Join us in celebrating the 2024 EDI Festival
The University of Birmingham’s Student Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team and the University of Amsterdam’s Student Services jointly present the 2024 EDI Festival.
This month-long celebration, which features events on campus and online, recognises our multicultural University community while acknowledging and tackling the equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) challenges still faced.
Running from Monday 19 February to Friday 15 March, this year’s theme is ‘Make Change Happen’ with students and staff invited to turn ideas into action for a more inclusive university environment.
You are welcome to any of the events listed below. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of positive change.
Launch event for staff: The Impact of Staff Networks in Fostering Inclusion
Wednesday 21 February, 12:00-13:00 (GMT) and 16:00-17:00 (Dubai)
Staff networks are a powerful mechanism to enable organisations to understand the complexities of a diverse workforce and help make positive changes. They offer a safe environment in which staff can discuss their experiences and help shape the culture and behaviours of their organisations. The University supports five staff ED&I networks, managed by colleagues who have a desire to help foster an inclusive environment.
Join staff network leads at the University of Birmingham UK and Dubai campuses and colleagues from the University of Amsterdam to understand how to benefit from the power staff networks can offer.
Interactive Campus Activity: Now You See Me – Representation Matters
Main Library and online
20, 21 and 22 February
This event celebrates representation and the unique identities of our students and staff. The interactive Post-It sticker initiative aims to gather insights on various topics, encouraging personal reflection to highlight our collective strength at Birmingham. You are welcome to add your perspectives by submitting entries through an online form prior to the event.
This is a safe space for discussing different ED&I related topics and the diversity of experiences our University community has experienced. The messages will be displayed on different buildings around campus.
Online Event: Innovating Change
Zoom Webinar Register to attend
Tuesday 27 February, 17:00-17:45 (GMT)
Delve into the transformative power of universities in shaping communities both locally and globally in this insightful webinar. Featuring pioneering initiatives, this session showcases how academic institutions are key drivers of societal change.
Discover the University of Amsterdam's award-winning Placemaking programme, where students and residents collaboratively transform urban spaces. Learn about the University of Calgary's Global Community Challenge, highlighting how local community projects can have a global impact.
This session offers a unique view into the dynamic role of education in driving societal change through student engagement and innovative projects. Join us to understand how higher education is not just about learning, but actively shaping a better world.
Online Workshop: Embracing Diversity in Dialogue
Zoom Webinar Register to attend
Thursday 7 March, 11:00-12:30 (GMT)
Gain insights into effectively managing sensitive topics in educational settings, with the aim to broaden perspectives and enhance the educational journey.
This online workshop will explain the Mixed Classroom Educational Model and the concept of 'hot moments' in the classroom, where conflicting views can challenge the learning process. This model entails different responses to tense situations, serving as opportunities for enriching education through respectful and inclusive dialogue.
An effective method is the Keti Koti dialogue table, a method designed to foster understanding and empathy, which is employed at academic settings but also in prisons, museums, government institutions, hospitals etc. It has more recently been adopted by multiple institutions as a method to reduce tensions in the wake of the Gaza war.
Online Event: Redefining Global Education Fairs
Zoom Webinar Register to attend
Monday 11 March, 09:00-09:45 (GMT)
This webinar explores the innovative approaches of four European universities in enhancing study abroad opportunities.
Delve into University College Dublin's Global Experience Summit, where storytelling and interactive discussions highlight sustainability, decolonization, and global citizenship education. Witness Leiden University's transformation from a Study Abroad Festival to an International Experience Week, now engaging both students and staff. Learn about the University of Amsterdam and the University of Birmingham's efforts to make study abroad accessible to every student, breaking down barriers and expanding horizons.
Join us as we move beyond mere academic tourism, venturing into the realm of responsible and inclusive international education.