Following the “Vielfalt Gestalten” Audit

The University of Mannheim embraces and promotes diversity in all its forms. Whether it be origin, identity, sexual orientation, ideology, ability or age: our aim is to make the university a place where we actively oppose discrimination and stand up for diversity.

In March 2024, after two years, the University of Mannheim successfully completed the “Vielfalt gestalten” (“shaping diversity”) audit of the Stifterverband. Five working groups, involving numerous members of the university, have looked at topics like student affairs and teaching, staff and communication, support structures and inclusion as well as reporting and developed an extensive catalog of measures to make the university more diverse.

Results of the audit have been, for example, the creation of a central website on diversity pooling information, advisory and support services, news, and events relating to diversity and the development of guidelines and recommendations for gender-sensitive writing at the university. Another measure allows students to indicate their name and gender in accordance with the dgti Ergänzungsausweis (supplementary pass developed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Transidentität und Intersexualität e. V. (“Dgti Ergänzungsausweis”)). In addition, new childcare options are being arranged, for example for Saturday examinations. The university held a Diversity Study Week, which offered a wide range of opportunities to explore the topic. In addition, the university is taking targeted measures to support female researchers on their career path and increase the number of female professors.

Although we have achieved a lot, there is also still a lot to do at the University of Mannheim. To make further progress, a “round table” will be established which is open to all those interested. The participants of the “round table” can discuss ideas and suggestions to further promote diversity at the university.