Inclusion in the Icelandic university community cannot be achieved through individual support measures or temporary projects alone. Inclusion must be integrated into policy-making, teaching, services, communication, human resources, quality assurance systems, and daily operations to have a lasting impact. These are the main findings of a two-year collaborative project, Inclusion in the Icelandic University community (Inngilding í íslensku háskólasamfélagi), involving Iceland's public universities. The final conference for the project will be held at the Nordic House on Thursday, 5 November.
The project received funding from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and aims to strengthen inclusion, diversity and a sense of belonging among university students and staff. It has resulted in a shared knowledge base and a range of practical tools for the participating universities, including an inclusion policy, an action plan, a reception plan, educational materials, and a framework for mentoring and peer support. The four institutions involved are the University of Akureyri, the University of Iceland, the University of Iceland at Hólar and the Agricultural University of Iceland at Hvanneyri.
Students face barriers in many areas
The project has revealed that students with foreign backgrounds encounter barriers that extend beyond language. These include access to information and services, social participation, teaching practices and attitudes.
The final conference, From Belonging to Action - Inclusion in Icelandic University Community, will present key findings and outcomes and discuss next steps for developing an inclusive university community in Iceland with greater participation and equal opportunities.
The confernece’s keynote speaker is Dani de Torres, founder of Anti-Rumours Global and a specialist for the European Union in the field of multicultural policy planning and societal inclusion. His keynote will address prejudice, stereotypes, and ways to foster constructive dialogue in diverse societies.
Eliza Reid will chair the conference, with researchers, practitioners, university leaders and student representatives taking part in the programme.
The conference will be held on 5 November from 9 - 5 pm and is open to all. Attendance is free of charge, but registration is required.
Further information on the conference.
