An eclectic mix of programs and activities will form part of inaugural UQ Diversity Week celebrations from March 17–22.
“The University supports equity and diversity aspects such as cultural, religious and linguistic diversity, disability and sexuality, through their current practice,” said Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Margaret Gardner.
“UQ Diversity Week will provide a forum to showcase this work and reflect upon ways in which increased awareness of equity and diversity issues might be embedded into our daily practice. People will also be able to celebrate the diversity of staff, students and the community we serve,” she said.
Professor Gardner said the week would help ensure all students were aware of the various learning and personal support services available.
Showcase events include a multi-faith Commencement Service for both new and continuing students. Run by UQ’s Chaplaincy Services, the event will take place at the UQ Centre on March 19 at 6pm.
A UQ Diversity Week lunch will be held at the UQ Centre on March 21 at 12.30pm. UQ student and 2003 Young Queenslander of the Year James Unsworth will speak at the function and the new Vice-Chancellor’s Equity and Diversity Awards for 2004 will be launched.
Student Union President Aaron Marsham said he applauded the concept of UQ Diversity Week and had encouraged all areas of the Union to become involved in activities.
Activities at the St Lucia campus include:
* Anthropology Museum – Explorations in Cross-Cultural Diversity and ID in 3D exhibits (March 17-21, 9am-5pm, Level 2, Michie Building);
* Breastfeeding networking group – meeting to ascertain interest in forming a group (March 18, 1pm, Room 502, Social Sciences Building);
* The Diversity Game – a card game providing insight into issues of privilege, prejudice, difference and disadvantage (March 18, 2-3.30pm, TEDI Seminar Room);
* UQ Student Exchange Fair – UQ Abroad advisors will discuss how to study overseas as part of a UQ degree (March 19, 10am-3pm, Innes Room, Student Union Complex);
* School of Life Sciences’ International Evening – an informal session for postgraduate students to socialise with international students and scientists from difference cultural backgrounds (March 20, 6pm, Goddard Building);
* Parental leave discussion – an opportunity to discuss “family-friendly” strategic direction and policy development with University representatives (March 20, 10-11.30am, Room 305, Skerman Bldg);
* Employment and Students with Special Needs – a seminar jointly presented by Student Support Services and Commonwealth Rehabilitation Services Australia (11am-1pm, Seminar Room A, Accommodation Services, Level 2, Union Services); and
* From all the lands on earth we come? – personal experiences of Non-English Speaking Background (NESB) academic staff about the multicultural UQ campus (March 21, 2-4pm, James-Birrell Lounge, UQ Staff and Graduates Club).
UQ Gatton will hold a Diversity Day on March 19 entitled Keeping Equity on the Agenda.
Visiting Professor Acram Taji from the University of New England will discuss multicultural Australia (12.30pm, Animal Studies Lecture Hall). The seminar will be followed by an international cuisine fair in the Central Walkway. The Library will also have a display on diversity.
UQ Ipswich’s Family Room will be opened on March 17 (11am, Student Union Area, Level 1, Building 8). Situated in the new Student Services and Library Centre, it will provide a convenient facility for parents with children on campus.
UQ Ipswich’s Contemporary Studies Program will host a seminar entitled Survivors of Torture and Trauma (March 20, noon, Room 112, Building 12), presented by Paula Peterson, Director of the Queensland Program of Assistance of Survivors of Torture and Trauma.
UQ Diversity Week will also incorporate national Harmony Day (March 21) and International Day for the Elimination of Racism (March 21).
Further information is available at www.uq.edu.au/equity/diversity.html For public transport information telephone 13 12 30 or visit www.transinfo.qld.gov.au/
Media: For further information, contact Joanne van Zeeland at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2619) or visit www.uq.edu.au/diversity.html
