Diversity, equity and inclusion

Published 22.6.2021 | Updated 22.8.2025

A shared mission

The purpose of equality and non-discrimination work at Uniarts Helsinki is to promote the values of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), prevent discrimination and create an atmosphere that embraces diversity. Genuine inclusivity requires that all members of our community feel like they are treated fairly and with respect, have a sense of belonging to the community and experience that their work and study environment is psychologically safe. Each and every member of the university community must have the same opportunities to work, study, participate and be treated well regardless of their individual background.

Making inclusivity a reality in everyday life requires work, patience, challenging of personal thinking patterns and a constant effort to understand other people’s thinking and perspectives. All of us have prejudices, whether we are aware of them or not; becoming conscious of them is the first step towards adapting our behaviour. Recognising privileges and dismantling them is a central part of promoting inclusivity.

The aim is to make diversity, equity and inclusion visible in all Uniarts Helsinki activities. Promoting DEI values is the shared mission of the entire university community, and it is also a central part of our strategy.

Goals for 2025–2028

Uniarts Helsinki’s DEI working group formulates concrete goals for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion among students and staff members on a yearly basis. In 2025–2028, the goals are: 

1. Promotion of an equitable and appreciative organisational culture
2. Promotion of people’s equity competence
3. Curbing discrimination and developing practices that support non-discrimination

DEI working group

Uniarts Helsinki has a DEI working group appointed by the rector, and its mission is to make the university equal and equitable in everyday life, compile the DEI Plan, monitor how well it is implemented and to participate in discussions on equity- and equality-related issues. The working group is chaired by HR and Service Director Riikka Mäki-Ontto.

Uniarts Helsinki’s DEI working group follows the implementation of the planned measures, and the Plan is updated on a yearly basis. The situation is monitored also through regular student feedback and workplace wellbeing surveys. Based on this material, the DEI working group analyses the situation, makes proposals and reports on issues to the university management.

Plans and guidelines

Uniarts Helsinki’s DEI Plan is part of the university’s HR and Staff Training Plan, and it supports the university’s strategy for 2021–2030 and HR Policy for 2025–2028. The DEI Plan presents the current state of equity, equality and diversity at Uniarts Helsinki, and it defines the goals and measures that help the university further promote DEI values in its role as an education provider and an employer. The plan is implemented in all activities of the university.

Promoting equality and non-discrimination is a central part of our strategy, as our fifth goal in the strategy is to be a community that is characterised by its wellbeing, international appeal and lack of discrimination.

Uniarts Helsinki’s Code of Conduct concerns each and every member of the university community regardless of their position or role. Each member of the community is expected to be familiar with the Code of Conduct and be committed to complying with its principles.

Uniarts Helsinki has a zero-tolerance policy against inappropriate treatment, harassment and discrimination. The university has drawn up a model for early support to encourage the personnel, supervisors and students to intervene when they encounter problems that jeopardise the wellbeing and activities of the work community. Wellbeing at work is something that everyone contributes to, and it is everyone’s shared responsibility.