Focus: Equality and Diversity (Q4/2026)
Dear Colleagues, Dear Students,
What makes a university of applied sciences a place where everyone feels welcome and can reach their full potential? Many dedicated people at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences work on this question every day, and starting now, we’d like to share updates with you once a quarter.
Under the heading “Equality and Diversity,” you’ll learn about the ideas and projects taking shape, what’s currently happening, and what events are coming up. We’ve already reached an important milestone: This past summer we adopted the diversity strategy. It provides the framework for our shared journey toward an inclusive university of applied sciences with minimal discrimination and is now being further developed as part of the Diversity Audit Ost.
Equality and diversity can only be achieved together. That’s why we welcome your ideas, feedback, and commitment. I hope you find this issue inspiring!
Warm regards,
Prof. Dr. Uta Seewald-Heeg
(Vice President for International Affairs and Equality)
In Brief
Officially in Office: New Gender Equality Officers Introduced
Who is on the Gender Equality Commission, and who is responsible for which area?
An Overview of the Gender Equality Officers (in German)
Academic Freedom Requires a Stance: Anhalt University of Applied Sciences Supports Nationwide Campaign
Freedom of research and teaching, academic integrity, and respectful interaction free from discrimination: That’s what the „Hochschulen zeigen Haltung“ campaign stands for. What does it mean?
Read our statement
„HSA-Rebellinnen“ Female HSA Rebels: Photo Exhibition Travels to Bernburg and Köthen
Following its stop in Dessau, the exhibition uses photographic portraits to illustrate the prejudices international female students face in their studies, careers, and everyday life.
About the “HSA Rebels” photo exhibition (link in German)
Still 171 Years Until Gender Equality? UN Publishes “Gender Snapshot 2026”
Equality is coming—it’s just taking a while? The new report from UN Women thoroughly dispels this hope. Instead of being achieved by 2030, as agreed in 2015, gender equality will not be reached until around 2197 at the current pace; not a single target is on track. Where are the main bottlenecks, and what could help?
About the Gender Snapshot
In Focus
From Self-assessment Report to Audit Visit: Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in the Diversity Audit Ost
Only three universities of applied sciences were selected for the Diversity Audit East by the Stifterverband Change and the Klaus Tschira Foundation, including Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. Since May 2026, it has been further developing its strategies for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as part of the program. Following the kickoff meeting, a site visit to Ilmenau, and the self-assessment report with a proposed strategy, the next phase is now underway. In October, the steering committee will meet with the Stifterverband for a strategy workshop, and in February, three external auditors will visit us. What is the purpose of the audit?
Goals and background of the Diversity Audit East
Events
Internal Events
International University Day 2026
October 7, 2026, starting at 4:00 p.m.
Music, dance, and community: International students invite the city to a celebration of cultures.
International University Day Program
Fundamentals of Digital Accessibility and an Introduction to Accessible Design of Word Documents
November 4, 2026, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (for staff)
Whether it’s a lecture note or a form: accessibility determines who can use documents.
To register: Accessible Word Documents (in German)
Creating Accessible PowerPoint Slides
November 18, 2026, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (for staff)
Whether it’s a lecture or a presentation: Accessible slides ensure that everyone can follow the content.
To register: Accessible PowerPoint Slides (in German)
Equal isn't always fair - How Students Experience Teaching Differently and What That Means for Lecturers
December 10, 2026, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (for instructors)
How do different starting conditions shape learning, and how can teaching address this?
To register: Equal isn't always fair (in German)
External Events
ViSo Project Months: Diversity, Empowerment, and Solidarity at Universities
October 1 through November 30
Two months, many formats: Readings, workshops, and discussions throughout Saxony-Anhalt will focus on experiences of discrimination and highlight ways to achieve greater equality of opportunity at universities.
View the event overview for the ViSo Project Months (in German)
Power, Responsibility, and Change in Academia
(Kick-off Meeting) as part of the OVGU Female Career Days
November 3, 2026, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Magdeburg
Shining a light on abuse of power and dependencies in academia: Keynote by Lisa Niendorf (@frauforschung) followed by a panel discussion with representatives from universities, the city, and the state. Registration deadline: October 29.
Information and registration: OVGU Female Career Days (in German)
Statewide Gender Studies Day 2026
November 12, 2026, all day, Magdeburg
How does allyship work? This symposium brings together gender and queer studies scholars from across Saxony-Anhalt.
Information on Gender Studies Day 2026 (in German)
Service and Contact
Interested in starting a queer student group? The Student Cuncil (StuRa) helps students get started
Anhalt University of Applied Sciences currently has no queer student organization or working group. The StuRa is looking for students who want to start an initiative and connects them with existing groups in Halle and Magdeburg. Interested?
Email the StuRa
Reporting Portal
Little-known but important: Through the reporting portal, you can report misconduct such as discrimination, corruption or breaches of occupational safety securely and, if desired, anonymously.
More info and access to the reporting portal (in German)
Buddy Program for Students
Making it easier to settle in: In the International Office’s Buddy Program, students mentor new international peers while gaining contacts and intercultural experience themselves. Lecturers are invited to inform their students about the program.
Info and registration for the Buddy Program
voiio: Resources and Advice on Diversity & Inclusion for Employees
Whether it’s childcare, caregiving, or mental health: The voiio portal provides free support to all employees in balancing work and personal life and also offers insights on diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Simply sign up with your work or study email address!
Explore the “Diversity and Inclusion” offerings on voiio (in German)
