Diversity at the Lucerne School of Computer Science and Information Technology  Diversity and mutual respect

The Specialist Unit for Diversity of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) comprises nine members: The head of the specialist unit plus eight Diversity Officers from the HSLU’s six Schools.

Raising awareness among employees and students

Raising awareness for issues relating to diversity among our employees and students is a matter of great importance to us. We regularly offer a range of workshops for our employees to facilitate the implementation of the HSLU’s action plan on developing diversity skills. New students are supplied with introductory information on the subject in the first week. The "Sprache und Bild" (“language and image”) guideline is our frame of reference for the correct use of text and visuals. The flyer "Grenzen setzen - mit Respekt begegnen” (“set boundaries and show respect”) is designed to educate HSLU members about, and protect them from, sexual harassment.

Accessibility

In 2019, the Lucerne School of Computer Science and Information Technology moved its classrooms, labs and offices to its new location at Suurstoffi 1 and 4 right next to Rotkreuz station, with extra space in the Suurstoffi 12 and 41 buildings. They are all accessible for wheelchair users and feature all-gender toilet facilities. Sanitary products are supplied free of charge in the women’s, accessible and all-gender toilets. Selected classrooms are equipped with specific infrastructure for people with hearing impairments. The cafeteria on the Zug-Rotkreuz Campus is committed to offering varied lunch options catering to people with different diets and preferences.

Women in Computer Science

The School of Computer Science and Information Technology is actively working towards increasing the share of women in IT-related professions, research and faculty. It organizes regular networking events with keynotes on current topics and trends in Computer Science, featuring women with roles in teaching, research and administration. The “+ Dozentinnen” (“+ female lecturers”) initiative, which was launched in 2023, aims to tackle the gender imbalance in the faculty and to increase the share of female lecturers.

Promotion of STEM subjects 

Promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects has long been an issue of great importance for the Lucerne School of Computer Science and Information Technology.  Its offerings in the arena include a broad range of workshops and events for girls and boys of all ages.  The idea is to create a lively and inclusive environment that fosters creative thinking, enriches the educational experience and is inspiring to students. (Only in German)

Diversity of teaching and training methods

Diverse teaching and training methods are a key element of the education and continuing and executive education programs at the School of Computer Science and Information Technology. The “Edu I Lab” initiative promotes and strengthens this variety within five fields of innovation: “Technology and Spaces”, “Peer Exchanges”, “Experimentation Modules”, “Remorte and Flipped Classroom” as well as “ChatGPT & Co.

Foundations of diversity work

The activities of the Specialist Unit for Diversity align with the five dimensions of the diversity wheel: “institutional diversity”, “demographic diversity”, “cognitive diversity”, “disciplinary diversity” and “functional diversity”. They facilitate a full understanding of diversity based on the premise that people are diverse as a result of varying social and historical categories. These include gender, ethnicity, health impairments, education, economic opportunities and other dimensions such as religion and marital status. The initiatives and projects championed by the Diversity Officers are based on the “Equal Opportunities & Diversity” program by swissuniversities, in which the HSLU is a participant. All ongoing initiatives are listed and described in the 2021 - 2024 Diversity Action Plan”.