UNIVERSAL SUPPORT WEEK AT SLOVENIAN UNIVERSITIES FROM 17 TO 21 APRIL
Creating an inclusive and safe academic environment for all students in Slovenia
From 17 to 21 April 2023, the University of Ljubljana, the University of Maribor, the University of Primorska, the University of Nova Gorica, New University, the Faculty of Applied Social Studies in Nova Gorica and the University of Novo Mesto will host a Universal Support Week under the slogan Together for the Good of Students. The week will include a number of workshops, round tables, lectures and cultural events, including stand-up comedian Martina Ipša, creative director, lecturer and book author Aljoša Bagola, and mannequin and businessman Alen Kobilica. The events are open to all students, whatever their personal circumstances.
At seven higher education institutions in Slovenia, we have joined forces in a common commitment to inclusive education and the promotion of diversity to create a safe environment that provides equal opportunities for academic and personal success. We believe that our initiative is a step in the right direction and will not only benefit students, but will also contribute to the overall success of higher education institutions.
"Regardless of our gender identity, ethnicity, health, age, socio-economic or other circumstances, we all deserve the opportunity to fully develop our skills and talents and to work in a supportive and inclusive environment. At the same time, societies are increasingly diverse in many ways. As a result, there is a greater need to learn how to manage diversity and create inclusive and connected societies. This is why the University of Ljubljana has further strengthened its activities to promote the inclusion of all students in the university community by mobilising networks within and outside the university. Education, awareness-raising and exchange of good practices are key to building on these activities," said the Rector of the University of Ljubljana, prof. Gregor Majdič, PhD, at the launch of the Week of Universal Support.
"The University of Maribor is aware of its role and responsibility in ensuring quality and inclusive education and research for students. Together with other higher education institutions in Slovenia, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment that provides equal opportunities for academic and personal success for our students," said prof. Dean Korošak, PhD, Vice-Rector for Scientific Research at the University of Maribor.
We would like the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation to recognise our commitment to the inclusion of vulnerable groups of students in teaching and research and to support us with increased funding to ensure equal opportunities for students in the future.
"The project Strengthening Support for Special Student Groups (S4S) at the Faculty of Applied Social Studies (FUDŠ) is oriented towards the inclusive treatment of students and provides an upgrade of the already high-quality faculty services in the field of support for students in the course of their studies, career planning and job search. The project is also perfectly integrated with our study programmes in the field of social management, psychosocial support and psychosocial counselling, which is why we regularly involve our students in the project activities," said assoc. prof. Petra Kleindienst, PhD, Vice-Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at FUDŠ.
"At the University of Primorska we build and nurture respectful interpersonal relationships based on understanding and implementing the principles of equal opportunities, social cohesion, inclusiveness and the awareness that diversity enriches us. We pursue zero tolerance of any form of discrimination or intolerance. These are undoubtedly principles that apply to society as a whole, but universities, as a place and a key factor for progress, must in fact be an example to all others through their openness. That is why we support and actively participate in the Week of Universal Support, through which Slovenian universities and higher education institutions want to stress the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for inclusion, to promote equal treatment of all who enter the higher education space, with a special focus on all students, who are an important building block of the academic space," said assoc. prof. Tina Štemberger, PhD, Vice-Rector for Education at the University of Primorska.
"At the New University, the focus is always on the student as an individual, for whom we want to use the knowledge available at the University to the greatest extent possible to enable self-fulfilment for a productive and responsible career and wider social mission. The activities of the Universal Support Week make an important contribution to the strategic orientation of the New University, which focuses on co-creating a healthy, pluralistic and inclusive society. We are pleased that the entire Slovenian academic space has joined ranks in this effort," said prof. Matej Avbelj, PhD, Vice-Rector of New University.
"At the University of Nova Gorica we are aware that high-quality, interdisciplinary and practically oriented study programmes are the basis on which young people can successfully build their career paths. In addition to a stimulating environment, it is also crucial that all young people, regardless of their ethnicity, health, social, economic and other personal circumstances, are given the same support and equal opportunities to identify their areas of strength and potential and develop them to their fullest potential. In terms of an inclusive approach, it is important that all higher education institutions in Slovenia speak with one voice in order to jointly enrich the support for young people and help to co-create young, happy individuals," says the Rector of the University of Nova Gorica, Prof. Dr. Boštjan Golob.
"Inclusion is a magical term that supports equal development for all and prevents the creation of any barriers due to any factor. At the University of Novo mesto, we will further strengthen our activities to ensure equal opportunities for the inclusion of male and female students in higher education and, together with other Slovenian universities and higher education institutions, we will actively mark the Week of Universal Support," said the Vice-Rector of the University of Novo mesto, prof. Karmen Erjavec, PhD.
Slovenian higher education institutions are delighted to host the Universal Support Week and to contribute to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.
You are invited to the events of all participating universities, which you can find in the brochure, where you can find more information and register!