Celebrating diversity
We are committed to creating an inclusive study and work environment for all. This calendar can be used to raise your own awareness of equality and inclusion and to help plan events and initiatives in an inclusive way.
We recognise the intersectionality of protected characteristics and acknowledge differences in the lived experiences of individuals and specific groups. The dates and themes listed for each month have been chosen to represent the diversity of our community, but are not extensive. If you would like to suggest a date, event, or resource to be included in the calendar, please contact diversity@st-andrews.ac.uk.
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Taking care of our health and wellbeing is important in building a harmonious living and working environment. There are a number of ways we can reflect on and support positive wellbeing that encompasses emotional, physical, nutritional and working aspects of our lives.
Students can find out about resources available to support wellbeing, explore the A-Z of wellbeing, or check out some of our online Wellbeing talks.
Staff can explore the University’s employee wellbeing webpages, the resources available through the Wellbeing Index, and sign up for OSDS training on financial literacy in April.
Do one thing
Explore and read the Mental Health Foundation’s free publications on supporting wellbeing, managing stress, and getting better sleep. Keep your body healthy and fit by joining one of our Saints Sport gyms, or arrange to meet friends outdoors for a catch up (remember to bring your warm coat).
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Gender-Based Violence
Recognising that harassment, discrimination, sexual violence, and bullying are pervasive across the globe, in all facets of society, for all gender identities and our University is no exception, the Equally Safe Group works to protect our University community.
It is important to recognise and to celebrate the work already underway to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) and to help support those who experience sexual violence.
We are keen to encourage everyone to do one thing during February to support the work of Equally Safe, The Emily Test, Report and Support and the range of Student Association activities related to the prevention of GBV.
There are ways we can all act against Gender Based Violence.
Students can learn how they can play a part in keeping the St Andrews community safe through Stand Together, a joint initiative between the Students’ Association and the University with a focus on wellbeing and mutual support.
Do one thing
Follow EmilyTest on Twitter.
Find out what Fem Soc and other student societies are doing to help tackle GBV.
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International Women’s Day; Transgender Day of Visibility
International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Each one of us can help create a gender-equal world and individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions.
The University is a member of the Athena Swan charter, which is a framework used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research. Established in 2005 to encourage and recognise the commitment to advancing the careers of women in STEMM employment, the Charter is now being used to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.
March also marks International Transgender Day of Visibility. This is a day to celebrate the lives and achievements of transgender people across the world. It aims to increase trans equality and empower trans people to live their lives freely and confidently.
Find out more about how the University of St Andrews is addressing gender equality through its institutional Athena Swan action plan, or explore the Athena Swan action plans for your School.
Staff and Students can also find out more about the gender pay gap in the University's pay gap reports.
Do one thing
Read the University's Pronoun Guidance.
Watch this International Women's Day rap from 2020, Each for Equal.
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St Andrews Pride
Pride Month takes place every June as that is when the Stonewall Riots took place in 1969. At St Andrews, we celebrate Pride in April so that our student and staff community can celebrate and reflect together during the semester.
For over 40 years, LGBT groups at St Andrews have aimed to provide an open and safe environment for people to be who they are without fear of discrimination.
For a University with over 600 years of history, 40 years may feel like a short period of time. However, during this timeframe, much has changed for the better for LGBT+ students and staff at St Andrews. Find out more about LGBT+ life at St Andrews.
University resources are available for staff and students on trans, gender identity, reassignment and non-binary as well as sexual orientation.
Students can also get involved with Saints LGBT+ and we always welcome new members in our LGBTIQ+ Staff Network.
Do one thing
Everyone is welcome to join St Andrews Pride, Fife’s longest-running Pride event.
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Mental Health Awareness Week
We celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week in May. The University recognises that mental health challenges affect the wellbeing of staff and students, and we aim to build a culture of care, tolerance and resilience within the St Andrews community.
Taking care of ourselves emotionally, physically, and mentally can really affect our happiness, our levels of stress and how we study and work.
Find out more about the range of mental health support available for students and learn how the Disabilities Team can help with academic adjustments and personalised support. You can also refer to the list of essential contact points if you are in crisis now.
Information on support for the mental wellbeing of staff is also available on the University website.
Do one thing
Complete the Zero Suicide Alliance suicide prevention and awareness training.
Explore the University Library Shelf Help guide.
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Carers Week
Carers' Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. Carers’ Week also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
The University has been recognised as exemplary in the Carer Positive Awards for its support to both staff and students.
More information for staff on support for carers can be found on the University website.
Further support for student carers can be accessed through Student Services.
New members are always welcome to join our Staff Parents and Carers Network.
Do one thing
Read our 10 facts about carers.
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International Day of Friendship
This month we are celebrating friendship and community building in honour of the UN International Day of Friendship on 30th July. The day aims to promote friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals to inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
Transition St Andrews works with students, staff and local residents to reimagine and rebuild the world around us. From smarter travel to greenspaces and environment, there are a number of projects and activities that staff and students can volunteer on to help develop a fairer, low carbon future.
Do one thing
Sign up to become a Student Mentor to support incoming students.
Meet a friend for coffee!
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We aim to foster an environment where diversity is celebrated within the University community. By facilitating inclusivity and being allies to our diverse staff and student population, we can strive to create a culture that supports equity for all within and beyond University and challenges discrimination in all its forms.
There are a number of ways that staff and students can learn to support others, and help to ensure that St Andrews is a safe place to work and study.
Students can take part in Got Consent workshops or explore Student Association guidance on how to have fun safely.
Staff can take part in Diversity and Inclusion training modules and use the University pronoun guidance to understand how to support others through the use of pronouns.
Do one thing
Watch this short video ‘5 tips for being a good ally’
Explore the spectrum from Non-Racist to Anti-Racist Advocate and consider how you can be an ally or advocate for others.
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St Andrews Disability Pride
This month we celebrate St Andrews Disability Pride with the Disabled Students’ Network. Disability Pride is an annual global event that celebrates disability as an identity and culture. It also opens conversations about disability and mental health conditions to both challenge and raise awareness of discrimination that people with disabilities face.
Within the University's Student Services team, our specialist advisers can advise students with physical disabilities, mental health difficulties and learning differences.
Find out more about University support for students who declare a disability and learn more about how the university can support your learning through the Academic Adjustments policy.
The University’s Staff with Disabilities Network provides a confidential, informal forum for discussion and networking, where staff identifying as disabled can input and influence policy on supporting those with disabilities and long term health conditions.
Access guides for University of St Andrews buildings are available on Access-able.
Do one thing
Take part in St Andrews Disability Pride events run by the Disabled Students’ Network.
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Black History Month
This month we celebrate Black History Month. Black History is not just about the past but also how history influences our present and future. As well as celebrating Black History, it is important to continue to learn, reflect and ask difficult questions.
Staff and students can join the conversation through the School of History’s series of Black History month events that focus on showcasing African and African diaspora histories. Keep an eye out in In the Loop for events marking Black History Month.
You can find out more about race equality at the University by reading the University’s conspectus of race equality actions, ethnicity pay gap report, and the BAME Students’ Action Plan.
Do one thing
Explore the University’s anti-racism reading list and film suggestions compiled by staff and students.
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Interfaith Week
Each year, Inter Faith Week begins on Remembrance Sunday and provides a focal point, together with the wider community, to open up inter faith activity and increase understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs. At the University of St Andrews, we welcome and celebrate all spiritual and religious beliefs, including non-belief.
Our Chaplaincy team works in partnership with the local faith communities to offer spiritual care to all students and staff.
You can follow the Chaplaincy on Facebook to keep up to date with events, and join the University’s many Faith Societies.
Do one thing
Scottish Interfaith Week provides an opportunity for interfaith groups, faith communities, schools, organisations and local communities across the country to celebrate Scotland’s religious diversity. Find out about Scottish Interfaith week events running near you.
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One St Andrews
Over 45% of St Andrews’ staff and students come from outside of the UK and bring with them a wealth of cultural diversity. ‘One St Andrews’ is a community wide initiative pioneered by the University, to collectively celebrate and highlight diversity across the wider St Andrews community.
‘One St Andrews’ is built on the premise that all diversity and representation is to be celebrated, irrespective of the size of any population within ‘one institution’. Through forging relationships with schools, businesses, and local communities, we hope to both increase representation and celebrate the diversity within our community. Ultimately the ideals behind ‘One St Andrews’ serves to remind us that we have a collective responsibility not only to recognise and celebrate diversity within our communities, but also to protect all community members, through taking a collaborative approach to tackling sub-optimal behaviour.
Look out for updates about the One St Andrews initiative and activity which promote cultural diversity, in forthcoming editions of the University’s staff and student newsletter In The Loop.
Do one thing
Watch this short Ted Talk on the power of diversity by Rebeca Hwang.
Explore the wealth of student societies that celebrate culture.
Where to get support
The University is committed to a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation of any kind. Such behaviour is contrary to the values and ideals of our shared community which requires a commitment to treat everyone with dignity, courtesy and respect.
Staff and Students and staff can access confidential support via Report+Support.
Students can find further support on the University website pages on bullying and harassment and can contact Student Services.
Information and resources for students on Race, Ethnicity, Culture and Discrimination are also available on the University website.
The University has a Dignity at work policy for staff, which outlines available support.