YUFE's work showcased at international conference

The great work being carried out around equality, diversity and inclusivity (ED&I) as part of our European university alliance YUFE was showcased recently at an international education event.

Karen Bush, YUFE’s Strategic Lead for Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity based at the University of Essex, was asked to give a talk at the annual NAFSA: Association of International Educators conference in Washington DC.

The conference theme was ‘Inspiring an Inclusive Future’ and Karen was joined by Dr Mandy Boehnke, from the University of Bremen, to give a talk showcasing YUFE’s approach to creating an inclusive academic environment and highlighted some of the resources YUFE developed during its pilot phase including the YUFE D&I Strategy, the YUFE Community Code of Conduct and the YUFE D&I Checklist.

“Everyone seemed very engaged and interested in what we are doing at YUFE, particularly those from universities located in US states where there is push-back against ED&I work,” explained Karen. “I was delighted to share YUFE’s approach to achieving our mission and of being the leading example of an open and inclusive European university with a global audience.

“Their interest and enthusiasm for what we are doing makes me very proud to be leading YUFE’s work in this area.”

Current YUFE ED&I projects being developed include a ‘kind, compassionate and inclusive leadership’ programme for YUFE Strategic Council members and the development of an online ED&I course for YUFE students.

NAFSA is the world's largest non-profit association dedicated to international education and exchange and this year’s conference coincided with NAFSA’s 75th anniversary which was attended by over 8,000 professionals from more than 100 nations across the field of international education.

The session was chaired by Birgit Siebe-Herbig, from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), who is pictured with Dr Mandy Boehnke and Karen Bush.