Diversity

Intelligent through diversity

The sheer extent of human diversity enriches daily interactions at the University of Stuttgart. Our vision is to create equal opportunities for everyone and an inclusive environment in which to study and work.

The breadth of diversity and the large number of different disciplines and faculty cultures at the University of Stuttgart create opportunities, but also challenges. This diversity of experiences and perspectives serves as a catalyst for creative and innovative solutions, providing a competitive advantage and strengthening internationalization. It is important to recognize and appreciate this valuable resource and to unleash its potential.

Challenges such as removing barriers or dealing with different needs and backgrounds must be approached openly and with a willingness to implement change. The university is committed to supporting the development of each individual, helping them to reach their full potential. For the University of Stuttgart, the path to achieving this goal is a participatory, ongoing process of shared responsibility.

The University of Stuttgart understands the diversity of its members and varied disciplines as a source of potential. Dealing intelligently with diversity is a vital part of successful diversity management and essential for excellent science, successful learning and the integration of different perspectives and backgrounds.

Prof. Dr. Silke Wieprecht, Vice Rector for Diversity and Internationalization

The University of Stuttgart is a signatory of the Diversity Charta. The goal is to create an open-minded working environment that recognizes and promotes diversity. 

Our understanding of diversity

Diversity, equal opportunities and inclusion form the framework for a productive and effective environment in which to work and study. In its Diversity Concept, the University of Stuttgart addresses seven dimensions of diversity, namely: "gender", "life plan", "age", "health", "social origins", "nationality and culture" and "professional orientation". These form the basis of a wide range of projects, activities, and measures.

The seven diversity dimensions

Projects, activities, and measures

A university free of discrimination
What does discrimination mean? What is the university doing to counter discrimination? Who can you contact?
Accessibility
The University of Stuttgart is committed to removing barriers for its students, employees, and guests with disabilities.
Baden-Württemberg Centre for Teaching and Learning (HDZ)
Offers workshops on various teaching and learning topics at university that are an important area of concern for university lecturers in particular.
Center for Higher Education and Lifelong Learning
The Center for Higher Education and Lifelong Learning aims to offer, coordinate, and develop high quality teaching and continuing education courses in the field of interdisciplinary skills. The Center for Higher Education and Lifelong Learning supports teaching by offering appropriate qualifications for teachers and tutors and promoting academic career development and academic, lifelong learning in and outside the University of Stuttgart.
Declaration on participation
Declaration of the Rectorate at the University of Stuttgart on participation.
Diversity calendar
The University of Stuttgart's first diversity calendar will be available in 2023. The calendar lists numerous (inter)national commemorative events and campaigns that focus on various aspects of the seven dimensions of the University of Stuttgart's Diversity Concept. You are welcome to use the diversity calendar as a source of information and inspiration. The Outlook version is available here:
Diversity Charter
The University of Stuttgart is a signatory of the Diversity Charter. This charter aims to create an open-minded working environment that recognizes and promotes diversity.
Diversity in research
As the guiding principle of networked disciplines, this characterizes the University of Stuttgart's extraordinary research profile and has become one of its defining features. Cultural diversity and the consistent collaboration between complementary disciplines fosters a more diverse way of thinking. The University of Stuttgart will also continue to support diversity as a research topic in the future. The Institute for Diversity Studies in Engineering was established at the University of Stuttgart in late 2009. The IDS examines the innovation potential of diversity and differences in socio-technical systems in the context of the digital transformation.
Diversity in teaching
A top priority for the University of Stuttgart is unleashing the full potential of its diverse student body. Courses that are designed with diversity in mind offer those participating the chance to give one hundred percent, to advance research topics to the best of their ability, and to enjoy learning and teaching in a productive environment.
Diversity Roundtable
The Diversity Roundtable was established in 2017 and serves as a discussion platform for the numerous key players involved in the subject of diversity at the University of Stuttgart. Other interested parties are also welcome. This format draws together expertise from different areas, ensuring that any existing or future activities remain transparent, enabling the bundling of various offers and facilitating the development of joint actions and events. If required, additional working groups can be developed that address specific diversity issues. If you want to join us at the Diversity Roundtable and make a valid contribution to shaping diversity at the University of Stuttgart, please send an email to the Office of the Vice Rector for Diversity and Internationalization. The Diversity Roundtable is held once or twice per semester.
Equal opportunities officer
The Equal Opportunities Officer is the primary point of contact when it comes to dealing with concerns, or representing the interests of women at the university, regardless of whether they have an administrative or a technical role. She is responsible for the targeted promotion of women employed in the field of academic support and for supporting the university management in the implementation of the Equal Opportunities Act. Furthermore, she is also an important point of contact for both women and men who are trying to balance family and caring responsibilities with a career. She also offers all those interested in equal opportunities the chance to meet within the framework of the "NetworkingChancengleichheit" platform.
EU project "POWERst"
The cooperative project "POWERst - emPOWERing first-generation STudents" develops strategies for improving equal opportunities regardless of social background, led by the University of Stuttgart. The first "POWERst Summer School" took place at the University of Stuttgart in the summer of 2022.
Evermood
In case of conflicts, crises and concerns, university members can get advice in person or anonymously via the Evermood platform.
Family-friendly university
The University of Stuttgart has already received several awards for its family-friendliness. The university is dedicated to the continued development of the support programs it currently provides for employees and students by way of family-friendly work and study environments.
Free feminine hygiene products
Standard feminine hygiene products are provided for students free of charge in the restrooms at the University of Stuttgart.
Friends of Refugees at the University of Stuttgart (FFUS)
Friends of Refugees is a student initiative that supports refugees with language issues and social integration in everyday university life. The initiative offers a range of activities and support programs that are open to everyone, and it has also established a group of interpreters at the University of Stuttgart who are happy to provide language support.
Gender equality actors
At the University of Stuttgart, various stakeholders work together to realize the equality mission.
Gender Equality Office
The Gender Equality Office supports and advises the Gender Equality Officers and university management in the implementation of gender equality directives. The office implements equality strategies and offers a variety of projects and consultation services to support students and scientific employees at the University of Stuttgart.
Gender Equality Plan
Every five years, the University prepares a Gender Equality Plan for full-time employees. This must include targets and timelines and is an integral part of the University of Stuttgart's structural and development plan.
Gender-sensitive language
Gender and diversity-sensitive language helps to promote gender equality at our university and to improve awareness of gender diversity.
General Studies and Guest Auditor Studies
“Academic education for everyone” is the motto of the General Studies department. Whether you are a student looking for additional courses, a high school graduate who would like to learn more about the study programs available, or a professional in search of continuing education courses, or you are a senior citizen with an interest in certain fields: the General Studies department is the right place for you!
Graduate Academy (GRADUS)
The Graduate Academy GRADUS is a key institution at the University of Stuttgart, engaged in the promotion of early career researchers. The academy offers a wide range of qualifications, information, counseling, and mentoring services. The programs on offer target a range of different career stages.
Guidelines for Promoting Diversity and Gender Equality
Health promotion
Targeted courses that address psychosocial issues and counseling services, in addition to traditional health topics such as exercise, nutrition and preventive health care. Topics include: the reintegration of employees, employee, management, and team counseling (MFT), addiction prevention and addiction support, Occupational Medical Service.
International Office
The International Office offers advice and support, making it an important point of contact for international students and researchers. The team at the international office offers students support when dealing with formalities, social and financial matters, as well as answering questions about studying and living in Germany. It also offers information on opportunities for intercultural exchange or even scholarships, as well as on partner universities, foreign exchanges, and dual honors study programs. A range of German courses are also on offer for international students.
International strategies
Internationalization is one of the University of Stuttgart's strategic goals. It cultivates cooperation and partnerships around the globe to facilitate networked teaching and research. In 2016, the University of Stuttgart was awarded the “Internationalization of Universities” certificate from the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) audit. Since 2009, the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) has supported its member universities with the audit, aiming to enhance and develop the profile of its universities on the international stage
Kids' University
Every semester, professors introduce exciting and complex topics from their research, presenting them in an appealing and child-friendly way.
Meeting space
Located in the center of Stuttgart, in close proximity to an accommodation center for refugees, this pavilion is intended as a central, independent meeting space for people from all ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious/ideological backgrounds living in Stuttgart. The wide range of activities on offer includes everything from creative and educational courses, information events, discussion and advice forums, to cultural events and even open space formats.
MINT-Kolleg Baden-Württemberg
The MINT-Kolleg Baden-Württemberg prepares students for STEM study programs (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). The college also provides support for students in the introductory phase of their studies.
Official "Made in Science" Podcast
Podcast host Wolfgang Holtkamp (Senior Advisor International Affairs) speaks to international guests about how science shaped them and how they became the personalities they are today. One thing that all the guests have in common is that they have studied, researched, or worked at the University of Stuttgart, or are still doing so.
Poster "Advice, support, information"
In order to provide space for equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion in accordance with our mission statement, we must actively communicate that we are pursuing true diversity in all its dimensions and facets. We must make clear that we leave nobody behind, and that the university offers various ways to get advice and support or simply information. For this purpose, the attached poster has been developed, which, by decision of the Rectorate, is to be placed in all faculties, institutes and central facilities as a permanent notice in a clearly visible manner and in an appropriate size.
Promoting equal opportunities for women and girls
The University of Stuttgart targets women and girls of various ages with the aim of advancing equal opportunities and gender equality, not only at our university but also in a wider social context.
School for Talents
The School for Talents supports high-achieving, inquisitive students at the University of Stuttgart. The School for Talents not only offers a range of projects to help deepen your knowledge of your chosen area of expertise, the annual program of events also provides the opportunity to get involved in an interdisciplinary university network.
Strengthening gender diversity
Since April 2022 it is now straightforward to change your name at the University of Stuttgart, even if the official process of changing your name and civil status has not yet been completed.
The Language Center
The language center offers approximately 200 courses each semester, including 14 foreign languages and courses aimed at developing methodological, communicative, intercultural, personal, and social skills.
United against sexism and sexual harassment
The university has appointed officials who are responsible for dealing with cases of sexual discrimination, harassment, or violence. These official contacts offer advice and support to those affected. They mediate between those involved, notify the relevant officials, and submit reports. They also participate in committees and working groups and raise awareness through campaigns, workshops and lectures. In 2021, the University of Stuttgart signed the declaration "Together against sexism and sexual harassment", thus underlining its commitment to abolishing discrimination and supporting the development of an open, equal society.
University Sports
In addition to offering a huge and inexpensive range of sports and exercise courses - from A for Aikido to Z for Zumba - University Sports also organizes various events, such as the annual Campus Run.
Vice Rector for Diversity and Internationalization
Prof. Dr. Silke Wieprecht has been a member of the Rectorate for Diversity and Internationalization since October 1, 2021.
Visualizations of Diversity
2022 were created as part of an interdisciplinary cooperation project between the Diversity Commissions of Faculties 2 and 10 and the Prorectorate Diversity and International Affairs of the University of Stuttgart and the HfK+G* (private University of Communication and Design Stuttgart) 75 Visualization of Diversity. They show the seven dimensions of diversity at the University of Stuttgart (gender, life style, age, health, social origin, nationality and culture, professional orientation) as well as overarching contexts. In January 2023, all institutes and facilities of the University of Stuttgart received four large-format prints each for display.
Working Group for Education and Social Inequality
The Working Group for Education and Social Inequality develops appropriate measures to mitigate problems that might arise at university due to social inequality.
This image shows Silke Wieprecht

Silke Wieprecht

Prof. Dr.

Vice Rector for Diversity and Internationalization

This image shows Katharina Wilhelm

Katharina Wilhelm

Dr.

Personal Assistant to the Vice Rector for Diversity and Internationalization

This image shows Barbara Scheubert

Barbara Scheubert

M.A.

Consultant for Diversity Management

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