Diversity Weeks

Welcome to the Diversity Weeks 2024

Saarland University is celebrating the Diversity Weeks from 7 to 28 May  - from lectures to picnics, various formats invite you to explore the topic of diversity and anti-discrimination, to inform yourself and to network. 

The Equal Opportunities and Diversity Management Unit (CDM) initiated the Diversity Weeks in 2022. These weeks mark the signing of the Diversity Charter by the university and give the diversity policy a sustainable structure. The UdS sees itself as a cosmopolitan and tolerant university that values the diversity of its members.

The Diversity Weeks raise awareness of diversity within the university and promote intercultural exchange and understanding of different perspectives and life experiences.

Greeting by Vice-President for Administration and Finance Dr. Roland Rolles

Dear members of the University,

I am pleased to announce the third Diversity Weeks, which will take place from 7 to 28 May. The Equal Opportunities and Diversity Management Office (CDM) cordially invites all employees and students to take part in this diverse series of events and together send a strong signal in favour of diversity at Saarland University.

The aim of this series of events is to raise awareness of diversity and anti-discrimination at our university. As part of numerous events organised by the CDM staff unit together with its network partners, all participants have the opportunity to engage with the topics of diversity, equal opportunities and accessibility from different perspectives, to inform themselves and to network.

The programme offers an exciting mix of online formats and face-to-face events that are open to all UdS employees and students at all locations. Many events are designed in both German and English in order to cater for as many participants as possible. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in organising the Diversity Weeks. I look forward to seeing a great deal of interest and wish all participants an exciting and enriching time.

Dr. Roland Rolles, Vice President Administration and Finance

 

Programme 2024

07/05/2024 | 10 am - 3 pm | Accessibility Action Day | Campaign stand in front of the Campus Center (Building A4 4)

Accessibility Action Day: Way forward for inclusion! Independent living - without barriers

The 5th of May is the European Day of Protest for the Equality of People with Disabilities. To mark this day of protest, the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Management Unit is organising the "Accessibility Action Day" on the Saarbrücken campus in cooperation with the Inclusion Officer, the Disabled Employees' Representatives and the AStA Accessibility Department.

Under this year's motto of the Aktion Mensch "Viel vor für Inklusion! Selbstbestimmt leben – ohne Barrieren", interested parties can find out more about various topics at the information booth. Visible and invisible barriers and impairments can be experienced through hands-on activities.

The aim is to make all members of the UdS aware of the university's goal of enabling all people to participate equally in university life. 

Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Location: Campaign stand in front of the Campus Center (Building A4 4)

Languages: German | English | French

Hosts: KSB  Inklusionsbeauftragte | Schwerbehindertenvertretung | AStA Referat Barrierefreiheit
Supported by the entire CDM unit and the Diversity Ambassadors

08/05/2024 | 6 pm - 8 pm | Panel discussion "Why gender studies" followed by a comic reading | Saarbrücken Town Hall

Panel discussion "Why gender studies" followed by a comic reading by Elisabeth Pich

The panel discussion is part of the lecture series "Facets of Diversity: Gender Research and its Significance for Society" taking place in the summer semester.

Participants:  Prof. Dr. Andrea Geier (CePoG Trier) | Prof. Dr. Astrid M. Fellner (Gender Studies Forum UdS) | Dr. Sybille Jung (Gender Equality at the UdS) | L Crescimone (Queer AStA)
Moderation: Dr. Lisa Juliane Schneider (Head of the Women's Office of the City of Saarbrücken) and Prof. Dr. Daniela Braun (CEUS: Cluster for European Studies at UdS)  

Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Location: Saarbrücken Town Hall
 
Language: German

Hosts: Forum Geschlechterforschung der UdS | Gleichstellungsbüro der UdS | AK Queer der UdS | ZelL | htw saar | Frauenbüro der Stadt Saarbrücken and FrauenGenderBibliothek Saar

Further information on the lecture series:
Facets of diversity - Gender research and its significance for society 
Prof. Dr. Daniela Braun and Prof. Dr. Astrid M. Fellner
  
In cooperation with the Gender Studies Forum of the UdS, the Equal Opportunities Office of the UdS, the Queer Working Group of the UdS, the ZelL, the htw saar, the Women's Office of the City of Saarbrücken and the FrauenGenderBibliothek Saar
What actually is gender research? What does it deal with? And why is the consideration of gender and other diversity factors an important aspect of many scientific disciplines and why is this important for society? To what extent are other dimensions of social, ethnic, cultural and sexual differentiation processes connected? The interdisciplinary lecture series "Facets of diversity: Gender research and its significance for society" asks questions, provides answers and aims to shed light on and discuss the significance of various diversity factors in science and society. Based on the latest findings from feminist theory, gender, queer and trans studies as well as empirical gender research, selected experts from various research areas will provide an insight into recent research areas and current research approaches in the humanities, cultural studies, social sciences, law and natural sciences.

13/05/2024 | 12 pm - 1 pm | Autism Spectrum Student Exchange | Campus, Building A4 4, Room 2.42

Autism Spectrum Student Exchange - KSB invites you in cooperation with the AStA Accessibility Department

Studying can bring some additional challenges for people on the autism spectrum. In particular, if they have problems socialising with others, they may not benefit from student interaction. Our programme brings together students on the autism spectrum and gives them the opportunity to clarify questions and network in a safe environment. How is the summer term going? What is still unclear? What are your wishes? People who are on the spectrum but not yet diagnosed are also welcome. 

Time: 12 pm - 1 pm
Location: Campus, Building A4 4, Room 2.42

Languages: German | English

REGISTRATION
Please register for this event via the registration form.

Hosts: KSB | Fachschaft Medizin 

14/05/2024 | 10:30 am - 3 pm | 10 Years "Faire Uni Saar" | Forecourt of Mensa

On 14/05/2014, Saarland University was the first university in Germany to be awarded the title "Fair University". UdS and its partners are celebrating this 10th anniversary with a colorful festival that shows many facets of the fair way. A fair brunch, a market of fair opportunities, music and a colorful program invite everyone to join in the celebrations. 

Time: 10:30 am – 3 pm
Location: Forecourt of Mensa

Languages: German | English

14/05/2024 | 12 pm - 1:30 pm | Round Table for students with disabilities or chronic diseases Saarbrücken | KHG Café

The Round Table is an opportunity for students with disabilities or chronic diseases to meet, network and share experiences. It is also an opportunity to get to know the team and the work of the Contact Point for Studying wit Disability and AStA Accessibility Department.

Time: 12 pm - 1:30 pm
Location: KHG Café

Languages: German | English

REGISTRATION
Please register for this event via the registration form.

Hosts: KSB and AStA-Referat Barrierefreiheit

15/05/2024 | 10 am - 12 pm | Planning for emergencies - lasting power of attorney, guardianship directive and living will | Online seminar

It is important for young and old to make timely and independent provisions. Not only old age, but also accidents, illness and other (unforeseeable) life situations require legal precautions. Legal precautions include drawing up a power of attorney or guardianship and a living will. Alongside health and financial provision, this is an important pillar of future security. 

Legal arrangements allow an authorised person to make decisions if you are unable to do so yourself. This requires the transfer of personal rights through a power of attorney or guardianship and a living will. To ensure that these are legally valid, the online seminar will outline the main legal and substantive requirements and present easy-to-use documents.

Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Location: Online seminar via MS TEams

Language: German

REGISTRATION:
Please register in advance. Click here for the registration form

Last minute participants are also welcome.

Host: Familienbüro

15/05/2024 | 12:30 pm – ca. 1:15 pm | "Queer Lunch Break for Employees" - Exchange on the move | Meeting point: Green area between C 7 2 and C 7 4

A new edition of the "Queer Lunch Break for Employees" format invites all UdS employees who either self-identify as queer or want to show their support. This time we are meeting in person for a casual walk.  

The route has been chosen so that it is also easy to manage with physical impairments.  If you have any questions about the event, please contact us in advance via diversity(at)uni-saarland.de.

I am queer myself. Do I have to come out at the event? No. All participants are free to decide whether and how much they want to reveal about themselves. 

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex, Trans, Ace and Abinary Hostility (IDAHOBITA on May 17) 
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex-, Trans-, Ace- and Abinaryphobia (IDAHOBITA) has been celebrated annually since 2005 on May 17 by queer people and their allies as a day of action to draw attention to discrimination against queer people. The date was chosen to commemorate 17 May 1990, when the World Health Organization (WHO) decided to de-pathologize homosexuality. 

Time: 12:30 pm  – ca. 1:15 pm
Meeting point: Green area between C 7 2 and C 7 4 (Campus)
Languages: German | English | French

Host: Diversity@UdS
Supported by AK Queer

16/05/2024 | 10 am - 12 pm | Lunch Break for Single Parents | Campus Centre, Room 2.02

The "Lunch Break for Single Parents" is a networking event organised by the Family Office. The format provides an opportunity for students and staff of the University of the Saarland who are single or separated parents to meet each other and to make direct contact with the Family Office. 

In a relaxed atmosphere and over lunch, tips and experiences relating to single parenthood can be shared. Short presentations by selected speakers will round off the programme. At the opening event, Dalila Wettki, Managing Director of the Saarland Regional Association, will present the Association of Single Mothers and Fathers (VAMV) and its services and advice.

Babysitters from the Family Office's online babysitter database will be available to look after the children.

All interested parties are welcome to attend and benefit from this networking opportunity.

Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Location: Campus Centre, Room 2.02

Languages: German | English

REGISTRATION:
For better planning of childcare, please register. Click here for the registration form.

Last-minute registrations are also welcome.

Host: Familienbüro  
Short presentations by Dalila Wettki

16/05/2024 | 6 pm - 6:45 pm | Accessibility Brain Snacks - For teaching staff at ZelL | ZelL - Internal event

Accessibility Brain Snacks - For teaching staff at ZelL

Ideally, striving for accessibility is a lifelong learning process. Impulses can already make a big difference. At the get-together of teaching staff at ZelL, KSB team members will be bringing along some brain snacks and tips for day-to-day work. This also includes the experience of how different types of visual impairment affect people in practice. 

Time: 6 pm – 6:45 pm
Location: ZelL (Internal event)

Language: German

Host: KSB

16/05/2024 | from 7 pm | Poetry-Evening "Strong words - poetry against racism" | City Library Saarbrücken

"Strong words - poetry against racism"

There are many ways to take a stand against racism and fight it. Language is an effective tool in this fight. People of different languages and different strategies in dealing with racism will shape this evening. 

An evening of powerful verse with people raising their voices to create a world characterized by respect and equality. Let yourself be inspired by powerful words: Together we will set an example against racism. 

Time: from 7 pm
Location: City Library Saarbrücken, Gustav-Regler-Platz 1
Languages: Multilingual - Main languages: English | German | French

Hosts: AG Antirassismus in cooperation with the Creative Writing Space of Changenetworks and the city library Saarbrücken
Supported by CDM | Bounce Back | GEW 

21/05 - 24/05/2024 | each from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm | FUNKT - Holiday care

The Holiday-University-Nature-Children-Days „FUNKT" is a holiday programme offered by the Family Office for the children of employees and students. Together with a team of nature educators, primary school children from grades 1 to 4 discover the natural surroundings of the Saarbrücken campus. Under the motto "Pure excitement - adventures in nature", the children have lots of fun doing handicrafts, hammering and sawing.

You can find details of our holiday childcare here

Time: each from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Hosts: Familienbüro
In cooperation with Lumbricus UmweltEdutainment

21/05/2024 | 2:30 pm - 4 pm | Open Doors Diversity Room | Building E1 2, Room 0.09

Tour of the Diversity Room

As part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, Saarland University is also creating spaces that recognise the diversity of its students and employees: the Diversity Room. The room is multifunctional and can be used for many different aspects of diversity. The innovative concept concept also impressed external parties: Diversity Room was named "Hochschulperle October 2022" by the Stifterverband and was one of the three best submissions in the "Inclusive Workplace" category in the final of the Impact of Diversity Award 2023.

Diversity Room is open for visitors between 2.30 and 4:00 pm. Members from team CDM will be happy to answer your questions. 

Time: 2:30 pm - 4 pm
Location: Diversity Room, Building E1 2, Room 0.09 (Campus)

Languages: German | English

Host: KSB 

22/05/2024 | 3 pm - 4:30 pm | Synagogue tour | Synagogue Saarbrücken

The tour of the synagogue provides students and staff with an introduction to the history of the Jewish community in Saarbrücken. 

The customs and traditions of the Jewish faith are explained through the structure of the synagogue, with ritual objects of Jewish religious practice also presented to further illustrate them. 

In cooperation with the Synagogue Community Saar.

Time: 3 pm - 4:30 pm
Ort: Saarbrücken Synagogue, Beethovenplatz (Meeting point)

Language: The event is conducted in German. If you would like a guided tour in English, please let us know here

REGISTRATION & ORGANISATION:
Registration is required for security reasons. Please register for this event via the registration form.
Please bring your ID card, passport and/or dgti Supplementary ID with ID card for security checks
.There will be an entrance check before you enter the synagogue. Bags and mobile phones may not be taken into the synagogue; please reduce the amount you carry if possible. Male visitors are requested to bring a hat. Caps are also available to borrow.

Accessibility: The synagogue is accessible by ramp. Wheelchair accessible toilets are not available.

Hosts: Diversity@UdS in cooperation with the Jewish community Saar

23/05/2024 | 10 am - 11 am | BiBo: Family - One dimension of diversity | Online event

Introducing the Family Office's Parent Guides

The reconciliation of family and career is a central concern at the UdS. Taking into account the special needs of employees who are caring for children or relatives in need of care is an integral part of the family-friendly university culture at UdS.

Since March 2024, UdS has had three in-house Parent Guides. The certified Parent Guides provide information, advice and support to all employees who are or will be parents. They also act as a point of contact for all executives to assist them with issues relating to the employment of (expectant) parents.

Get to know the Parent Guides, find out more about the counselling and services offered by the Family Office and get an overview of the family-friendly measures taken by the UdS. A discussion round will provide an opportunity to ask questions on the topic of reconciling family and career. 

Speakers: Dr. Claudia Floren | Luisa Humm | Carmen Neis

Time: 10 am - 11 am
Location: Online event via MS Teams

Language: German

Host: Family office

23/05/2024 | 1 pm - 3 pm| Awareness-raising activity | Campus Centre

Do blind people just see black?  

What is it actually like to have a visual impairment? Do blind people just see black? And how do they dream? What should I know when I meet them on campus? Almost everyone has probably asked themselves questions like these at some point. Our former InclusionGuide Nina Becker can answer them with a presentation and exercises that will let anyone who is interested know and, if they wish, experience for themselves what a visual impairment feels like.

Time: 1 pm - 3 pm
Location: N.N.

Language: German

REGISTRATION
The event is limited to 20 participants, so please register via the registration form.

Hosts: KSB with InklusionsGuide Nina Becke
 

27/05/2024 | 10 am - 12 pm | Workshop "Gender-equitable language and neopronyms in everyday university life" | Online event

The online workshop offers an introduction to diversity-sensitive language and provides practical approaches for a diverse linguistic approach. The use of pronouns that correspond to gender identity is an important step towards respecting diversity and promoting an open working environment.

Speakerx: Ravna Siever, queErziehung.blog

Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Location: Online event via MS Teams

Language: German

REGISTRATION
Please register for this event via the registration form.

Host: Diversity@Uds 
Supported by: AK Queer
 

27/05/2024 | 2:30 pm | Walk and Talk about Depression | Meeting point: green area between C 7 2 and C 7 4

The Walk & Talk about Depression event is aimed at students who are suffering from depression or are otherwise affected by mental illness. It is a low-threshold opportunity for mutual exchange through a shared walk followed by a short discussion session. 

Time: 2:30 pm
Location: Meeting point - green area between C 7 2 and C 7 4

Language: German | English

Host: KSB 

28/05/2024 | 4 pm - 6 pm | Intercultural Family Meet & Eat goes Diversity | Central campus lawn

IFME goes Diversity - Intercultural Family Meet & Eat goes Diversity

Welcome to the Intercultural Family Meet & Eat (IFME). On German Diversity Day, we welcome all employees, guests and students as well as their families. Under this year's motto "Voice for diversity - 365 days a year", all parent-child communities such as single parents, blended families, rainbow families and traditional families are cordially invited. 

Families can socialise and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere while bringing their own snacks and drinks. Toys and childcare will be provided for the children by babysitters from the Family Office's Online Babysitting Database. 

In good weather, the event will take place on the central campus lawn, in bad weather in Campus Centre A4 4, room 2.02.

We look forward to a colourful and diverse exchange!

The IFME is a joint event of the Family Office of the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Management Unit, the Department of International Relations – Welcome Center and the Max Planck Institutes at Saarbrücken campus.

Time: 4 pm - 6 pm
Location: In good weather, the event will take place on the central campus lawn, in bad weather in Campus Centre A4 4, room 2.02
Languages: German | English | French

REGISTRATION:
For better planning of childcare, please register in advance. Click here for the registration form.
Last-minute participants are also very welcome!

Hosts: Familienbüro | International Office | Max-Planck-Institute
Supported by Diversity@UdS