Where Many Shape Diversity
Chemnitz University of Technology participates in the diversity audit "Shaping Diversity" of the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft
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Research assistant Susann Preiß oversees the participatory audit process at Chemnitz University of Technology. Photo: Jacob Müller
In recent years, the topic of diversity has become increasingly important in society, including in everyday university life. Dealing with various social and personal needs for research, teaching, and studies, as well as recruiting personnel in research and administration, is ubiquitous. With its strong international orientation, Chemnitz University of Technology sees the design of a non-discriminatory and equal-opportunity work and study environment as one of the most important challenges for diversity-friendly everyday university life. To meet this challenge, Chemnitz University of Technology successfully applied for the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft (Donors' Association for the Promotion of Science and Humanities in Germany) audit "Shaping Diversity" in the summer of 2021. This organizational and strategic development instrument helps Chemnitz University of Technology accept the diversity of its members and affiliates, as well as design structures, instruments, and measures to include diverse groups of people in everyday university life.
Since October 2021, Chemnitz University of Technology has been undergoing the two-year audit process. The aim of the audit is to further develop and implement an understanding of diversity specific to Chemnitz University of Technology and a strategy related to it. As a result, the recognition of the diversity of Chemnitz University of Technology's members and the use of this potential for the university's development are at the forefront. Students and employees from all levels of Chemnitz University of Technology will be involved in a participatory process. The audit is supervised at Chemnitz University of Technology by research assistant Susann Preiß and is accompanied by the Stifterverband through independent and expert auditors.
The audit process includes both the internal audit process of the university and several "diversity forums" with other universities. Five university-internal workshops are held under the supervision of auditors during the internal audit process. A steering group (consisting of university management and project coordination) and a steering committee (consisting of Chemnitz University of Technology's most important stakeholders from all structural levels) work together. Chemnitz University of Technology prepares a self-report at the beginning and end of the audit. The first self-report documents Chemnitz University of Technology's initial situation in terms of student and employee composition, as well as existing diversity-oriented offerings and development goals during the audit process. The audit process is reflected in the second self-report, and the achievement of the development goals is evaluated. The "diversity forums," which take place concurrently with the internal audit process, facilitate collegial exchange among the current cohort's ten universities spread across the country. The forum's ideas and outcomes are incorporated into the internal audit process. The "Shaping Diversity" certificate is awarded following the successful completion of the audit process and is valid for three years. Following that, a re-audit can be requested.
For more information on the audit, contact Susann Preiß, tel. 0371 531-38967, e-mail susann.preiss@verwaltung.tu-chemnitz.de
(Article: Mario Steinebach / Translation: Brent Benofsky)
Matthias Fejes
15.11.2022
