Text: Laura Weißert
Friedrich Schiller University Jena has a staff of almost 4,000 and just under 17,000 students. More than 20,000 people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives shape the university community. Strengthening this community is the aim of the new CommUNIty Office, which will begin its work this summer
As part of the Office of the Vice-President for University Community and Engagement, the office serves as a central hub for the coordination of initiatives to promote equal opportunities. It aims to raise the profile of equity and diversity at the University, coordinate activities and support their further development. »We want to create a service structure that also allows us to intensify our activities through centralized management,« says Annette Wagner-Baier, Executive Assistant for equity and diversity in the Vice-President’s Office.
First and foremost, the office is intended to serve as a central point of contact—for members of the University seeking advice, as well as for advisors and managers. According to Wagner-Baier, counselling is often complex and demanding, particularly when it comes to issues of diversity, equity or dealing with cases of discrimination. The new office aims to provide assistance in complex cases such as these, through training, supervision, dialogue and support. Services are also to be developed for managers and teams with a view to strengthening their relevant skills.
Our community thrives on fairness, paticipation, and respectful cooperation.
Annette Wagner-Baier
At the same time, the CommUNIty Office is meant to serve as a hub for all those who already offer initiatives and organize events on equity and diversity within the various faculties and institutions. »For example, there are some very good initiatives within individual areas that are tailored to the specific target groups and requirements,« explains Wagner-Baier. These initiatives should remain in place. »If there is a viable format, however, that can be adapted for other areas, it can be used as a model. The CommUNIty Office can help in this context by connecting people and providing support in the coordination and development of programmes.«
In addition, the CommUNIty Office will implement its own cross-departmental initiatives and events designed to strengthen equity, diversity, inclusion, non-discrimination, and foster a sense of belonging at the University. In doing so, it will also place greater emphasis on groups that have previously been under-represented, such as older people or first-generation students. Additional networks, discussion groups and forums are also planned—for example, focusing on shared interests or challenges faced in study, work and research.
All these activities aim to foster a stronger sense of belonging. In order for students and staff to feel connected to their University, they require support and opportunities to get involved—which is exactly what the CommUNIty Office is offering. According to Wagner-Baier, a strong sense of community not only fosters satisfaction, but also leads to greater well-being and reduced stress.
