Diversity and Belonging @ GIUZ
At GIUZ, we are a wide variety of staff and students with many different life stories, experiences and responsibilities. This diversity is our strength. When we talk about diversity, we refer to an ongoing institutional commitment. Promoting diversity means we are constantly working to combat structural inequalities, exclusion, and discrimination.
Diversity refers to different social categories such as gender, race, ethnicity, citizenship, age, religion, ability, health, social status, sexual orientation and others. These differences are not individual characteristics, such as personality traits, rather they are defined by social structures and discourses. We are all affected by these structural differences in one way or another, but socially disadvantaged and marginalised people are particularly affected. These structural differences are also reproduced at GIUZ. At the same time, we have the collective potential to recognise and challenge them – and we engage with this potential.
At GIUZ, belonging means that we create and maintain an environment in which all people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences feel that they belong. All of us should feel respected, included, and able to participate fully. We are constantly working to ensure that GIUZ is a place where differences are valued and where staff and students can be themselves – knowing that their perspectives are appreciated and without fear of exclusion or discrimination. This is an ongoing process that involves all of us.
Diversity and belonging are ongoing processes that can also lead to tensions. That is why they require a willingness to listen to one another and remain in dialogue.
CommUNIty
CommUNIty provides an overview of the rules and values that guide our behavior at UZH and lists relevant projects and advisory services.
CommUNIty
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Code of Conduct
With Each Other, For Each Other: We show respect and tolerance towards each other and treat everyone equally.
We Respect Everyone’s Integrity
We look up and defend our diversity. We treat each other with appreciation, respect and openness.
We Promote Inclusion and Accessibility
We are currently developing measures to make UZH more accessible and barrier-free for everyone.
Support and Advice
Research Integrity
Research integrity is based on adherence to the fundamental principles of good scientific practice in the sense of reliability, honesty, respect and responsibility. UZH provides information and training as well as legally clear structures and procedures for investigating cases of suspected academic misconduct.
Research integrity at the University of Zurich
Help and advice @GIUZ
For help resolving an issue with a superior:
Contact the Head of Department
Zurich Graduate School in Geography & Earth System Science:
Help and advice during the PhD
UZH for Students: Advice and Support
UZH for Early Career Researchers: Graduate Campus
External Advisory Services
Protection Against Gender Discrimination: Canton of Zurich
Discrimination based on gender prevents true equality of opportunity. The Canton of Zurich provides information on protection against discrimination in the workplace under the Equal Opportunity Act.
Protection Against Gender Discrimination: Canton of Zurich
Information and Counseling on Gender Equality Issues: City of Zurich
The Office for Gender Equality provides counseling to people who live or work in the City of Zurich on issues related to gender equality and discrimination.
Information and Counseling from the City of Zurich
belästigt.ch
Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal.belästigt.ch offers confidential and professional support.
Advisory Network for Victims of Racism
The Advisory Network for Victims of Racism offers information, psychosocial advice and legal advice to those affected, relatives and professionals and also act as mediators time and again.Advisory Network for Victims of Racism
Racism: ZüRAS in Zurich
ZüRas provides confidential and independent support and counseling; counseling is free of charge for all residents of the canton of Zurich.
ZüRAS
LGBTIQ Helpline
Lesbian, bi, gay, trans, non-binary or intersex? The LGBTIQ Helpline is here to answer all your questions – free of charge and confidential.
Helpline
Du bist du
Du-bist-du (you are you) promotes the mental and physical health of young LGBT+ people through peer counseling, knowledge sharing and workshops for professionals.
Du bist du
Living with disability: Canton of Zurich
Services and information for people with disabilities about their rights, support facilities and related surveys.
Living with Disability
Inclusion Handicap
Inclusion Handicap represents the interests of around 1.9 million people with disabilities in Switzerland.
Inclusion Handicap
Avanti Network – Advocacy for Women and Girls with Disabilities
The Avanti Network advocates for the interests of FLINTA individuals living with a disability or a chronic illness. It serves as a point of contact for those affected, their families, and professionals.
Avanti Network
Victim Counseling Zurich
This free counseling service is intended for people—regardless of age, gender, background, or religion—whose mental and/or physical well-being has been directly affected by a violent crime or an accident through no fault of their own.
Victim Counseling Zurich
Victim Support Switzerland
People who have suffered physical, psychological, or sexual harm as a result of a crime in Switzerland are eligible for victim assistance. The service is free and anonymous.
Victim Support Switzerland
BIF Women's Counseling Center
Counseling center for women to prevent violence in marriage and partnerships.
BIF
Women’s Counseling
The Sexual Violence Counseling Service supports women* who have experienced sexual and/or domestic violence. Counseling sessions are free, confidential, and anonymous upon request.
Women’s Counseling
Men’s Counseling and Information
Mannebüro züri is a counseling and information center for men.
Mannebüro züri
Ombudsperson: Canton of Zurich
As an independent mediator elected by the cantonal council, the ombudsperson helps people facing problems with cantonal authorities or administrative offices.
Contact
Further helpful resources for research, teaching and working at GIUZ
Toolbox for Your International Activities
Tools for International Events and Visits at UZH
Guidelines and Factsheets
Toolbox for Your International Activities
Language
Vielfalt kommunizieren an der UZH (in German only)
Recommendations and explanations on inclusive communication at UZH
UZH Terminology Database
Provides definitions and translations of terms used in higher education and promotes consistent language use within UZH.
Gendern.ch
Eine Webseite, die sich an die Hochschulgemeinschaft (Studierende, Lehrende, Mitglieder der akademischen Dienste etc.) sowie an alle Interessierten richtet, die sich für eine geschlechtergerechte(re) Sprache einsetzen möchten.
Sprachleitfaden für Hochschulen