orientation. This resulted in Diversity Action Plans for both students (2018) and staff (2021). Several priority actions have already been realised e.g. reflection rooms, free menstrual materials and training on inclusive communication, studying or working with ADHD, language skills... . We are committed to further rolling out and updating these plans together with the various stakeholders. In doing so, we monitor the feasibility of the various initiatives. Because of our social commitment, we ensure support for students who commit to mentoring initiatives outside the university walls, such as Tutoraat and Taalmaat. So for the coming years, it is no longer so much about naming that diversity, but about working on natural and connecting inclusion.