Umeå University is to be a workplace and study environment characterised by job satisfaction, security, development, participation, trust and respect for the equal value of all people. We work together to ensure that equality, equity and diversity permeate everything we do. There is zero tolerance towards discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and victimisation, in everyday language known as "bullying".
This is how we work for equal opportunities
The University's work with equality issues is strategic, long-term and ongoing. This means, among other things, that we work with active measures to prevent discrimination and promote equal rights and opportunities, regardless of gender, gender identity or gender expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation or age, as prescribed by the Discrimination Act. The University, as an education provider, must work with active measures in the areas of admission and student recruitment, examination and assessments, study environment, teaching methods and organisation of education and possibilities to combine studies with parenthood.
The University must contribute to gender equality
The Swedish Government has assigned all universities with the task to implement gender mainstreaming in their organisations. Each higher education institution must base their work on an institution-specific plan that in turn is based on needs for development, describes objectives and activities that the University intends to perform, and outlines in which way gender equality is to be integrated into the University’s processes and activities. In order to strengthen the University's work with gender equality, we have drawn up an action plan for gender mainstreaming for 2022–2025.
Gender mainstreaming strategy for 2022–2025
How you can contribute, or get support
As a student, you have a responsibility to treat other students and teachers with respect and to act in such a way that you contribute to building a safe and open-minded study environment. If you experience that you or someone else is being discriminated due to, for example, gender, ethnic affiliation or other grounds, please contact the head of the department ("prefekt" in Swedish) where you study.
Find contact details on the Contact us page
The University's work environment and equal opportunities organisation
In order to achieve the Vision for Umeå University and Policy for work environment and equal opportunities and to support the Vice-Chancellor, deans, heads of department and managers in the responsibility of conducting work environment and equal opportunities work at Umeå University, there is a work environment and equal opportunities committee at university-wide level and two coordination groups, one for a sustainable study life and one for a sustainable working life.
There are also work environment and equal opportunities coordinators on university-wide level to provide additional support, as well as management support for work environment and equal opportunities at the faculties and departments. One of the work environment and equal opportunities coordinators is tasked with making sure that your perspective as a student is always taken into account
If you want to know more, you can read the rule on the University's organisation for work environment and equal opportunities.
Rule – Organisation of the work environment and equal opportunities
