Diversity & inclusivity - Group discussing around a table

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion+

Maastricht University, the European university in The Netherlands, is committed to nurturing an inclusive culture. As a European university with a global outlook, we are aware and proud that our strength lies in diversity. We strive to go well beyond quotas and compliance: we are determined to foster an environment in which everyone feels welcome and valued.

Being a sustainable and caring university is therefore also the foundation of UM's Strategic Programme 2022-2026.

We strive to include staff and students from all walks of life to participate in the wonderful community at UM. From guest speaker events to long-term projects funded by the DEI Grants, there is always something you can get involved with and join in. As a family-friendly university, we aim to facilitate study and career for students and staff with caring responsibilities.

Check out our website and get in touch if you want to be involved or have questions or suggestions: diversity@maastrichtuniversity.nl 
 

Watch our video

The video below gives insights into what Diversity, Equity and Inclusion stands for at Maastricht University and how you can get involved to support, listen and make a difference.

Diversity colour hands

DEI-related organisations

Check out who's involved in our DEI community!

In the spotlight: UM Pride's Sex and Gender Video explains sex and gender under the following what, why and how questions.

Cover for D&I Education and Social Safety Webpage_1 - colorful illustration

DEI Education

Want to learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion?

Visit our DEI Education webpages for:

  • Resources & inspiration
  • Tools & workshops
  • Tips on inclusive language
Social Safety Programme header image

Sexual & social safety

Visit Sexual safety at UM to explore available support options and to learn about Green Dot, our bystander intervention training that helps prevent sexual violence. 

For other types of undesirable behaviour, you can find support on the Social Safety for students webpage. 

D&I Team Picture Outside Sept 22

About us

Find out who in our office works on each topic and how you can get in touch.

Individual speaking and others listening

What we do

We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. Learn more about what we do to make this happen. 

Events

Living Library. Conversations that connect.

Living Library UM50: 1 and 10 October

As part of UM’s 50th anniversary, the Living Library UM50 is bringing together members of the university and local community for open, personal conversations that challenge stereotypes and encourage new perspectives. Instead of borrowing a book, you meet a person, a 'living book', and have a 20-minute conversation about their personal experiences and identity.

More about the Living Library UM50

The raised flag at Pride month flag raising event

Beyond the symbolism: 8 October

UM is working to create a new Pride Staff community by and for LGBTQIA+ colleagues, where staff can connect, share experiences and support one another. Join us at the Beyond the Symbolism event on 8 October for an informal gathering to share your ideas, needs and expectations. Help shape what the future community could look like and how it can best support LGBTQIA+ staff across UM.

More about Beyond the Symbolism

Map of inclusive facilities at UM locations

Click on the green button to open the map to see at which UM location you will find the following facilities:

  • all-gender toilets
  • accessible toilets
  • lactation- and resting rooms
  • free menstrual products
  • baby-changing facilities

All-inclusive

amnesty international itseverywhere - black and white group foto with a yellow chair in the middle

#itseverywhere – students against discrimination

Amnesty International Maastricht Students organise an online campaign and a pop-up living room to discuss discrimination

Mathijs Van Peteghem portrait

Diverse or divided: student inclusivity in tutorial groups

Mathijs Van Peteghem, assistant professor at the School of Business and Economics, looks student inclusivity in tutorial groups - how can we navigate the potential pitfalls of the diversity in the International Classroom?

Portrait diversity officer Maastricht University UM

What is a diversity officer - and why?

UM's first ever Diversity Officer, Constance Sommerey, explains (and defends) her position...

The back of a person with the T-shirt stating 'Diversity matters'

Diversity Day 8 March: age and consent

A look back on UM's first Diversity Day: lively discussions and thought-provoking presentations on the topics of sexual harassment and the meaning of consent and how UM can become an Age-Friendly University

Isabella Grabner1 - Womand in red dress throwing papers next to the printer

May the best (wo)man win

Isabella Grabner, a member of the newly established UM Advisory Council on Diversity, talks about her research on performance measurement and implicit bias in academia.