Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

Contact Details: Assoc Prof Catherine Mooney is the Vice Principal for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. You can contact Catherine at catherine.mooney@ucd.ie.

The UCD Dignity & Respect Support Service supports and provides information and guidance to any student and/or staff who is impacted by bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct.

The service can be contacted via 01 716 7716 or email at respect@ucd.ie.

The UCD Dignity & Respect Support Advisers work proactively with employees and students who disclose issues of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, and those who are reported for such issues. The Advisers, who are experienced and trained to support, respond and advise on all reports of a dignity and respect nature, will provide you with a supportive, confidential environment in which to discuss the issues and will support you to make a decision that is right for you and your situation. Visit UCD Dignity & Respect Support Service for more information and drop-in times.

Report and Support Tool

All members of the University Community have the right to study or work in an environment free from bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct.  Students, employees and visitors can report anonymously through the UCD Report and Support tool and access information about the supports that are available, and learn about the formal and informal options for resolution, including making a formal complaint.

Accessible and Gender Neutral Toilets

• There are gender-neutral toilets in the O’Brien Centre for Science on the second floor (H2.28 and H2.29), as well as accessible toilets on each floor.
• If you enter the Hub via the bridge from Science East, you can find the gender-neutral toilets by turning right and then at the end of the lobby taking another right at the door beside Theatre C. Accessible toilets are found on each floor.
• Science South has multiple gender-neutral and accessible toilets.
• Science East has a gender-neutral toilet on the first floor.
• All other College of Science buildings have an accessible toilet on the ground floor.
• Accessible and gender-neutral toilets are located on the ground floor of the Computer Science building.

Breastfeeding Facilities

• UCD is committed to providing a supportive, family friendly environment for all our employees and has a range of family friendly policies in place. A family friendly environment includes a culture that supports and raises awareness of breastfeeding and the provision of breastfeeding/lactation facilities aligned to good practice for our employees who are currently breastfeeding.
• There is a breastfeeding room in the O'Brien Centre for Science beside the George Moore Auditorium. Access to the room is available on request and is granted by the Science Welcome Centre, contact details: 01 716 2845.

Contemplation Room and Chaplaincy

• There is a Contemplation Room in St. Stephen’s Chaplaincy, open all day during term time to all who would like a quiet place to reflect, pray or meditate, and there is also a church on campus (Our Lady’s Seat of Wisdom Church).

UCD Woodland Walks 

• UCD is known for its parkland setting and mature landscaping, with over 8km of woodland paths.

UCD Estate Services

• Contact Details: 

  For any emergency on campus, contact 01 716 7999. Estate Services have qualified first responders who will attend the scene and coordinate the arrival of emergency services on campus.

  • Unicare - UCD Estate Services https://ucdestates.ie/unicare/
  • The emergency line, 01 716 7999, which is operated 24 hours a day can be used to request assistance, the Walk Safe Service or to report any issues regarding personal safety and security of property on campus. Assistance will be immediately provided in response to your call.

   UCD Estate Campus map for on-campus facilities

UCD Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy 

Our University community is made up of a wide range of people with diverse backgrounds and circumstances, which we value and regard as a great asset. As part of our continued commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, we strive to create an environment in which all members of our community should expect to be able to thrive, be respected and have a real opportunity to participate in and contribute to University activities so that they can achieve their fullest potential.

Sexual Misconduct Policy 

The purpose of the policy is to support the development of a working and learning environment in which sexual misconduct is unacceptable and where individuals have the confidence and trust in the process to disclose, in the knowledge that their concerns will be dealt with appropriately and fairly. We encourage you to come forward to seek support and assistance in relation to issues of sexual misconduct so that we can work with you to resolve these issues. You can be assured that we will act sensitively and disclosures will be carefully and thoughtfully addressed through a process that is transparent and clearly communicated to all individuals involved.

Bullying and Harassment Policy 

The purpose of this policy is to support the development of a working and learning environment in which bullying and harassment are unacceptable and where individuals have the confidence and trust in the process to come forward, in the knowledge that their concerns will be dealt with appropriately and fairly. We encourage you to come forward to seek support and assistance in resolving any issues of bullying or harassment, and to explore informal and formal options available for resolution. You can be assured that we will act sensitively to all cases of bullying and harassment.

Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy 

This policy sets out the University’s commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of employees in UCD as part of an overall responsibility to promote a healthy work environment where all aspects of health are championed. It is recognised that many of us will experience challenges to our mental health and well-being in our personal and work lives. It is the aim of the University to create a supportive, empathetic and positive environment that contributes to and fosters good mental health and well-being for all our colleagues. 

Gender Identity and Expression Policy 

Our University community strives to value and encourage all members irrespective of gender identity and to respect and recognise diverse gender identities and gender expressions. Gender identity and expression are a positive, core part, of being human and experiencing well-being and fulfillment.

Policy for Supporting the Employment of Persons with Disabilities 

UCD has developed this policy to ensure it provides equality of opportunity in the attraction, employment, retention, and development of persons with disabilities. It is committed to taking proactive steps to ensure its workplace culture supports employees with disabilities to feel confident and comfortable to disclose disabilities so that support can be provided to enable employees to thrive at work. The University seeks to create an affirmative and inclusive culture for employees who have or acquire disabilities during their working life.

Policy for Supporting Employees who are breastfeeding

UCD is committed to providing a supportive, family friendly environment for all our employees and has a range of family friendly policies in place. A family friendly environment includes a culture that supports and raises awareness of breastfeeding and the provision of breastfeeding/lactation facilities aligned with good practices for our employees who are currently breastfeeding. It is important to UCD that employees who are breastfeeding can return to work and are supported during this period. Enabling employees to balance their work and family commitments supports the University Rising to the Future Strategy, specifically to attract, retain and develop an excellent and diverse cohort of students, faculty, and staff.

Neurodiversity describes variation in human brain functions relating to sociability, learning, attention and mood, and encompasses characteristics traditionally labelled with terms such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The term ‘Neurodiversity’ is designed to positively reflect the ‘neurological diversity’ of the human brain rather than pathologise difference. UCD is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning space for all neurodiverse students and staff. This page provides information on relevant supports and projects to support students with neurodiversity.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT

A number of support tools and aids are available for all students. Neurodiverse students at UCD are encouraged to contact UCD Access & Lifelong Learning in order to arrange for a 1:1 Needs Assessment with a member of the disability support staff. More information on the needs assessment can be found by visiting the Disability Support Webpage. 

If you feel you are experiencing significant difficulties with reading, writing or spelling it may be a good idea for you to attend UCD’s free Dyslexia Screening Service. More information is available on the UCD Dyslexia Screening Webpage.

GROUPS AND NETWORKS

UCD’s Neurodiversity sub-group has been established since 2011 to better understand the climate within UCD in relation to neurodiversity and to make recommendations and progress actions that aim to make UCD an equitable, supportive and neurodiversity friendly environment for all in which to study and work. More information is available on the Neurodiversity sub-group webpage.

For more information relative to disability-specific network, see the Disability section of this page.

UCD NEURODIVERSITY WEEK

When it comes to inclusion and neurodiversity, it is important to harness the strengths and talents of neurodivergent students and staff members at UCD. Every year UCD joins an international group of universities, schools, and businesses to host a series of events for Neurodiversity Celebration Week, aiming to build confidence and self-esteem, and to ensure that all individuals are given the opportunity to flourish at UCD. Find out more about UCD's involvement on the Neurodiversity Celebration Week webpage.

To find out more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week you can check out the official website for the initiative.   

COURSES AND LEARNING

UCD Neurodiversity project
Based on the Stanford Neurodiversity Project, this project is aimed at increasing awareness of neurodiversity across the campus, developing a mentoring programme and resources for educators and employers, and providing public education and community engagement on neurodiversity

Professional Diploma in Neurodiversity

Professional Certificate in Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity Masterclass Series

PROJECTS AND SURVEYS

UCD is committed to learning about the experiences of neurodivergent students, staff members and others in UCD who study or work with neurodivergent people. To achieve this, UCD recently collected data on UCD community member’s ideas about how UCD can become a truly neurodiversity friendly and inclusive campus for all who study and work at the University. The survey is now closed for submissions. You can find out more about the survey and keep up to date on how the survey data will be used to help UCD become a neurodiversity-friendly and inclusive campus for all who study and work at the university.

AdHd Augmented  (AHA) – is a pilot project in UCD that focuses on the implementation and integration of existing technologies to enhance learning for students with ADHD, assist their parents and educators during the teaching and assessment process, and investigate whether the combination of such technologies can assist students with ADHD to stay focused, make fewer mistakes, and finish assignments at school as well as homework.

TIPS AND TOOLS FOR STUDENTS

In collaboration with Julie Tong, we have written a post with comprehensive tips for students with neurodiversity that you can find on this page. Additionally, on this page you can find numerous tools to help you with academic tasks at UCD, including tips about time management, using digital mind maps, and on how to use specific apps.

Other useful tips and tools available via UCD are the following:

• Tips for UCD Students- ADD/ADHD document (New Window)
• Tips for UCD Students - Dyslexia (New Window)
• Tips for UCD Students - Autism / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (New Window)
• ADHD Fact Sheet (New Window)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Fact Sheet (New Window)
• Dyslexia Fact Sheet (New Window)
• Discalculia Fact Sheet (New Window)
• Neurodiversity Hub (New Window) – an initiative that aims to create environments that will maximally facilitate these individuals to grow and achieve their full potential.

Tips for Neurodiverse Students

The term neurodiversity is used to refer to the range of differences in the way some people think and process information. It is more common than is usually perceived, and it includes conditions such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. Neurodiverse students often face challenges greater than their peers, because the school system and module curriculums are designed around neurotypical thinking.

Here are some tips that could help you achieve a better academic performance:

Tips for Focusing during Lectures

• Attend in person if possible and sit near the front, near the back, or near the edges.
• Move – get up and move around if possible, particularly for a double class.
• Chew gum, play with blue tack and drink water.
• Bring the lecture slides, hopefully they will be available on Brightspace before the lecture; it can also help to read through them beforehand.
  
  

Tips for Study

• Make a to do list – make sure you tick things off as you complete them.
• Add to the list as things come to mind – keep it on hand!
• Don’t wait for motivation: just start and the motivation will follow.
• Break down tasks into small chunks.
• Remove distractions – working on an empty table or in a room free of distractions can help.
• Use a planner (weekly & long-term) – include all your deadlines – check the tests and assignments for every module!
• Set your own deadlines!
• Reward yourself for your achievements, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get through the list – tomorrow is a new day.

Tips for Study - The Pomodor Technique

• Set a task.
• Set a timer for 25 minutes.
• Work on the task until the timer rings – no checking emails or phones!
• Take a short 5 minute break – non-negotiable!
• Repeat 4 times, then take a longer break – 15-30 minutes.

Tips for Organised Learning

• For each module, make a folder or a section within a folder and divide it into workshops; this will allow you to find subjects more easily.
• Highlight important concepts, and use different colours if there is a lot to highlight. This might help stabilise the words on the page if that is something you struggle with, and it will help you concentrate better.
• Colour-code different types of information (e.g. dates, names, notes, tables) – it will help you consolidate the information you learn.
• Use formatting such as bold text or thicker pens to make key information stand out.
• Memory games are a consolidated learning technique - for example write keywords or the name of a topic on a card and the explanation on the back of the card, and try to remember it without reading, just from the keyword.

Setting up a good Study Environment

• Is noise helpful for you or distracting?
• Do you need constant stimulation, and that stops you from getting started on boring tasks? Play a playlist of instrumental music in the background.
• Are you easily distracted by visuals?
• Do you need to move around while you learn?
• What tools do you need to study, e.g. laptop, notepads, earplugs, etc.
• Is everything on your desk essential?

Tips on Managing Stress

• Meet your friends.
• Get some exercise – go for a walk, try some beginners yoga, jump in the sea.
• Try to eat healthily and get plenty of sleep.
• Don’t neglect self-care.
• Try some proven techniques to help keep calm such as meditation/mindfulness or deep breathing (e.g. even breath - in for 4, and out for 4)
• Try this – focus on 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear and 3 things you can feel, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste

Apps for Distraction

• Marinara: Pomodoro Assistant
• Forest – stop using your phone so much and help grow trees.
• Mercury Reader Extension – declutters websites to help you focus on what you need to read.
• Cold Turkey – The Toughest Website Blocker on the Internet
• Immersive Reader – available on Office 365 – techniques to improve your reading.

UCD Tools and Resources

• Ally for Brightspace – download all your course material in a format that works best for you.
• SensusAccess – a simple file conversion tool to create files in whatever format suits you, e.g. you can create audio files to listen to when on the move.
• Google Calendar – use to follow your timetable and plan your study and free time.
• Google Keep – for making notes and sharing them if you need.

Help, Accommodation and Additional Resources

On the University resources page of the Neurodiversity Week website, you can find a number of documents with information about neurodiversity, co-occurring conditions, fact sheets and advice

https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/university-resources

Yu can find tips on the UCD website for students with specific disabilities, including ADD/ADHD, Autism/ASD, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia and Dysphraxia/DCD at https://www.ucd.ie/all/ucdstudents/support/disabilitysupport/

Irish Society for Autism

Autism advice and guidance and Aspire Ireland 

Dyslexia Association Ireland

ADHD Ireland: 

For teachers: A Blog on how to make your lectures neurodiversity-friendly

Credits and Sources

Julie Tonge and Fiona Quinn, UCD Access & Lifelong Learning

Study Tips for Neurodiverse students

5 study tips for neurodiverse college students

EDI and Staff Networks

Most of the networks are also open to students and anyone who is interested in the aims of the group.

• UCD LGBT Staff Network 

  The LGBT Staff Network is an informal grouping for both staff who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as any staff who is interested in LGBTQ+ issues. Its purpose is to allow staff to meet, network, exchange ideas, socialise and organise activities of interest to LGBTQ+ people. If you are interested in finding out more about the LGBT Staff Network or attending a meeting, you can contact lgbtnetwork@ucd.ie.

• UCD Staff Disability Network 

  The UCD Staff Disability Network is UCD’s network for staff with disabilities and those interested in the area of disability support, services and workplace inclusion. The network meets regularly with meetings generally on campus at lunchtime. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, in complete confidence, please contact Tina Lowe, Campus Accessibility Officer, at 01 716 7564 or attina.lowe@ucd.ie.

• Multicultural Employee Network of UCD (MENU) 

  The Multicultural Employee Network of UCD (MENU) is a network for multicultural employees and those interested in other cultures. Their goal is to provide a relaxed forum that brings together members of the UCD community to support each other, exchange experiences and ideas and promote multicultural awareness in UCD. The Committee meets quarterly with meetings generally held on campus at lunchtime. In addition to these meetings, MENU organise informal get-togethers to celebrate cultural events in UCD, as well as regular coffee mornings. If you would like to join the network or if you have any queries please email menu@ucd.ie. 

• Women@STEM 

  UCD’s Women@STEM is a network supporting UCD women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to reach their full potential at any stage of their careers. Membership is open to students, staff, faculty and anyone who has the desire to drive diversity in STEM. You can become a member or contact womenstem@ucd.ie.

• Women@CompSci 

  UCD’s Women@CompSci is a group of students and staff based in the School of Computer Science. It is open to all students and staff of all genders and identities who would like to promote equality, diversity and inclusion. You can become a member of Women@CompSci by completing the Women@CompSci Membership Form.

Student Societies

• Women+ in STEM

  Women+ in STEM is a society that was set up in 2019 with the goal to develop and promote gender diversity within STEM at UCD. Find them on Twitter at @WomenInSTEM_UCD and on Instagram at @womeninstem_ucd.

• LGBTQ+ Society 

  The UCD LGBTQ+ Society is a student society aimed at engaging the LGBTQ+ community on campus. Through a wide range of events, services, and campaigns they aim to offer every member of our society the opportunity to enjoy themselves, to learn and understand more about the LGBTQ+ community, and to be there to support anyone who may need it.

• Mature Students Society 

  The Mature Student Society provides a social outlet where Mature Students can come together and meet each other in a relaxed and informal environment. They organise many events including lunches, breakfasts, day trips away and talks about the support available to students. 

• Culture and religion-specific networks - UCD has the following student societies dedicated to people of specific cultures or religions and those interested in learning more about them:
  • Arab Society
  • An Cumann Gaelach or Irish Society
  • Chinese Society
  • French Society
  • German Society
  • Indian Society
  • Islamic Society
  • Japanese Society
  • Livingstones
  • UCD Malaysian Society
  • Newman Catholic Society
  • Spanish Society

• International Students Societies

  • Erasmus Student Network
  • International Students Society 
    
    
• Societies in the College of Science and across the University include:
  • Chemical Society
  • Chemical Engineering Society
  • Mathematical Society
  • One Health Society
  • Physics Society
  • Pharmtox Society
  • Planning & Environmental Policy Society
  • Science Society
  • The Biological Society
  • Women+ in STEM Society
    

Every year UCD welcomes thousands of international students and staff on campus, making it Ireland’s Global university. UCD Global is the university’s centre for supporting new international and exchange students and staff. The UCD Global website provides you with most of the important information that you will need as an International student or staff member coming to UCD.

HOUSING
You are advised to first check out UCD Global Accommodation Webpage for information and advice about accommodation on campus and in Dublin.

SOCIETIES
UCD has a dedicated society for international students, the International Students Society. There are also a number of culture-specific student societies which you can find listed in the Staff and Student Societies section of this page.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FUNDING

The Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility is a global scholarship and exchange programme funded by the European Union to support the mobility of students and staff between Programme Countries (Europe) and Partner Countries, either to study abroad from UCD or to come to UCD from abroad. Check out more information the UCD Global website. 

Information on scholarships and funding programmes available for international students is on the UCD Global Scholarships page. 

UCD Resources

• UCD Global
• Erasmus Student Network
• International Students Society

UCD College of Science seeks to create a supportive and inclusive environment of work and study by providing the necessary support to employees and students so that everyone of all abilities can reach their full potential. Disability is a broad term that includes many types of physical, intellectual, sensory, learning and cognitive emotional disabilities and medical conditions that impact people of all ages. Not all disabilities are visible, as many kinds of disability such as but not limited to chronic pain, chronic fatigue, autism, and ADHD, are ‘invisible’ in that they are not immediately obvious to others. UCD College of Science is committed to providing an accessible and welcoming working environment for our employees and students and this page gives an overview of some of the supports and resources available to those with disabilities and additional needs.

Disability Studies

The UCD Centre for Disability Studies is involved with exploring the nature of disability, its impact on people with disabilities, their families and the wider social context, and the role of services in meeting these needs through research, teaching and public engagement. Among other initiatives, the UCD Centre for Disability Studies offers a Master’s course in Disability Studies, developed for all who have an interest in disability. The UCD Centre for Disability Studies also offers numerous annual workshops, a graduate diploma in Disability and Professional Certificates in Person Centred Programme Development, Multielement Behaviour Support and in Identity, Sexuality and Mortality.

Learn more about the UCD Centre for Disability Studies.

UCD Disability Census

Under the Disability Act 2005, public sector bodies are obliged to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities and ensure, where practicable, that 3% of all staff employed are people with disabilities. Public sector bodies are also obligated to report each year on the number and percentage of staff with disabilities. To enable UCD to meet its requirement to report each year on the number and percentage of staff with a disability, and to ensure the returns are accurate and complete, every new staff member is asked to complete the disability census form.

Further information is available about UCD Disability Census, and how UCD meets its requirements under the Disability Act 2005.

Needs Assessment and Accommodations

UCD is committed to providing reasonable accommodation (RA) to students and staff with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation encompasses modifications to tasks or the structure of a job or the workplace at a nominal cost which allows a qualified employee or student with a disability to fully do their job and enjoy equal employment and study opportunities.  Reasonable Accommodation can vary from something as simple as rearranging office furniture to providing Assistive Technology or providing for changes to working hours.

Students who wish to request a Needs Assessment should email disability@ucd.ie.

Useful information on how to arrange disability support including how to complete the UCD Evidence of a Disability Form is available at UCD Access and Lifelong Learning.

Supports

If you are looking for support with your disability, drop-in appointments with the disability team in UCD Access and Lifelong Learning are available in person during the teaching trimester. Please come to UCD Access and Lifelong Learning in the James Joyce Library Building during drop-in hour if you wish to discuss a short query with a member of the disability team. Students will be seen on a first come first served basis. If the drop-in does not suit, you can alternatively contact the disability team directly via email at disability@ucd.ie to discuss your needs.

There is a wide range of disability supports available within UCD to students and staff, such as exam and classroom accommodations, assistive technology, dyslexia screening and others, and how to arrange them. UCD also provides support for staff members who want to support their students with disabilities. 

Enable Ireland offers a number of disability supports.

Financial Support for Persons with Disabilities

The Fund for Students with Disabilities allocates funding to further and higher education colleges for the provision of services and support to full-time and part-time students with disabilities. Eligible students can receive assistance from the Fund from PLC level right up to doctoral level. 

NUI also offers a Scholarship for Students with a Disability. This award scheme is offered annually and closes in November. 

Campus Accessibility

Campus Accessibility is about the creation of a campus that can be used by everybody, irrespective of ability or disability. The Campus Accessibility Officer oversees action plans to incorporate accessibility to buildings and services in line with best practices in universal access and design. 

Check out the College of Science and Other Facilities for information about Accessible Toilets and UCD Estate Services including their emergency line.

Information regarding on-campus accommodation for incoming HEAR students and students with physical or sensory disabilities is available on the UCD Access and Lifelong Learning website.

Groups and Networks

UCD Disability Staff Network is a network for staff with disabilities and those interested in the area of disability support, services and workplace inclusion.

If you would like to join the network mailing list, more information about the network or have any queries please call us at +353 716 7564 

For more information on groups and organisations outside of UCD visit Disability Organisations within Ireland.

Supports for Teachers and Colleagues

If you’re a member of staff and would like helpful information on how to best support your disabled students, including guidance on classroom and examination accommodations visit UCD Access and Lifelong Learning and the National Guidelines (PDF) for supporting students with a disability.

Additional Resources

Video: Changing the Way We Talk About Disability

Short film: Disability Awareness Film

Arts & Disability Connect is a funding scheme for artists with disabilities, offering training, mentoring, R&D and New Work awards

The Disability Federation of Ireland works to connect people with disabilities to take action on assistive technologies and by lobbying for change in policies, laws and practices.

UCD is committed to providing a supportive, family-friendly environment for all our employees and has a range of family-friendly policies in place.

Leave

UCD recognises that life can be demanding and we always strive to support employees who have family obligations or who may be preparing to become a parent and may be going on or returning from family-related leave. UCD has multiple policies in place covering a wide range of types of leave, to ensure that UCD employees are supported before, during and after their periods of leave. UCD’s HR website has all of the necessary information you need in regard to your family related leave. To learn more about your entitlements and how you can apply for a variety of leave types including maternity leave, paternity leave, study & exam leave, parental leave, carer's leave, adoptive leave, force majeure leave, career breaks, research sabbatical leave and leave of absence for research, visit UCD HR’s website.

For information on a particular kind of family related leave, you can find this at the following links:

• Adoptive and surrogacy leave
• Maternity leave
• Paternal leave
• Parents leave
• Parental leave

Pregnancy

In the interests of health and safety, all pregnant and breastfeeding employees and postgraduate students are strongly encouraged to report their pregnancy/breastfeeding to their Head of School/Unit Manager or to the University SIRC Office directly as early as possible. This is so that a Pregnant Employee Risk Assessment can be carried out to ensure that the working conditions of the employee, or postgraduate student, do not pose a risk to her or her unborn / nursing child’s health and safety.

You can find out more information on support for pregnant employees on the UCD SIRC website.

Students can visit the Student Union Help Center

Breastfeeding

It is important to UCD that employees who are breastfeeding can return to work and are supported during this period. UCD has a breastfeeding policy which is in place to support employees who are breastfeeding while returning to the workplace. The policy entitles employees to paid breastfeeding breaks. The normal practice for breastfeeding on the return to work is to use the break to express milk in one of the breastfeeding facilities in UCD. These facilities are currently being reviewed and additional rooms will be made available. Visit HealthyUCD for information on breastfeeding and support available on the UCD EDI website.

Caring

UCD always strives to support employees who have caring obligations, those who provide unpaid care and support. An increasing number of employees are informally caring for parents and family members. UCD recognises that the ability to support and retain informal carers is increasingly important. UCD has a range of family-friendly policies to support those with caring responsibilities. Employees should make themselves familiar with these policies so that they consider all of the options that may support them in their role as carers. You can find out more about UCD’s initiatives and support for carers on the UCD EDI website. 

Courses and Education

Professional Certificate in Breastfeeding & Lactation

Professional Certificate in Early Pregnancy Ultrasound

Course in Maternal Health

UCD College of Science is committed to creating supportive and inclusive academic cultures for people of all genders and tackling issues of gender inequality in higher education. In this section, you can find information about gender specific initiatives and supports within UCD, including current campaigns surrounding gender equality. More information relating to supports for transgender students and staff can also be found on the LGBTQ+ page.

Athena Swan Charter

UCD is part of a global community of higher education institutions that follow the Athena Swan framework to achieve the shared goals of addressing systemic gender inequality. The objective of the Athena Swan Ireland 2021 charter is to support higher education institutions, academic departments, and professional units in impactful and sustainable gender equality work and to build capacity for evidence-based equality work across the equality grounds enshrined in Irish legislation. UCD is committed to the principles of the Athena Swan Ireland charter and has developed a detailed University-wide action plan to address institutional gender equality challenges. The UCD Gender Equality Action Plan 2020-2024 includes actions relating to recruitment, promotions, leadership, work practices, organisation and culture. The University was awarded a second Athena SWAN Bronze institutional award in recognition of its thorough self-assessment of gender equality challenges and actions. All Schools in the College of Science have either received Athena Swan School accreditation or are in the process of applying by developing tailored plans to enhance inclusion. 

Gender Pay Gap Report

In 2022, UCD published for the first time its Gender Pay Gap (GPG) report, which contains UCD’s 2022 Gender Pay Gap data and identifies reasons for gaps and a range of actions to address them. UCD has made great progress in the past few years in reducing the gender pay gap within the university, and it’s committed to continuing to implement and monitor actions to reduce the gap between the pay of men and women. More information is available about the actions that UCD is taking to reduce and eliminate the gender pay gap in the UCD Gender Pay Gap Report 2022.

Inclusive Recruitment

UCD’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is echoed in the University’s Strategic Objective Number 5 to 'attract and retain an excellent and diverse cohort of students, faculty and staff.' To help achieve this UCD has produced various guides and resources for hiring managers to make sure to attract diverse talent and recruit with equality, diversity and inclusion in mind. This includes a gender decoder to help ensure job descriptions are more inclusive to help attract underrepresented groups. More information is available on the UCD Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

Aurora Leadership Programme

Aurora is an innovative leadership development training programme aimed at those who identify as women which was set up to address the under-representation of women in higher-education leadership roles. The programme is delivered by Advance HE and it provides, in a social learning environment, core and adaptive leadership skills and knowledge over five single non-residential days, delivered over a five-month period. If you are interested in taking part in Aurora, you can learn more about the programme, view participant and mentor lists and make an application on the People & Organisation Development.

Scholarships

The Think Again scholarship is available for all women on low income, aged 23+, who want to study part-time or full-time for a degree. The Think Again programme will provide funding for living costs, as well as a range of other vital supports, for five women starting university for the first time. Visit UCD Access and Lifelong Learning for more information and how to apply.

Ending Sexual Violence

UCD is actively promoting a culture of zero tolerance for sexual violence and sexual harassment for all members of our University community. UCD is one of the founding members of the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) National Advisory Committee (NAC) relating to ending sexual violence and harassment in third level education (ESHTE). This has led to a coordinated approach to the consideration of sexual assault and harassment on campus. More information is available on ending sexual violence.

UCD ESHTE group identified collectively a number of consent workshop initiatives. All undergraduate students of the University now engage with the ‘Cup of Tea’ consent training during their programme orientation in the week before the commencement of the academic year. Undergraduate students in the College of Science are being offered additional consent training through Active* Consent workshops. More details and resources can be found on the Active* Consent website.

UCD is also keenly aware that incidents of sexual violence and harassment are under-reported. An anonymous Report and Support tool was launched in February 2020 to allow students, employees and visitors to UCD to report incidents of sexual harassment and violence anonymously. 

Free Period Products

The right to manage menstruation without shame or stigma is essential for everyone who menstruates. Free pads and tampons are now available across campus for anyone who needs them. Through the provision of free pads and tampons UCD aims to alleviate the financial burden, stigma and other negative associations with periods. Currently, there are 8 machines on campus, six in the James Joyce Library and two at the Student Centre. You can find the ones nearest to you on the UCD Estate Services map. Additionally, some bathrooms in each building have vending machines for period products. Learn more about the End Period Poverty strategy.

Groups and Networks

The EDI Gender Equality Action Group is committed to addressing gender-related issues and promoting gender equality that may fall outside the scope of Athena SWAN. Any queries or comments in relation to gender equality can be sent to edi@ucd.ie.

Policies

• Gender Identity & Expression Policy
• Gender Balance On Committees Policy

Irish Travellers are an indigenous ethnic minority in Ireland with a long history of nomadism and unique cultural traditions. UCD is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for members of the Traveller community to study and work on campus. The University aims to increase the participation of members of the Traveller Community in its degree programmes and workforce, and to create a culture of respectful treatment of Travellers in our UCD community.

Scholarships

UCD will be offering a scholarship exclusive to members of the Irish Traveller community. The new Cothrom na Féinne Scholarship for Traveller, Roma, Asylum Seeker and Refugee groups is being provided through UCD Access and Lifelong Learning. The aim of the scholarship is to support students from Traveller, Roma, Asylum Seeker and Refugee groups to attend UCD. The scholarship will provide a stipend to cover living expenses and accommodation. 

External Organisations and Resources

Find information about Traveller and Roma policies in Ireland. 

The Irish Traveller Movement is a national membership organization representing Travellers and Traveller Organizations across Ireland, that works to represent the views of Travellers and to develop policies, actions and innovative programmes to bring about change for Travellers in Ireland.

A national Traveller mental health service is available on the HSE website, by phone 01 8721094 or by email at info@exchangehouse.ie

UCD College of Science takes a strong stance against any form of discrimination and advocates for the equality and inclusion of students who identify as LGBTQ+. In this section, you can find information about the LGBTQ+-specific groups within UCD, the available resources and how you can be a better ally to your LGBTQ+ colleagues and students.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Environments

LGBTQ+ students have much to offer to potential employers, as well as having unique factors to consider when career planning. These include identifying a career field, navigating the job search, and finding a fit in a positive environment. LGBTQ+guide students to help you get the most out of picking LGBTQ+ friendly courses and workplaces.

Coming Out

UCD recognises that coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community can be a difficult process for students and staff. While some people are comfortable to be ‘out’ – open about their gender identity or expression – others may not be ready, or may prefer not to disclose that information to others. It is important for people to explore and disclose their identity in their own time, and for others to always respect the person’s choice. There is no legal requirement for someone to reveal their gender identity at work or university. When referring to a person in their absence, you should use their designated pronouns to respect their identity and help prevent confusion and embarrassment for everyone. Do not disclose a person’s LGBTQ+ status to others without their consent. If you are looking for advice on coming out as LGBTQ+ you can check out these helpful guides produced by trusted LGBTQ+ organisations:

• Coming out 
• Coming out as LGBTQ+ 
• Coming out as trans 

Pronouns

Using the correct pronouns when addressing other students and colleagues is important for everyone to feel seen and valued on campus. Sharing your pronouns with others in class, in conversation, or online communicates how you would like to express your gender and how others can respectfully refer to one another. You can also get a UCD pronoun pin for free at the Student Union offices 

Adding your pronouns to your bio, email signature and Zoom account can make it easy to get each other’s pronouns correct and can help transgender and non-binary people feel included. It is a way of showing that you are respectful and supportive of their gender identity, and it lets them know that they can feel safe interacting with you, without having to worry about discrimination or harassment. It also helps normalise sharing and respect everyone’s pronouns. The more people start sharing their pronouns, the less transgender and non-binary people have to out themselves by being the only ones sharing their pronouns. For a step-by-step guide on how to add your pronouns to your email signature and Zoom account, check out these pages: Pronouns on Zoom and Pronouns in Gmail signature 

Transitioning at UCD

UCD envisions a future where gender self-determination and authentic expression of one’s gender are acknowledged as basic rights and matters of common human dignity. The University aims to foster a culture where the fundamental human rights of all are respected, where individuality is welcomed and embraced, and where all of us can live in freedom and equality, regardless of their gender identity and/or gender expression. All individuals in the College of Science who choose to be open about their gender identity should feel respected, safe, welcome and included in our University community. To this end, UCD is committed through its Gender Identity and Expression Guidelines to support and provide reasonable accommodations for any University community member who is undergoing social or medical transition. UCD recognises that each individual will have a different approach to their gender transition. Guidelines are in place to help support those who may want to change their entire University record to reflect their gender identity. 

Find more information on UCD’s responsibilities as well as information on when you can change your student record.

Gender Neutral Bathrooms

At UCD everyone can use the University toilets and changing facilities of the gender which they identify with. To support this principle, gender neutral toilets with appropriate signage can be found on campus. For more information on where to find gender neutral restrooms within the College of Science buildings, you can check out the “College of Science facilities” section of this page.

Addressing Anti-LGBTQ+ Discrimination

UCD is committed to creating an inclusive culture by having a zero-tolerance policy for anti-LGBTQ+ language and biases. Everyone has a responsibility to foster and maintain a welcoming, affirmative and inclusive culture for all staff. An inclusive culture requires us to not be bystanders but to respond to anti-LGBTI or biased comments, so-called banter or innuendo when you encounter it. This might mean providing an alternative and more inclusive viewpoint or querying a negative comment in a conversation and challenging biased opinions or perceptions of LGBTI people. In some instances, it may mean talking to a person one-to-one rather than in a group.

‌If you need to report an incident that has occurred in UCD, you have a range of options, both formal and informal. This includes speaking to your student advisor if you are a student and using UCD’s anonymous reporting tool at reportandsupport.ucd.ie

Groups in UCD

If you are a student at UCD then you can join the UCD LGBTQ+ student society aimed at engaging the LGBTQ+ community on campus through a wide range of events, services and campaigns.

For more information, send an email at lgbt.society@ucd.ie or follow the society on Instagram @ucd_lgbtqplus and on X (neé Twitter) @UCDLGBTQplus.

If you are a member of staff you can join the LGBTI Staff Network. The network is open to both LGBTI employees and colleagues who are not LGBTI but who are often referred to as ‘straight allies’ who want to show their support for LGBTI inclusion. The group seeks to provide a safe space for all UCD staff members who would like to meet with other LGBT staff. The network holds a mixture of initiatives, some of which are open to all staff and some which are intended for LGBTI employees. If you are interested in finding out more or joining the network, send an email to lgbtnetwork@ucd.ie or ciaran.ohultachain@ucd.ie.

Support Services and Resources

There are several Irish LGBTQ+-specific services that can provide you with support and resources.

• LGBT Ireland: 

LGBT helpline 1800 929 539

Transgender family support line 01 907 3707

LGBT Helpline instant messaging support

• National LGBT Federation:

Contact at +353 1 675 5025

• BelongTo Youth Services:

Contact at +353 (0)1 670 6223

Email info@belongto.org

Youth groups

UCD Policies

• UCD’s Gender Identity and Expression Policy:
• UCD’s Gender Identity and Expression Guidelines

There are numerous new and ongoing initiatives in UCD to support race equality and eliminate discrimination, including reporting mechanisms, support networks, teaching & learning initiatives and working groups. Here you will find information on various policies, initiatives and supports in relation to race and ethnicity.

Race and Ethnic Equality Report 2022

UCD is committed to building a culture on campus in which differences are celebrated and people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds are valued for their contributions to the University. There is of course an undeniable moral case for advancing racial and ethnic equality in higher education institutions, but beyond this, UCD recognises that the diversity of ideas and perspectives brought by people of different backgrounds and identities has massive benefits for individuals, the University, and society overall. Changing population demographics in terms of ethnicity also means that is it essential for the University to attract this wider talent pool and support their development and sense of belonging in an inclusive environment. To achieve an inclusive multicultural environment at UCD, a wide-ranging series of initiatives are being put in place following the publication of our Race and Ethnicity Equality Report 2022.

Race and Ethnicity equality report 2022 (PDF)

Fostering Cultural Awareness

UCD is a global university committed to celebrating diversity and ensuring that everyone, no matter their culture, feels valued and included. Cultural awareness is a concept that describes our own awareness of our cultural identity, values and beliefs and the knowledge and acceptance of other cultures beyond our own. UCD is committed to fostering a culturally aware campus where people from all cultural groups feel included and respected. UCD is a multicultural environment and as such offers a range of supports to help community members become more culturally aware. 

Challenging Racism and Discrimination

UCD is committed to creating an environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly regardless of race and ethnic origin. As a University committed to advancing society, UCD continues to work to address discrimination to eradicate it through education, research and wider social engagement. UCD is not complacent in tackling institutional and everyday racism and the University recognises the challenges it faces and has a genuine commitment to equality of opportunity for our staff and students, and to promote and maintain an inclusive work and study environment where there is mutual respect and dignity.

All members of the University Community have the right to study or work in an environment free from racism and related bullying, harassment and sexual harassment. Students, staff and visitors to UCD can report anonymously through the UCD Report and Support tool, and/or through a range of mechanisms for making formal complaints.

• UCD’s anonymous reporting tool
• Find information on the formal complaints process
• More information is available on UCD’s statement on its commitment to addressing racism and discrimination

Supporting Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Refugees and asylum seekers can face many barriers to accessing study and work in higher education. These barriers can include a lack of information, advice and individual guidance sensitive to their specific needs, as well as financial and other practical barriers. UCD has produced a guidance document for refugees and asylum seekers that aims to break down those barriers by providing support and opportunities to widen the participation of displaced persons seeking sanctuary in Ireland and providing access to University College Dublin as students, for work experience, or as employees, as appropriate. Learn more: UCD’s Access to the UCD Community for Refugees and Asylum Seekers guidelines.

Staff Networks

The Race & Ethnic Equality working group was established in June 2020 to gain a better understanding of UCD’s campus climate in relation to race and ethnic equality and to make recommendations to the EDI Multicultural Group. The group set out a number of key areas of work including awareness raising in the area of race and ethnicity via activities such as consultation events and training, and developing a charter with tangible actions aimed at making UCD an equitable and respectful environment for employees and students of all races and ethnicities. You can find out more about the working group and its priorities on the UCD EDI website. 

The UCD EDI Multicultural group has set up MENU, an employee network for multicultural employees and those interested in other cultures. MENU was launched in 2019 and currently counts 200+ members. The aim of MENU is to support International employees and to help integrate them into the UCD Community and beyond by providing a space for them to network and exchange ideas. You can find out more about MENU on the EDI Networks page and by visiting the MENU website and following on social media.

Student Groups

UCD has multiple societies and student associations for students from different backgrounds. You can check out our student societies section for culture-specific and intercultural societies.

Courses and Learning

UCD is committed to addressing racism and discrimination and strives to create a culture where these behaviours are not tolerated. The module "Let's Talk about Race in the Higher Education Sector" aims to raise awareness amongst university employees about racism, systemic inequalities and unconscious bias in higher education. Through contributions from experts and testimonials from those who have experienced systemic racism, this module will help employees understand racial bias so that they can take action to address it. Guidance for employees and leadership and further resources are also available as part of the module.

Other courses offered by UCD that may interest you are:

• Gender, race and diversity in the digital age course
• Race and Racism: critical perspectives course

Additionally, Diverse Voices is an intercultural awareness and student support training guide for employees working with international students, produced by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS). You can find out more about this resource here: https://www.internationalstudents.ie/training-and-events/icos-training-services/diverse-voices