Aalto University

EDI Learning Hub

A flourishing academic community is built upon a diversity of talent, backgrounds, and experiences. We can all contribute to fostering an inclusive community.
Aalto people

Actions for diversity and inclusion

Do you want to help Aalto University build an open and accepting community for everyone?

Learning about diversity and inclusion makes us better equipped for fostering a good community. Read books, listen to podcasts, or have discussions with your peers – whatever works best for you. Increasing understanding of diversity enables us to better implement its values in our everyday lives. This page provides an updated collection of tips, inspiring reads, and practical support materials to guide you towards maintaining diversity and inclusivity as part of your everyday life at Aalto. To start with, you can find a mini-library filled with inspiring materials below. 

Students

Equality refers to an aim to provide a non-discriminatory, equal and accessible environment in which employees and students with diverse backgrounds receive equal and fair treatment and are free to study and work without fear of discrimination.

Diversity refers to all of the ways we differ, e.g. education, age, gender, nationality or personality traits – any visible or non-visible attributes that make us different from each other.

Inclusion refers to an environment of involvement and respect, where everyone can be their true self, feel a sense of belonging, and where our different backgrounds and perspectives are seen as strengths.

Guidelines for inclusive interaction

We want every community member to feel welcome and safe. By behaving in a responsible manner and respecting the rights of the other members of our community we let everyone equal opportunity to enjoy a safe and pleasant university environment that allows unhindered progress in study and work. 

Below you can find guidelines for inclusive interaction that foster inclusive daily encounters with other community members.

Tips, toolkits and inspiring reads for fostering diversity

In this EDI Resource Bank you find the latest training, research, knowledge and best practices from Aalto and around the world. 

Events and trainings

Aalto SCI Book Club
Other

Aalto SCI Book Club

Join our dynamic book club at Aalto University!
Students
For Aalto community Lectures and seminars

Anti-Racism in Finnish worklife

What is racism and anti-racism, and do we need to focus on definitions? What is the impact of racism and anti-racism, on individuals and organisations? What concrete actions can each individual employee and organisation take?
International Aalto
Information sessions

Making Waves - International Aalto: Past, Present, Future! - 10/10/2023

Internationalisation is in the core mission of Aalto University. Come and join us in this informal event to have an open discussion with Aalto Provost prof. Kristiina Mäkelä and other members of the Aalto Community on the topic of internationalisation, topical issues, and anything else that affects the inclusivity of Aaltonians.
Pride flags
For Aalto community Networking

LGBTIQ+ networking event for personnel

Join a network event for Aalto LGBTIQ+ community members & allies to discuss how to make Aalto a more inclusive community

News

Dean's Impact Award, School of Business
Awards and Recognition Published:

The Dean also rewards School of Business students for other merits besides excellent grades

The aim of the new Dean’s Impact Award is to show our appreciation for promoting sustainable development or action in line with Aalto’s values
Kuvituskuva: opiskelijoita luonnossa, kaislikossa
University Published:

Monthly workshops encouraged a sense of community among doctoral students

It’s important to provide adequate resources for activities that support the EDI agenda
Ilkka Niemelä in his official black ceremony clothes giving speech
Press releases, University Published:

Ilkka Niemelä to the Finnish Government: Innovations and sustainable growth will be lost if immigration policies are implemented

Internationality has accelerated innovation and helped many Finnish companies from Aalto along their growth trajectories. Nearly half of Aalto University’s academic staff come from outside Finland, and Aalto students are from more than 100 countries.
Lassi Haaranen in the office, leaning at desk
Appointments Published:

Lassi Haaranen appointed as Vice Head of Diversity at the Department of Computer Science

‘These issues are crucial for the wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff,’ says Lassi Haaranen

How to intervene to harassment and inappropriate conduct

The Code of Conduct is one way of putting our values and way of working - the foundation of our community culture - into practice.

Read more about process and contact information
kuva Dipolin sisätiloista tuolista jossa istuu henkilö

Supporting students' sense of community and belonging

Students in a lecture hall

Supporting students' sense of community and belonging

Central to community and inclusion is that the community members feel accepted and valued as themselves. Belonging to a study community means gaining experiences of the relevance of studies and identification with the student community. The sense of belonging is unique and can only be triggered if students identify themselves with the community. That is why it is important to think how to create and promote the sense of inclusion in your teaching.

Services
Group of student working together

Agreeing guidelines for inclusive interaction in course

Inclusive teaching practices are inseparable from high quality teaching practices, so inclusive teaching affects all aspects of a course and learning experience.  

Services
Oasis of Radical Wellbeing

Handbook on diversity in recruitments

This handbook is intended for use throughout Aalto community in supporting us making excellent recruitments that foster both excellence and equality.

Handbook on diversity and equality in recruitments
Handbook

Key contacts

 Kristiina Mäkelä

Kristiina Mäkelä

Provost
 Ida Salin

Ida Salin

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer
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