Making events inclusive
Events, whether they are informal or formal, professional or social, are integral parts of University life. They provide opportunities for staff and students to meet, socialise and share ideas away from the serious business of the lecture theatre, lab or tutorial room. It is through attending and running a range of events that relationships can be built with other members of the University, alumni and even with visitors from business, industry and government.
The Melbourne Experience, unique to The University of Melbourne enables our alumni to develop several graduate attributes, one of which is being Attuned to Cultural Diversity. This does not happen by osmosis, and all members of the University community have a responsibility to be mindful of diversity in structuring their academic and extra-curricular activities. This University commitment is reflected in its Cultural Diversity Policy, and many other University policies. For further information see the section: Embracing Diversity
You’ve probably noticed what a diverse place the University is. The Cultural Diversity Policy recognises 11 categories of difference from age to gender to religion, language spoken and educational background. How is your event going to include them all?
A culturally inclusive event is one where students and staff aim for culturally sensitive behaviour and activities, and where differences are valued and explored and where:
- No person or group is inappropriately excluded
- People from culturally diverse backgrounds are treated with equal respect
- Decisions about venue and catering consider the needs of students from culturally diverse groups
- Advertising is culturally sensitive
For a guide about culturally inclusive events and an interfaith calendar for major religions, see Equity and Diversity Planning: Publications .
See also information provided in the Watch Your Language brochure published through the department of Human Resources for guidance in avoiding inadvertently discriminatory language.
It is against the law to directly (or indirectly) exclude and discriminate against any group. But the University goes even further, building the value of a diverse culture, and therefore embracing it in an inclusive manner in its list of graduate attributes. The Graduate Attributes state explicitly that a University of Melbourne graduate will be attuned to cultural diversity:
- value different cultures
- be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work
- have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community
- respect indigenous knowledge, cultures and values.
In order to ensure the inclusive nature of your event for all students, consider the needs of
Strategies to promote inclusivity
Consider your chosen venue and the needs of a diverse cohort. Will they be willing to attend events that are held in more out-of-the-way venues? Could some of these issues increase the exclusivity of the event? And what about access? Is physical access to the event - doors, pathways, visibility - available for everyone?
In the early planning stages of the event:
- include students from different cultural groups in the planning (they will be able to offer valuable advice as well as use their own social networks to encourage greater participation)
- consult student services such as International Student Services (ISS), Disability Liaison Unit (DLU) and Equity and Diversity Planning (EDP) all of whom have helpful advice for planning inclusive events
- contact Chaplaincy for advice about particular religious requirements
- and consult EDP’s Interfaith Calendar in order to be aware of days of special observance that might affect attendance
- contact other clubs, societies and services to seek promotion of your event on their website (remember inclusivity can be a selling point)
- provide multi-lingual information about your event so that all students feel respected and included
- Watch Your Language to make sure that any advertising or announcements are not unintentionally and indirectly discriminating
As the day of the event approaches:
- Make sure the advertising and signage is clearly visible to a wide range of people
- Promote your eve
- multiple ways: posters, flyers, personal approaches, pavement chalking
- Contact various clubs,
- nt in societies and services and ask for space in their areas to promote your event (offer reciprocal rights to them)
In the final analysis, your event will be well on the way to success if you have:
- encouraged everyone to attend
- been explicit about inclusivity in advertising and marketing for event
- kept dietary preferences in mind when organising catering
- made sure that alcohol is not the only thirst-quenching option
- provided a venue which is accessible to all, enabling everyone to engage with and enjoy your event.