Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Every year, at the College of Europe in Natolin, we aim to bring together university graduates from different countries who jointly study the European integration process and, by working and living together, come to better understand their respective cultures and countries and contribute to the European peace project.

To illustrate the diversity and gender balance in our community, in the academic year 2022/2023, we have 130 students from 33 nationalities (51% female, 49% male), the faculty members represent 29 nationalities (29% female, 71 % male), and the campus staff 20 nationalities (49% female, 51 % male).

We have adopted the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Charter, and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan, which stress the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion (including gender equality issues) for the European project and our mission, which can develop its potential on the grounds of these values. Thus, as the community of the College of Europe in Natolin:

  1. We commit to creating an atmosphere of respect for equality and diversity of students, staff, and faculty.
  2. We commit to strengthening an empathetic approach as well as mutual respect and courtesy in all interactions between the students, faculty, and staff of the College of Europe in Natolin.
  3. We commit to raising awareness and supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion among students, staff, and faculty.
  4. We commit to acting against any form of discrimination or mobbing as set out in our Policy of Countermeasures against Discrimination and Mobbing.

To uphold and strengthen the importance of such values as Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion based on "sex, age, disability, race, religion, nationality, political belief, ethnicity, religious denomination, language and culture, sexual orientation, parental status" a formal role of an Advocate for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion was introduced.

The Advocate for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion is responsible for counteracting discrimination and exclusion and promoting diversity through: 

  1. conducting an assessment of needs and supporting initiatives on equality, diversity, and inclusion;
  2. offering consultation in the field of care for equality, diversity, and inclusion;
  3. counteracting all forms of discrimination and exclusion;
  4. listening, helping to diagnose the problem, choosing the method of its solution inter alia, recommending and carrying out mediation in the event of anyone reporting an alleged violation in the field of equality or exclusion.

This role is currently held by Mr Łukasz DOBROMIRSKI, who, over the years, has proven to be a person who students trust and reach out for support in various circumstances. With a strong background in psychology, he is professionally prepared to address various issues and challenges regarding equality, diversity, and inclusion.

In case a situation occurs when these values are not upheld and a student or staff member feels discriminated against, they can start a procedure outlined in the Policy of Countermeasures against Discrimination and MobbingThe Policy was first adopted in June 2017. Since then, the Policy has been regularly reviewed and updated. During the last five years, there were only a few cases that needed resolving through mediation and boundary setting.

The Policy complements the Student Code of Conduct and Staff Code of Conduct by clearly stating the expected values and boundaries in mutual interactions within the community, at the same time, offering a clear procedure to report, address and proceed in case discrimination or mobbing occurs.

The Policy and the role of the Advocate for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are introduced at the beginning of the academic year so that our students know who to reach out to. Furthermore, the College of Europe in Natolin is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for students and staff, especially those with physical disabilities. Numerous adjustments have been made on campus to allow wheelchair access to its buildings. Students can also benefit from the support of our Academic Administration Office and ICT Office, which have in the past successfully provided solutions for students with speech or hearing impairments.

Concluding, the services of our onsite and external counsellors allow students experiencing various short or long-term conditions to manage them effectively to be able to fully benefit from the College's campus life and experience.

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