Diversity & inclusion
Saxion wants to be an organisation that makes the most of the diversity, talents and abilities of staff and students: now and in the future. An organisation where everyone matters, where everyone experiences this, can be themselves and feels at home. To achieve this, we are proactively committed to creating a culture where everyone feels welcome, valued and supported. A culture of respect and equality, where everyone is empowered to grow, thrive and contribute their fullest to our shared community.
A greater diversity of people and approaches leads to a greater variety of ideas, solutions and creativity. This helps educate young people in how to deal with complex social issues being faced now and in the future. What truly sets Saxion apart is our dedication to fostering meaningful collaboration across the five generations who learn and work together at our university.
What do we stand for?
Saxion has endorsed the UN Convention for People with Disabilities. We provide an accessible and safe learning environment by removing physical and social barriers. This includes wheelchair-friendly facilities, gender-neutral facilities and a strict policy against discrimination and harassment. For example, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative helps students with invisible disabilities ask for extra support. Students with special needs, such as a physical, visual or auditory impediment can make use of special facilities. Our campuses also offer quiet rooms and rest areas for students and staff who may be feeling overwhelmed by sensory input.
Everyone benefits from an environment where you feel safe and can be yourself. We all share responsibility for shaping and sustaining this culture. As a guideline to help achieve this, we have laid down some rules of conduct. For students, these can be found in the Student Charter, for employees, they are set out in the Code of Conduct. Sometimes it's clear what behaviour is appropriate or inappropriate—other times, it's not so obvious. With this infographic we show how you can address inappropriate behaviour and who can help you with that. Unable to work it out together? You can go to the Complaints Office. Saxion has also endorsed the Amnesty Manifesto ‘Let’s Talk About Yes,’ taking a stand against sexual violence. More information can be found on our Personal Safety page.
We are working together with local, regional and international partners and networks to create an inclusive region. Together with our partner organisations, we work every day to build a professional culture that embraces diversity and empowers talent to thrive. As a proud member of SER Diversity at Work, we are continuously improving our recruitment and selection processes to foster a diverse workplace culture where every talent can shine. Future of Twente and Saxion jointly offer training and mentoring programmes for female talent. These training programmes focus on personal leadership, work-life balance and the development of soft skills. In collaboration with FC Twente, our researchers and students contribute to enhancing the performance of both the men's and women's teams, offering support in areas such as sports performance and facility management. We achieve this through the Smart Solutions Semester and the Sport Marketing Programme.
Saxion was one of the first universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands to sign an agreement with the Workplace Pride Foundation on 28 November 2018. This foundation is dedicated to improving the working lives of the LGBTQI+ community, offering guidance and support to organisations worldwide. Together with students and staff, we have established the working group Th!nk with Pride. Saxion is committed to fostering gender equality in research and education. Through the Gender Action Plan (Horizon Europe programme), we demonstrate our firm commitment to achieving gender equality in research and innovation. Saxion also has two associations dedicated to promoting inclusion of the LGBTQI+ community: SV Queer and Exaltio.
Would you like to help create a more inclusive environment? Join one of our diversity initiatives, take part in events, and share your ideas to help shape a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable Saxion. Together, we will make a difference! Contact us at [email protected] or visit us in Enschede (room S1.74).
FAQ diversity & inclusion
At the start of your studies, you will receive guidance to help you feel supported. For example, student’s psychologists or an autism coach. More information can be found at www.mijnsaxion.nl/saxhelpt. You can also check out Gezonde Boel, an e-health platform https://mijnsaxion.nl/gezondeboel.
You’ll also have access to a range of supportive facilities—such as extra time during exams, study skills coaching and additional digital tools—available either temporarily or throughout your studies. Also see Studying with special needs.
Saxion is here to support you in making your studies as enjoyable and successful as possible. At Saxion we call this studying with special needs. We’re happy to support you with information, advice, guidance, and the right facilities—so that everyone can study with us in an accessible and inclusive way.
Saxion collaborates with various Pride networks and communities at each of our campus locations. In Enschede you will find the association Exaltio (Enschede) and the study association Queer in Deventer.
Saxion offers various facilities for first-generation students. For example, first-generation students are encouraged to follow the 100-day Programme. In our digital learning environment, you’ll also find knowledge clips, podcasts, reading materials, templates, assignments, and practice exams to help you strengthen your maths, language, and study skills.
Yes. Saxion offers access to confidential intermediaries and the Complaints and Disputes Office where you can seek advice.
There are many ways to contribute to diversity and inclusion within Saxion. Throughout the year you can participate in workshops, events and research. If you want to participate in structured decision-making, you can contact the Saxion University Council (CMR). Or simply contact the Diversity Office ([email protected]).
There are about 25,000 students at Saxion. Together with our employees, they represent more than 80 nationalities. Our timetables are legally required to observe Dutch national holidays, including Easter and Christmas. Where possible, we try to take into account other religious holidays such as Ramadan. For example, Saxion has silence and reflection rooms that are often used for prayer.