Why do the University ask about my personal diversity information such as disability, sexual orientation, and other identities?
The University asks students for their personal diversity information because it helps it to direct what it does to support you:
- Without knowing, for example, if you have a disability, the University cannot make sure you are given the right support.
- By knowing that a School has a larger than average number of mature students, the University can think about how best to deliver the curriculum.
- If certain groups appear to be leaving before the end of their courses, the University can try to find out why, and if they need any particular help.
- By telling the University your diversity information when you apply, it can monitor if a particular group of applicants have a lower success rate and explore whether unconscious bias exists in the process.
- Additionally, the University can direct resources for support if they identify awarding gaps from certain groups of students graduating with a lower proportion of 1st class honour or 2:1 degrees.
The University understands that it can seem intrusive when you are asked to provide information about your identity. However, you will not be identified when you provide this information. It is the statistics that the University is using to understand its student population. If the University knows who is out there as a population, it can plan better.