Diversity Policy
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is one of Germany’s leading universities in terms of the proportion of international students and staff. More than half of all students come from a total of over 120 different countries. Consequently, the university’s various committees and executive bodies are also diverse in their composition and, where possible, operate bilingually in German and English. The university welcomes bilingualism in day-to-day interactions as a prerequisite for successful communication and participation among university members at all levels.
The diversity of our students and staff in terms of their international background and social and other characteristics – such as cultural or ethnic origin, religion and beliefs, gender, academic cultures, migration history, family responsibilities, (dis)abilities, age, interests and skills – is essential for teaching and research and is crucial to the development of self-assured young people and to the functioning of the university. Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences forms a community that is international and inclusive, and in which exchange across cultures, genders, views and values is practised daily in all faculties and Departments.
Diversity on campus goes far beyond translation between languages: mediating between different expectations – whether due to different countries of origin, academic experiences, socio-economic status, or membership of different disciplines or status groups – is a central challenge, a distinctive feature and, at the same time, an opportunity for our activities in the fields of teaching, research and administration. To enable the participation of all, HSRW is developing mechanisms to take into account the backgrounds and perspectives of its members, to reflect on and adapt requirements, to identify potential difficulties and exclusions, and to develop solutions. Notable examples include voluntary commitments in the context of audits, Days of Antidiscrimination, action days (e.g. IDAHOBIT), quality dialogues, etc. The offices responsible for ensuring participation (including those for anti-discrimination, equality and Disability Liaison Officers) are strengthened through close integration with the university’s management structures and expanded where necessary.
The university consciously and proactively addresses inequalities (such as the gender pay gap, unequal educational opportunities, and abuse of power) and potential experiences of exclusion (e.g. in the context of racism, anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim racism, or exclusions related to sexual and gender identity, etc.) across all areas. This includes the creation of an accessible, inclusive campus (in terms of mobility, securing learning spaces, safe spaces, but also with regard to gender identities, health, care responsibilities, etc.) at both campuses, not only through structural measures and the provision of adjustments for students at a disadvantage during Examinations, but also through individually tailored teaching and research, as well as respectful interaction among all members with a view to taking their needs into account. Reflecting on power structures and (potential) experiences of violence, as well as developing appropriate safeguards to counteract these, is part of the university’s self-image in the spirit of the participatory corrective. HSRW opposes any form of discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual identity, and cooperates in this regard with external stakeholders at local, regional, state and federal levels, as well as internationally.
A strong awareness of the value of the diversity of all our members and proactive processes that focus early on both academic and non-academic inclusion and integration are core elements of the work and mission of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. Teaching, research and campus life serve democracy, freedom, equality, co-determination and participation, which are the very foundations that enable the diversity of all those involved. This lived diversity takes into account the different circumstances of all stakeholder groups, respects and supports the diversity of the university’s members, and thus gives everyone at the university the opportunity, with the support of their environment, to successfully achieve their own goals.
Responsibilities and contact persons
The Diversity Commission supports the university in all matters relating to diversity and inclusion, including anti-discrimination issues. The Diversity Commission’s remit includes, for example:
- The preparation and implementation (supported by the Vice-Presidency for Diversity) of diversity audits and other diversity-related monitoring processes, as well as networking with other Diversity Commissions nationwide in the areas of diversity management and diversity on campus;
- Preparing mechanisms to combat discrimination (anti-discrimination policy) in close cooperation with the Anti-Discrimination Contact Person;
- Advising the relevant bodies on the changing landscape of social diversity and its implications for the university (in close cooperation with the Equality Office);
- Continuous adjustment of all diversity-sensitive areas relevant to the functioning of HSRW.
The tasks and composition of the Commission are governed by HSRW’s Basic Regulations in § 9 University Commissions. The scope of the Commission’s responsibilities is determined by the Senate in agreement with the Executive Board.
The meetings of the Diversity Commission are held in English and generally take place three times per semester; ad hoc special meetings may be convened. The meetings are not open to the public.
The work of the Commission is supported by the Representative and Advisor to the Vice-President for Internationalisation and Diversity. The Vice-President for Internationalisation and Diversity, the Disability Liaison Officer, the Inclusion Officer and the Officer for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses participate in the meetings in an advisory capacity.
The Commission comprises the following elected members:
- one representative of the group of university lecturers from the Senate,
- four representatives of the group of university teachers,
- two representatives of the academic staff group,
- one representative of the technical and administrative staff,
- two representatives of the student group.
Anja Große-Kreul
antidiskriminierung(at)
What is discrimination and what services do we offer? Find out more in the anti-discrimination office’s leaflet
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is aware of the current heightened threat to Jewish and Israeli students at German universities and would like to point out that those affected can contact the Anti-Discrimination Contact Person, Anja Große-Kreul, or the anti-Semitism officer, Prof. Dr Matthias Krauledat from the Faculty of Technology and Bionics, at any time.
Contact person:
Prof. Dr Matthias Krauledat
antisemitism(at)
Contact person for the Jewish student community:
If you are a Jewish student and would like to make (anonymous) contact with your fellow students, please get in touch with Shay-Rivka Knafo Shay-Rivka.Knafo(at)
Further contact options
Network of Jewish University Lecturers
Jewish Students’ Union of Germany
The Jewish Students’ Association of North Rhine-Westphalia on Facebook
Student LGBTQIA+ Department (AStA)
Instagram channel lgbtqia_hsrw
Further contacts in Kamp-Lintfort, Kleve and the surrounding area
Lebenslust – LGBT*I* counselling (available in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort)
Queer associations
Together Kleve/Lower Rhine
SLaM and Friends Moers e.V.
AIDS Testing & Counselling
Kleve
Duisburg
Changing your name and gender
Students at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences can have their name and gender entry changed in the databases managed by the university. There are currently four options for recording gender: male, female, diverse, or none specified.
Students are generally advised to obtain the ‘supplementary ID card’ from the German Society for Transidentity and Intersexuality (DGTI, www.dgti.org) in order to explain the discrepancy between their identity card and their student documents. This card contains their preferred name and gender, as well as the number of their current identity card.
Before submitting an informal application, students have the option of seeking personal advice from the Study Advisory Service. The application must at least state that the applicant bindingly declares that they accept responsibility for any potential legal consequences and risks arising from the requested change. Furthermore, the application must be signed by hand and sent to Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Student Services Department, Marie-Curie-Straße 1, 47533 Kleve. An informal email is not sufficient.
Certificates and diplomas will be issued (including retrospectively) in the preferred name. For the retrospective issuance of degree documents, the person must submit an informal application to the Examination Services Department. The application must at least state that the applicant bindingly declares that they accept responsibility for any potential legal consequences and risks arising from the requested change. Furthermore, the application must be signed by the applicant in person and sent to Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Examination Services Department, Marie-Curie-Straße 1, 47533 Kleve. An informal email is not sufficient.
Representative for students with disabilities and chronic illnesses
: Ellen Schönfeld
bstbce(at)
Studying with a disability or chronic illness
Inclusion Officer
Disability Liaison Officer for Students with Severe Disabilities