The “International University 2012” award was just another milestone along the diversity path chosen by the University of Bremen in 2012. Within the context of tertiary education, diversity entails that all University members – students, faculty and administrative staff – work together and learn from each other free from discriminatory prejudices. So much for the concept: How to get there, though, is currently the subject of much heated debate in Germany. What is the best way put the principles of equal opportunity into practice? This is the topic of a new public forum for lectures and discussion that will be launched on 15th April 2013. The series kicks off with a panel discussion entitled “How to ‘manage’ diversity in universities?”, chaired by Martin Spiewak, editor of Wissen, DIE ZEIT. The panel members are: Professors Ute Klammer, Vice Rectress for Diversity Management, University of Duisburg-Essen; Jutta Berninghausen, Vice Rectress for International Affairs and Diversity, Bremen University of Applied Sciences; Heiko Staroßom, Member of the Board of Sparkasse Bremen, and Yasemin Karaka?o?lu, Vice Rector for Intercultural and international Affairs of the University of Bremen. The event is being held in Haus der Wissenschaft at 5.00 pm. There is no admission charge and members of the public are warmly invited to attend.
Discussion will focus on the various strategies of diversity management, the obstacles that institutions have to overcome, and to what extent universities (must) differ from the private sector. In keeping with the concept of diversity under discussion, the series of talks will take into account both the findings of interdisciplinary research as well as the experiences made in different areas and institutions. Particular attention will be paid to the areas of teaching/learning and research. In addition to this there will be a special focus on how an enhanced awareness of diversity can be fostered at level other than that of management. The series of talks is deliberately designed to be free from the constraints usually placed on such events and will involve personalities from politics and the private sector in critical debate on how the topic of diversity is being anchored on all levels at the University of Bremen.
The series will continue into the coming winter semester, among other things with discussion of research findings on topics like biodiversity, inclusion, and language, as well as the connection between diversity and excellence in international comparison. Students in all departments who attend the lecture series and accompanying courses can obtain CPs as part of General Studies.
The next event in the lecture series:
17th April, 5.00 p.m. in SFG 2040:
The topic: "Diversity in Teaching. Heterogeneity as an opportunity – research-based learning possible path " with Prof.Dr. Heidi Schelhowe, Vice Rectress of the University of Bremen for Academic Teaching and Learning; Prof.Dr. emeritas Ludwig Huber, Education and Research-based Learning, University of Bielefeld
For more information, please contact:
Universität Bremen
Prof.Dr. Yasemin Karakas?og?lu
Vice Rector for Intercultural and International Affairs
Phone: +49 421 218-60040 or -60041 (office)
email: Kon3protect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de
and
Dr. Margrit E. Kaufmann
Expert for diversity at the University of Bremen
Phone: +49 421 218-67631
email: mkaufmprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de
www.uni-bremen.de/diversity
