Diversity and Equal Opportunity at OST

By acknowledging Diversity and Equal Opportunity as a core value of the university, OST is expressing its appreciation and recognition for all members of the university community.

We consider diversity in connection with a variety of biographies, identities, orientations, skills, and experiences, as well as lifestyles and living situations, to be a source of enrichment. We see diversity as an important resource that is indispensable for the development of the university as an organization, one that fosters innovation and competitiveness and facilitates the fulfillment of our mandate.
 

Guidelines and Areas of Action

The Diversity and Equal Opportunity Policy comprises six guiding principles and five topical areas of action to promote diversity and equal opportunities at our university.
 

Diversity-Sensitive Communication

Diversity means recognising and appreciating differences without using stereotypes and role attributions. Diversity-sensitive communication aims to represent the diversity of social groups in language and visual material in an appropriate and equal manner.

These recommendations are intended to encourage people to communicate consciously, to scrutinise statements and images for their discriminatory content and to cultivate mindful communication. Practical examples show how people can be visualised in their diversity in texts and represented equally in images.
 

Trans Identity in Studies

Since January 2022, individuals with a trans identity in Switzerland can change their gender and first name in the civil status register by submitting a simple declaration at the civil registry office (Art. 30b Swiss Civil Code).

Even without this official change, trans students at OST have the option to update their first name and form of address in OST’s ICT systems. To request a change that differs from official documents, students must complete and submit an application form. A factsheet outlines the procedure and supports an inclusive and discrimination-free university environment. OST students can download these forms from the intranet. Prospective students are kindly asked to contact chancengleichheit@ost.ch.