Equal Opportunities, Diversity Management & Inclusion

Reutlingen University recognises the importance of gender equality, diversity and inclusion as core tasks of university development. We actively promote equal opportunities, appreciation and participation by offering a wide range of advice and services as well as a variety of support options. A reliable cooperation between all institutions, schools and organisational units is the basis for recognising discrimination, breaking down barriers, promoting educational equality and providing access.

Equal Opportunities
Funding & promotion
Diversity
Services

Equal Opportunities at Reutlingen University

The equality goals of Reutlingen University are defined in the equality plan (PDF). This describes the university's development goals in science, administration and among students. In addition to reporting on implemented measures and key figures, the Equality Plan contains specific objectives. A synthesis of the goals can also be found in the Gender Equality Plan.

Professors wanted

The proportion of women in professorships in Baden-Württemberg is only 17 percent. Reutlingen University therefore works closely with the State Conference of Equal Opportunities Officers at Universities of Applied Sciences in Baden-Württemberg (LaKof BW) to recruit more women for responsible and self-determined teaching positions. Among other things, LaKof offers comprehensive qualification programmes, workshops and seminars.

Promoting equality & diversity

Reutlingen University has excellent connections with numerous foundations, initiatives and companies that promote female students in MINT subjects, the qualification of female management personnel and a better work-life balance in academia. Below you will find a selection of available funding opportunities for students and young academics.

Diversity

Diversity means the visibility and appreciation of all people, regardless of their origin, identity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation and age. At Reutlingen University, we have developed various concepts to ensure and express this very diversity. Please feel free to click through the offers, cooperations and programmes for more information.

Diversity wheel

We use the "diversity wheel" to represent diversity in the university context. With the help of this guideline, we succeed in representing the greatest possible diversity.

Gender-sensitive language

Gender-sensitive language helps to reduce discrimination, increase the visibility of all genders and enable encounters at eye level.

see the recommendationS (PDF)

Inclusive teaching

We consider diversity in teaching to be essential. In order to make our courses as inclusive as possible, we regularly participate in the Diversity Audit of the Stifterverband.

Diversity Rad

Download Diversity wheel

We encounter diversity in different areas of life. At the university, lecturers, staff and students who differ, for example, in their cultural identity, age or educational background meet. Reutlingen University sees diversity as a valuable resource for all those involved. Fundamental to this are exchange, mutual respect and open-mindedness.

In order to make diversity visible at the university, we have developed a diversity wheel based on a model by Gardenwartz & Rowe. This sees teachers, staff and students as individuals (yellow circle) who meet in the context of the university (grey and white circle). These differ in various dimensions. These include gender diversity and equality, ethnic background and cultural identity, family responsibilities, physical and intellectual abilities, different pathways to higher education, sexual orientation and identity, religion and age (dark blue circle). According to the concept of intersectionality, people can identify with different dimensions, which in turn shape them in their personality.

The dimensions are meant to stimulate an exchange about diversity and a reflection on one's own imprints, thought structures and experiences. They do not claim to be objectively valid.

Diversity-sensitive teaching

Reutlingen University aims to strengthen diversity-sensitive teaching. For this reason, it regularly participates in the "Shaping Diversity" audit of the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft (Donors' Association for the Promotion of Sciences and Humanities in Germany). We are convinced that teaching is only effective if it reflects the students' diversity and supports them in developing their full potential.

Training and information offers of the international DAAD Academy (e.g. intercultural competence, diversity, internationalisation)
Toolbox Gender and Diversity in Teaching at the FU Berlin
Practical suggestions for integrating gender aspects into curricula (Netzwerk Frauen- und Geschlechterforschung NRW)
Ingenieruwissenschaftliche Studiengänge attraktiver gestalten. Vorschläge für Hochschule. Heidelberg / Dordrecht / London / New York: Springer (Derboven, Wibke & Winker, Gabriele; 2010)
Brochure trans.inter*.non-binary. Designing teaching and learning spaces at universities in a gender-reflective way (PDF) (2019) of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.

Diversity Month

Diversity is a key concern at Reutlingen University. In 2025, we are dedicating an entire month to the topic of diversity for the second time. In numerous lectures and activities, we will shed light on different facets of diversity and invite people to exchange ideas and reflect. The program is aimed at all interested parties inside and outside the university.

Diversity Month at Reutlingen University

May is European Diversity Month, and this year we are also celebrating Diversity Month at our university.

Programme overview:

06 May: Short input by Josephine Jackson (adis e.V.) followed by an exchange on the topic of "Anti-Black Racism".
12 May: Joint cricket match at the university.
21 May: Workshop by Prof. Dr Elizabeth Hofvenschiöld on the topic "The good, the bad, and the biased: Insights into AI development".
22 May: Two students from Reutlingen University present via Zoom on: "Game changers and code-breakers: Can diversity unlock the next level of innovation and performance?".
27 May: Closing of Diversity Month with the German Diversity Day and the Diversity Café organised jointly with the ekhg.

Programm Diversity Month 2025

The month offers a varied program for all students and university members with the opportunity to come together, exchange ideas and perhaps get to know a different perspective.

We also open the lectures beyond the university, so please support us by applying for the program.

We look forward to a large number of participants!

Advisory services for students & employees

Extensive (advisory) services supports students in managing their daily study routine in various life situations. The services support students at the beginning and during their studies.