WHO WE ARE

Franklin University Switzerland welcomes diversity at the core of our community and educational mission. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are university-wide responsibilities pertaining to students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and all those who have a vested interest in our community. The Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), composed of students, faculty, and staff, meets regularly with the goal of ensuring that all members of the Franklin community are represented and can be heard. At Franklin, we encourage all voices to make themselves heard. For questions, comments or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at dei@fus.edu

INITIATIVES

Bagel Breakfast

On October 9, 2024, the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) committee held a successful Bagel Breakfast event at McNeely Student Center. The goal of the event was to introduce the DEI committee members to the student community and gather suggestions for future initiatives.

A large turnout of students, faculty, and staff added to the lively atmosphere. Attendees had the opportunity to meet committee members, share ideas, and engage in conversations about how to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus in the coming months.

Stay tuned for future DEI events and initiatives, as the committee incorporates the feedback received at this gathering!

Standing members of DEI committee: Vitoria Gomes Araujo, Hannah Frank, Mael Metis, Pratik Poudel, Victoria Brinton, Jelena Bakic, Sean Essue, Kate Roy, Marcus Pyka.

Storytelling Open MIC Night

In February 2024, the Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) organized a Storytelling Open MIC Night. This inclusive event welcomed all members of the university community to share their personal stories, musical performances, poetry recitations, and other forms of artistic expression. The DEI's motto for this occasion was "Show us your artistic/other side," aiming to inspire participants to embrace and celebrate their unique identities and talents. The evening was enhanced by compelling performances from a professional writer and a professional singer, who not only entertained the audience but also shared their own inspiring stories, promoting a deeper sense of connection among the attendees.

Interfaith Dinner

In April 2024, the DEI organized an Interfaith Dinner with the purpose of fostering understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, religions, and customs. Students, faculty, and staff came together around tables filled with delectable food, engaging in meaningful conversations about their varied religious practices and cultural traditions. The event offered a platform for community members to share customs related to their religion and present traditional dishes, enriching the cultural experience of the evening. The Interfaith Dinner not only provided an opportunity for participants to savor a wide array of delicious foods but also enabled them to gain valuable insights into the beliefs and traditions of their peers, thereby promoting unity and mutual respect within the university community.

Listening Circle

The DEI recently organized a supportive Listening Circle to provide a safe and inclusive space for students to openly share their concerns, opinions, and experiences related to current events, especially those involving armed conflicts around the world. The main goal of the Listening Circle was to create an encouraging environment where every voice could be heard without bias. Participants were invited to listen and respect others as they spoke, ensuring a space free from interruptions and judgment. This event emphasized the importance of empathy, understanding, and solidarity, allowing students to express their feelings and perspectives on critical global issues while fostering a sense of community and collective support.

STATEMENT ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Mutual respect is fundamental for any academic community like Franklin. At FUS, each individual’s difference and uniqueness enrich our environment. Our shared values and beliefs lead us to respect all members of the community that we live in, and to value each other as individuals regardless of race, color, religion, identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, genetics, age, or differences in ability. As members of the Franklin community, we support awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion through academic research, practical experiences and exchanges in everyday life.

All parties in the classroom space, including on class excursions and Academic Travel, are expected to:

Show respect for all, valuing differences in identities, perspectives, and backgrounds;
Engage in constructive dialogue that illustrates tolerance and respect for differing views and opinions;
Contribute to a learning environment that ensures equal opportunities for all, avoiding any behavior that may marginalize or exclude others;
Engage with course content and others in a culturally-aware manner, recognizing the impact of stereotypes, biases, and assumptions.

Any form of discrimination, harassment, or disrespect based on identity will not be tolerated and should be reported immediately, either through the Bias Incident Reporting form on Moodle or by contacting the University-Wide Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at dei@fus.edu

Contacts

Email:	dei@fus.edu
Address:	Franklin University Switzerland The Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mailbox 55 Via Ponte Tresa 29 6924 Sorengo Switzerland