3. A diverse, inclusive, and equitable University
Diversity and inclusivity are hallmarks of our culture and commitment to social justice. The UFS is a place for competing views within the context of inclusivity and excellence. The UFS pursues diversity among its students and staff, as well as epistemic diversity of ideas, perspectives, and methodological approaches.
Students: We will recruit and retain the best students from diverse backgrounds in all disciplines and at all levels. Particular attention will be paid to ensuring racial, socioeconomic, gender, capability, and epistemological diversity. This will require the UFS to enable a wide range of expressions and student-life experiences by being studentcentred. This means that we will commit to promoting learning experiences, academic support strategies and structures that respond to the needs, interests, aspirations, and social backgrounds of a diverse student community. All of this commits us to provide a social learning environment that invites, welcomes, and challenges the best students to achieve their full potential.
Staff: Intersectionally diverse and internationally well-connected staff offer a greater variety of possibilities to engage with problems and issues in ways that can enhance innovation capabilities across the University. We commit to significantly improving the equity profile of the professoriate by 2034, while also balancing this with a commitment to increasing the intellectual diversity of our staff. We will particularly aspire for gender parity in all leadership positions within the University, especially in academic leadership.
Epistemic diversity: We are committed to encouraging a diversity of ideas and perspectives complementing the ethos of excellence and achievement. The University recognises that diversity goes together with a commitment to inclusivity, equity, and social justice. We therefore also commit to creating a culture of care and a vibrant space for, and acceptance of, constructive and critical engagement; where a diversity of often contested ideas and perspectives is not just tolerated but also fostered through discussion and subsequent implementation.