7.1 Equality, diversity and inclusivity

We hope the events you’ll go to during Freshers’ Week will help you to feel welcome, and to feel part of an inclusive, accepting community where everyone has the right to thrive and be treated with respect. Harassment, bullying, intimidation and discrimination go against all we stand for and will not be tolerated. If you’ve experienced or witnessed any of the above we encourage you to Speak Out and to get the support you might need.

Whoever you are, wherever you come from, you belong in our community.

You are welcome here, and we will do everything we can to ensure that you are happy and able to participate in all that Exeter University can offer.

Mandatory Consent Module

This year, the University has introduced a mandatory Consent Module that all students are required to take. You can access the module here.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Training

As part of your induction, you are also required to complete the short training course around EDI. You can access the training here.

Our inclusive community

Being part of an inclusive community gives you the opportunity to meet, study and live with lots of people with different perspectives and experiences. To connect and network we have over 300 student-led societies (all supported by your Students’ Guild/Students’ Union); academic subject networks; and celebrations, discussions and events throughout the year.

These are some of the events you can look forward to in Term 1:

• Bi Visibility Day (23 September)
• Black History Month (October)
• Yom Kippur (4 October)
• Hate Crime Awareness Week (8 – 15 October)
• Diwali (24 November)
• Trans Awareness Week (13 - 19 November)
• Human Rights Day (10 December)
• You can find more events in the EDI Calendar.

Each faculty has its own Faculty Inclusion Group which meets regularly to monitor and implement equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives. If you would like to get involved, or have ideas on how we can improve our work on inclusion, please do get in touch.

How to report concerns or get support

If you experience or witness any behaviours which are not inclusive (including online behaviour) please report it. You can visit our ‘Speak Out’ website to:

• Make a report confidentially and/or anonymously
• Get support

You can also speak to any member of staff you trust (e.g. your Academic Personal Tutor, Supervisor, Head of Department, Hub Staff, Wellbeing Services (Cornwall), Wellbeing Services (Exeter) or a Dignity and Respect Advisor)

Your concerns will be dealt with confidentially. No worry is too small to talk about and the earlier you let someone know, the more we are able to support you.

You can also read all about the University’s policies, strategies and initiatives in this area here.