NEOLAiA

NEOstaff Week within the European University Alliance NEOLAiA

More than 30 staff members from all NEOLAiA partner universities took part in the NEOstaff Week at Bielefeld University from May 4 to 8. They exchanged ideas, learned from one another, and identified best practices regarding diversity and inclusion across all nine NEOLAiA locations. The central focus was the question of how diversity and inclusion can succeed at European universities. Each day of the international staff week had its own thematic focus. Staff members from Bielefeld University’s Central Accessibility Support Office, Gender Equality Office, Health Management, Family Service, and the NEOLAiA work package on Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), which is based at the university, jointly organized the week.

Participants gained insights into the university’s work in the areas of gender equality, accessibility, diversity, health management, and family services. They also visited several facilities at Bielefeld University and became familiar with the support services available there. Staff members from these departments not only helped organize the event but also contributed as speakers and discussion partners throughout the week.

The week began with a focus on gender equality. Participants learned about the legal foundations, structures, and projects in this area. In working groups, they compared approaches and measures for promoting equality at all NEOLAiA partner universities.

On the second day, participants discussed diversity-sensitive onboarding and work-life balance, particularly regarding the compatibility of career and family life. They were introduced to the services offered by the Family Service at Bielefeld University.

The third day focused on inclusion and participation. Participants became acquainted with the Central Accessibility Support Office at Bielefeld University, including its workspaces and technical support options for accessible studying and working in Bielefeld. In smaller groups, they also discussed how inclusion is embedded at their respective home universities.

On the fourth day, participants explored the relationship between diversity and (mental) health. They learned about Bielefeld initiatives such as the Health Room and University Sports programs and discussed, during a networking meeting, the role of managers and teaching staff in addressing health-related issues.

On the fifth day, participants exchanged ideas on digital accessibility in higher education teaching and presented projects from their own universities.

In addition to the program at Bielefeld University, which also included a campus tour, the participants explored the city itself. During a joint dinner, they also got to know Bethel in Bielefeld as a regional partner within NEOLAiA.

Voices from Bielefeld University on the NEOstaff Week

Professor Dr. Michaela Vogt, International Affairs, Diversity and Society:

“As Vice Rector responsible for NEOLAiA at Bielefeld University, I am immensely proud that we were able to share our extensive expertise in diversity, inclusion, and equality with our partners. We are a beacon in these areas not only nationally but also internationally. Our partners showed great interest in our work. The staff week sparked an intensive exchange of ideas. I am certain that everyone involved not only learned a great deal about diversity, inclusion, and equality, but also about the many facets of our beautiful Europe.”

Michael Johannfunke, Representative for Employees with Severe Disabilities and Coordinator of the Central Accessibility Support Office:

“The exchange with partner universities during the NEOstaff Week showed us that, despite different structural and cultural conditions, we face very similar challenges in the area of (digital) accessibility. At the same time, we share a common goal: making universities more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable for staff and students alike.”

Sandra Sieraad und Lisa Steven, Gender Equality Office:

"It was a pleasure for us, starting off the staff week with Gender Equality. Inspiration and knowledge – those two words were mentioned the most, when we asked the participants what they take home from our session. And Bielefeld University also got inspired by best practices: a back to science program for scientists after parental leave at the University Ostrava for example."

Impressions from StaffWeek at Bielefeld University:

Fotos: Bielefeld University