Within Umeå University, we use "equal opportunities" as a term for the work to counter discrimination and work for everyone's equal rights and opportunities. This page introduces you to the university's responsibilities, policies and ambitions, and how the equal opportunities work is organised.
Umeå University shall 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".
Within the University, we treat each other with respect for everyone's equal value and on equal terms.
ImageIda ÅbergThe 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, functionality, 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 reconcile studies with parenthood.
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 2022–2025.
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. Read more about how to do this on If something happens.
In order to keep Umeå University's vision and Work environment and equal opportunities policy active and to support the Vice-Chancellor, deans, heads of departments and managers in the responsibility of conducting work environment and equal opportunities work at Umeå University, there is a working environment and equal opportunities committee at the 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 to support at university-wide level, as well as management support for work environment and equal opportunities at the faculties and departments. One of the 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 of work environment and equal conditions (currently only in Swedish, translation is underway).