It’s time to promote language awareness at the University
Everyone can promote good language practices in their work, drawing support from the University's excellent guidelines on language awareness.
The University’s equality and diversity theme in 2025 is Language Awareness at the University. The goal of the thematic year is that the whole community will see a multilingual university as an asset and opportunity. The University has already established language awareness guidelines that support everyday multilingual encounters, discussion on language practices and language learning opportunities.
“We wish to establish a safe environment at the University where different language backgrounds are taken into consideration, with Finnish, Swedish and English used in parallel so that this practice becomes a natural part of day-to-day activities at the University,” says Timo Valtonen, the University’s equality advisor.
One of the four thematic groups established by the University’s Equality and Diversity Committee is the International Group. The group’s remit encompasses the integration of international staff and students into the University community as well as the promotion of cultural diversity.
Adam Pratchett, who heads the thematic group, is excited about launching the effort.
“The university has taken an important step by establishing for the first time a permanent group which is designed to represent the interests of international students and staff. Our group is looking forward to engaging with the international community and suggesting practical measures that can be taken to improve the experience of internationals at the university. We would encourage anyone who has suggestions or concerns to contact us via the university's equality advisor,” Adam Pratchett says.
Focus on practical measures
In terms of equality and diversity, a lot has happened at the University in early 2025. Vice-Rector Hanna Snellman, chair of the Equality and Diversity Committee, is pleased with the reception of the slogan of the new plan – ‘Becoming more diverse, open and international!’
“The focus areas of the plan were carefully chosen based on feedback from the University community. Concrete measures are essential for sustainable wellbeing and social responsibility, as well as our goal of being the best place to study, teach, conduct research and work.”
The demand for clearly taking on responsibility and carrying out concrete measures is particularly great now that the discussion on equality has both intensified and become polarised. In matters related to equality and diversity, the University collaborates with, among others, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the Nyyti association involved in promoting students’ mental health, and a DEI network of Finnish higher education institutions.
Join in!
Take part in training sessions and events related to the thematic year of language awareness. You can add to the comment field of the corresponding news item on Flamma the everyday customs related to promoting language inclusion in your work community or study group. Thank you for sharing your tips!
Further information: tasa-arvovastava@helsinki.fi