Building a unique university community
Deakin University works hard to ensure higher education, employment and research are accessible to all. We strive to increase opportunities for our staff and students from traditionally under-represented backgrounds through our continued efforts to shape a diverse, equitable and inclusive university culture. We want everyone within our community to feel a sense of belonging at Deakin.
Inclusion in practice
We’re creating opportunities to expand access to higher education, employment and research while celebrating our diverse community.
Respectful and inclusive communities
Deakin aims to create an inclusive and respectful community with a strong culture of safety, mutual respect and inclusion.
Access programs
University should be an opportunity available to everyone. That's why we're committed to providing access for more students, across more courses.
Activities and events
Activities and events are just some of the ways we bring together our Deakin staff, students and the local community.
Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program
Funded by the Australian Government's Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP), Deakin offers a mix of established evidence-based programs and innovative new projects to promote greater access to higher education. This includes pathways into undergraduate courses, highlighted through school-based activities, for students who have a low socio-economic status, or are from a regional, remote or Indigenous background.
Many of our initiatives:
- Promote our extensive range of entry schemes to students from under-represented backgrounds who want to pursue higher education.
- Raise awareness and participation in academic, personal and financial support opportunities for students that assist in retention through their degree.
- Highlight our employability programs that prepare students for success in their chosen career through workshops, mentoring, cadetships and internships.
Deakin Engagement and Access Program (DEAP)
Thanks to HEPPP funding, our DEAP programs are offered in 40 schools and community organisations across Melbourne's western suburbs, Geelong and Barwon regions, and Warrnambool and Western Victoria to improve access to university for students who may be underrepresented in higher education.
Respect. Belong. Thrive
Through our initiative ‘Respect. Belong. Thrive’, we want everyone – our students, staff and local community partners – to feel part of our ambitious agenda.
Respect
We want an environment where students and staff feel included and respected for their unique perspectives and talents. As a university community, we set strong standards of behaviour and have a responsibility to address unacceptable attitudes and behaviours. We work to uphold inclusion and respect by challenging attitudes that condone violence, gender stereotypes, power imbalance, gender inequality and inequity. We take a proactive approach to preventing sexual harm in our community and improving how we respond to, and support, those who have been affected.
Belong
Our focus is on creating places – whether on campus or in our virtual spaces – where everyone feels safe to bring their whole selves to all they do. We have committed to building the inclusive leadership capability of all Deakin leaders so that students and staff feel a strong sense of belonging in our community and are empowered to achieve success.
Thrive
We want everyone to feel encouraged to speak up and share their diverse experiences, ideas and perspectives in a place where they feel empowered to challenge ideas and contribute to new processes, flexible ways of studying and working, and make a positive impact for the whole community.
Accreditations and memberships
Employer of Choice
Deakin’s received the Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation 15 years in a row, awarded by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA). We’re also accredited as an Employer of Choice for Women by the Australian Government's Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency.
SAGE Athena Swan Bronze Award
Deakin has received a prestigious Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award for its programs that encourage more women to study, research and work in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM).
Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace
Deakin supports working parents with established breastfeeding facilities available on all campuses, and has received accreditation from the Australian Breastfeeding Association as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace.
Australian Network on Disability
Deakin is a bronze member of the Australian Network on Disability. The network and its members understand the importance of creating an environment that is accessible and inclusive of people with a disability across all areas of the University community.
Contact us
Got a question or need more information? Our team are here to help.