Equality, diversity and accessibility at the University

It is imperative for everyone to feel welcome in the University community just as they are. Each community member is responsible for creating a safer space for others. This is why we have outlined and follow our shared principles whenever we meet and interact with one another. If you observe inappropriate behaviour in the university community, please address it.

The University of Helsinki does not approve of any kind of inappropriate behaviour, bullying or harassment. The University's guidelines for the prevention of inappropriate behaviour and harassment are available in Flamma (requires login).

Inappropriate behaviour

• If you are treated inappropriately, talk to the person in question and ask them to stop. They may not realise that their behaviour is offensive.
• If you feel another student is treating you inappropriately, you can contact the course teacher, as they have primary responsibility for all teaching situations, including those in which problems occur.
• If you experience inappropriate behaviour in student social activities, you should first contact the University of Helsinki Student Union’s harassment contact persons or the harassment contact persons of your student nation, association or organisation.
• If a member of staff treats your inappropriately, you can contact the head of academic affairs of your home faculty, the degree programme director or the University harassment contact person.

The University’s Equality and Diversity Committee is a body under the Vice-Rector, featuring the whole spectrum of the University community. The duties of the Equality Committee are to:

• Promote the achievement of the objectives outlined in the Act on Equality between Women and Men and the Non-Discrimination Act, monitor the development of equality at the University and report on it;
• Influence the University community so as to strengthen pro-equality attitudes, opinions and structures at the University; and
• Prepare an equality and diversity plan (Flamma) as specified in the Act on Equality between Women and Men and the Non-Discrimination Act.

The equality adviser supports the promotion of equality at the University of Helsinki. Please contact the equality adviser at tasa-arvovastaava@helsinki.fi. You can read more about the Committee from the University's Flamma intranet.

The equality and accessibility liaisons work as low threshold contact persons making it easier to bring up equality and accessibility issues. Their duties include spreading good equality practices in the University community, communicating about equality matters in their areas of responsibility and referring people who need assistance to the equality advisor, an occupational health and safety representative, a union representative or the harassment liaison of the University of Helsinki Student Union. In addition, it is the duty of the liaisons to highlight equality and accessibility considerations, promote and communicate about good practices, as well as to assess these issues with regard to teaching, research and administration.

You can find the updated list of equality and accessibility liaisons in the Flamma intranet.

The University of Helsinki strives to enhance its services, facilities and operations so that they will be suitable for all. The University complies with the principles of equality, non-discrimination and inclusion. Inclusion means accommodating everyone, as a matter of course, so that everyone can participate equally in any activity. The various needs of people with disabilities must be considered in all planning as part of the diversity of humanity. This entails the removal of all barriers, whether physical obstacles, prejudiced attitudes or hindrances to communication.

The University offers advice for disabled students  in integrating into the academic community and in acquiring the necessary aids and learning materials. The University provides academic advice, including advice regarding individual examination arrangements.

A list of accessibility liaisons can be found from the Flamma intranet.

Accessible environment

A good environment does not categorise people on the basis of their physical abilities or disabilities: it is accessible. The same applies to various functions, which may be related to studies, work or, say, applying to the university. When they have been made accessible, everyone is able to function equally irrespective of their personal characteristics related to sight, hearing, mobility, age or any other such factors. Sometimes this requires special arrangements or aids.

Teaching is accessible when you have easy access to the classroom and can easily use the IT services employed in instruction and in communication about it, and you are able to fully participate in instruction.

Digital services must also be accessible. Read more about accessibility of the University’s digital services on the Flamma intranet.

Accessibility in studies

Accessibility of teaching particularly encompasses the idea of the different forms and channels of instruction. From a pedagogical perspective, it is recommended that, when possible, diverse learners are provided with, for example, lecture and seminar teaching or independent working in the form of an essay or a closed-book examination.

Sometimes accessible teaching requires special arrangements or equipment. More information about special arrangements from the instructions on individual arrangements support.

The Guidelines for Language Awareness at the University (pdf) are designed to support the everyday multilingual encounters, discussions on language issues, and language learning opportunities for both students and staff. With a multilingual operating culture, we ensure that every member of the university feels as welcome and safe as possible to fully engage in University activities and self-development.

• Non-Discrimination Ombudsman
• Study psychologists
• Nyyti ry
• See also InfoFinland: Equality and non-discrimination
• "Bold role models at the University" talks and discussion during Pride week 2020
• A panel discussion "Change is Coming - Different Voices!" at Think Corner during Pride week 2019
• A Student's guide to Equality and Diversity (PDF), Behavioural Sciences 2021