Diversity, Inclusion & Access

How can we continue to eliminate discrimination and break down barriers in all aspects of what we do?

This theme explored how we can continue to drive impact and create a space where our people and communities feel empowered to thrive.

The global RMIT community shared their thoughts on how RMIT is and can approach Diversity, Inclusion and Access towards 2025 and beyond.

We heard from staff, students, and industry partners through workshops and online conversations about the challenges and opportunities we are facing, and the next steps we need to take.

Key insights that emerged from the discussions include:

• Uniting our efforts to shape our communities. On issues of social justice, we share learnings from research and our own interventions, our leaders engage in public advocacy ​ ​
• Smashing stereotypes and barriers to education and work. We should all be educated on pronouns and how to be inclusive of all genders​.
• Building an equal playing field for all to thrive. Ensure we are using our existing tools ​ to their full extent for inclusive, universal design​.
• A safe and welcoming community for all. Our systems and processes must reflect the diversity of our staff and students.
• Diverse leadership to drive an inclusive culture. We need our leadership to be representative of the RMIT community, in terms of gender, cultural backgrounds, ages

Keep reading to see the community inputs and ideas on this important theme.

All of the insights gathered from the Reflections Phase will be incorporated into a Directions Paper, outlining the potential directions that will shape the final strategy and where we are heading as a University. The Directions will be launched in July!

As a tertiary education institute and a cornerstone of the communities we operate in, it is our duty to create a safe, welcoming space for all to flourish in. By having a diverse range of perspectives and backgrounds in our own staff, we are able to ensure our ideas and work reflects and benefits the communities we serve. By having a diverse student body, we our society will benefit from a diverse workforce that graduates from our University.

In the last five years, RMIT has had a marked impact on our communities. As a place of learning and work we have made significant milestones towards a more inclusive society where everyone can belong, feel safe and thrive. We are frequently recognised as a University of choice for many diverse groups and have made significant progress to smash long-held stereotypes.

However, there is always more we can do. Despite the incredible resilience demonstrated by our communities, the impacts of COVID-19 were not equal; many who already faced significant challenges were the most impacted, and the global pandemic has only exacerbated the divides in our society. More than ever, our staff and students and the communities we operate in could benefit greatly from our support.