4 minute read
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at UCC
by UCCEquality
NOVEMBER 2021
Deaf awareness training for UCC staff launched
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November saw the first in a series of monthly Deaf Awareness Training sessions, facilitated by Cork Deaf Association. The sessions have been well attended and have received positive responses, with staff indicating a desire to learn ISL on foot of the training sessions.
Deaf awareness training for UCC staff launched
New Athena SWAN Charter
In 2020-21, the Athena SWAN Charter underwent a re-development in line with the findings of a national consultation and now offers a framework that is specific and unique to Ireland. The new Charter was published in late November. To assist units in understanding the requirements for making an application under the new Charter, briefing sessions were arranged by the EDI Unit for those involved in making institutional application and those in schools, departments and professional units.
UCC celebrates International Men’s Day
UCC celebrates International Men’s Day
For the first time, the Quad was illuminated in blue, for International Men’s Day 2021. On 19 November, we were delighted to host the first UCC International Men’s Day panel discussion where we celebrated the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. Covering topics like parenthood & caring, the impact of Covid, mental health, gendered roles and interpersonal relationships, we highlighted positive role models and raised awareness of men’s wellbeing, as well as exploring the relations between the genders. Professor John F Cryan, Dr Michael Byrne, Dr Mohamad Saab, Dr Welsey O’Brien and Kieran Hurley were warmly welcomed to the discussion.
The Quad lit blue for International Men’s Day 2021
Sanctuary Undergraduate Degree Graduations
Diekolola Amujo (pictured) and another student (who wishes to remain anonymous) were among the first group of students to be awarded a scholarship in 2018 and were the first to graduate from UCC three years later. The scholarship scheme is a large part of why UCC was accredited as a University of Sanctuary status in 2018 and is run jointly by the University of Sanctuary Working Group and the EDI Unit, with assistance from Access.
Diekolola Amujo, BA Applied Psychology, one of the first two Sanctuary Scholars to graduate with an undergraduate degree
Minister Harris visits UCC
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD visited University College Cork (UCC). The Minister viewed the much-cherished Old College Bar which has been transformed into a dedicated space of respite and calm for students, and in particular students on the autism spectrum. The Minister also saw how UCC has transformed its campus to meet the diverse needs of its students, with recently developed calm outdoor spaces including the Boole Courtyard and the Hawthorn Garden. The Minister also met UCC staff on the #ProgressWithPride Rainbow Walkway. UCC was the first LGBT+ Staff Network & Student Society in an Irish university.
Minister Simon Harris visits UCC and walks the Rainbow Walkway
DECEMBER 2021
A series of events and programmes to promote menstrual health and the environment called “An Inclusive and Sustainable UCC Period.” was a collaboration between UCC Green Campus, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Unit, Students Union and Staff Wellbeing and Development, and chaired by Dr Avril Hutch, Director of EDI in UCC. As part of this campaign, two “Plastic Free Periods for All” workshops with VOICE Ireland were run with Abigail O’Callaghan-Platt from charity VOICE delivering a workshop looking at disposable and reusable menstrual items while Dr Brenda Moran delivered a talk on the menopause on 9 December.
An inclusive and sustainable UCC. Period. - Period Health Project
On 10 December, we were delighted to welcome Drs Marta Kempny and Lucy Michael to present on their report on Race Equality in the Higher Education Sector, commissioned by the HEA in 2021. Drs Kempny and Michael spoke on the main findings and recommendations and then took questions with Dr Amanullah De Sondy, Chair of the UCC Race Equality Forum.
At this event also the new online training commissioned by the IUA Equality Network Let’s Talk about Race in the Higher Education Sector was launched. This training is available to all UCC staff and covers racism in Ireland, stereotype, white privilege, prejudice and how to effectively counter racism.
Race Equality in HE Sector Report Briefing & launch of IUA Race Equality Training Live presentation with (t-b) Drs Lucy Michael, Amanullah De Sondy & Marta Kempny
Lights of Remembrance
On 20 December, to honour the staff and students who passed away during the year or who suffered bereavement or illness, a series of Remembrance events were held, organised by Wellbeing & Development and Buildings and Estates in conjunction with the EDI Unit and others. They included a Lights of Remembrance Ceremony, a reflection book available for signature, and a video recording of a remembrance ceremony in the Honan Chapel.
Susan O’Mahony, UCC HR Wellbeing
“I value the inclusiveness and collegial support for staff wellbeing initiatives.
One example was the Ceremony of Lights event where the entire UCC community took a moment to reflect and remember those who were bereaved, those who were ill and those who supported us throughout the Pandemic.”
Lights of Remembrance at UCC
President John O’Halloran speaking at the Remembrance Ceremony in the Honan Chapel
