Our approach to cultural diversity

At Swinburne, we strive to be a leader in cross-cultural understanding and engagement.

We were the first university in Australia to launch a Charter of Cultural Diversity and Cultural Diversity Objectives on 17 March 2017. This is a significant milestone for the university and the higher education sector. It represents our commitment to cultural diversity within our community and broader society.

The Charter reaffirms and extends acknowledgement and respect for the many cultures that make up the Swinburne community. Underpinning it is a set of objectives with initiatives in the areas of:

• culture and capability
• teaching and learning
• research and development
• engagement
• international collaboration.
   

Cultural Diversity Strategic Framework

The Cultural Diversity Strategic Framework (CDSF) aims to introduce a far-reaching, sustainable approach for integrating cultural diversity values into all aspects of university life. The initiative helps create an enriching and fulfilling community and campus experience to our students and staff.

Embedded in Swinburne’s values, traditions and heritage and Victoria’s status as an international culturally diverse society, the framework has a set of principles and objectives. They provide the focus and impetus for developing and implementing policies, programs and initiatives.

Charter of Cultural Diversity 

Located on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations, Swinburne acknowledges the rich cultural heritage of the First Nations People. Our Charter of Cultural Diversity reaffirms and extends this acknowledgement and respect to the many cultures that make up our diverse community. We believe educational excellence is achieved by valuing and nurturing each individual within its community.

Within this charter, Swinburne aims to: 

• recognise the importance of cultural diversity and affirm our commitment to the principles of inclusiveness, mutual respect, equality and social cohesion

• express our underlying and abiding appreciation of Australia’s open, progressive, democratic and multicultural values and traditions

• create a vibrant intellectual and innovative community and workplace that enjoys the full advantage of the wide ranging economic, educational and social benefits of cultural diversity

• express our belief that cultural diversity is one of the priceless assets of humanity, which we wish to embrace and to nurture.

In the context of the charter, we intend for ‘cultural diversity’ to mean cultural, religious, racial and linguistic diversity.

This charter does not create in any person any legal right or give rise to any civil cause of action.