Principle 3: Culture of belonging | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Principle 3: Culture of belonging

What we will do 

  • Cultivate inclusive learning and working culture through the facilitation of social connections
  • Tailor our services to our student profile to create relevant supports and encourage a greater sense of belonging
  • Generate and support research which fosters individuals from diverse backgrounds to bring research ideas to USC
  • Build on existing exchanges of cultural knowledge and community capacity with a focus on listening to under-represented communities
  • Enhance community aspirations and practical research skills, strengths and capabilities that already exist and identify opportunities to share between communities

How will we know we are making a difference? 

  • There is university-wide recognition and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culture, knowledge and protocols
  • Genuine and close partnerships with Indigenous and transcultural communities

USC commitment  

  • Ensure every supervisor is responsible for actively encouraging an open and collaborative culture that demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Establish forums and safe spaces for people to share information about their lived experience
  • Provide planned opportunities/ events for the USC community to celebrate diversity, ensuring the engagement is meaningful and has impact

Examples of individual commitment 

  • Include pronouns within email signatures
  • Participate in and acknowledge national and local dates of significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • Participate in various cultural learning activities
  • For those who design and deliver either academic or professional program, create opportunities to raise awareness and include diverse perspectives