UQ celebrates and supports diversity

The University of Queensland will be celebrating difference during this year’s Diversity Week.

Under the theme of “All-Together-Different”, Diversity Week will run from May 10-14.

Diversity Week began last year to promote the diversity of the UQ community and to encourage further improvements to the work and study environment.

A highlight for 2004 will be the inaugural presentation of the Vice-Chancellor’s Equity and Diversity Awards, which will be ongoing, and the Diversity Action Project Awards.

The Vice Chancellor’s Equity and Diversity Awards, will recognise contributions that improve equity and diversity, or raising awareness of equity and diversity within UQ. There will be one $5000 award for an individual and $10,000 for an organisational unit. These Awards were launched during last year’s Diversity Week.

Four Diversity Action Project awards, valued at $2500 each, will be provided to an individual or group for a project that will advance or support diversity at UQ, particularly in enhancing cross-cultural understanding and anti-racism policies.

These Awards will be funded from money remaining from the Vice-Chancellor’s Committee Against Racism, whose role has now been taken up by a subcommittee of the new Senate Standing Committee for Equity, Diversity and the Status of Women.

All awards will be presented by UQ’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Hay AC, at a lunch to be held on May 14 at Customs House.

Individuals and organizational units wishing to hold activities, projects or events that are connected to Diversity Week can apply for small grants up to $1000.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Margaret Gardner said Diversity Week was an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of the UQ community.

“The student and staff populations of UQ are becoming increasingly diverse. Different cultures, world views and points of view contribute to the richness of work and life at UQ, and benefit us all,” Professor Gardner said.

“Diversity Week means we can showcase and celebrate diversity and, through the awards, acknowledge the great work already going on and provide some well-deserved support for the individuals and organisational units that contribute to diversity at UQ.”

For more information about Diversity Week or the awards or grants go to www.uq.edu.au/about/diversityweek