Equality and diversity

The University of Northampton is committed to ensuring that all students, staff, visitors, and others we have contact with, are treated fairly, equitably and with dignity and respect; we celebrate the diversity of our university (and wider society) and work to ensure that the human rights of all are enhanced and protected.

Equality and Diversity work at The University of Northampton is the responsibility of all staff and students but it is overseen by an Equality and Diversity Advisor.

We also have a formal Equality and Diversity Action Committee, with membership drawn from senior management.

As equality and diversity issues are the responsibility of many different people at the university, in a variety of different contexts, it may be difficult to find who best to approach if you want specific information, advice or support. The following may be of assistance:

Equality and diversity issues within your study programme

Within various study programmes at the University equality and diversity issues may arise directly or are integrated into your study programme (course or module). You may be given assignments, research tasks, be asked to give a presentation or write an essay. If you have any questions or queries in respect those matters you need to discuss this with your tutor or lecturer on the course or module
In addition you may find the NILE web-area on equality and diversity useful. This has been especially developed to support staff and students who want information on equality and diversity issues. You may find this a useful "starting point" for any studies you are undertaking with an equality and diversity component
The University is particularly keen to support curriculum changes that improve the incorporation of equality and diversity issues, and/or reflect the diversity of society and/or challenge prejudice. If you have ideas or suggestions on the curriculum discuss these with your academic tutors/lecturers. You can also contact the Equality and Diversity Advisor on 01604 893887

Participation and involvement in issues relating to equality and diversity

The University has established a Diversity Champions Group that is open to all staff and students who would like to be involved in equality and diversity issues. For more information about this contact the University's Equality and Diversity Advisor on 01604 893887
The Students' Union has an Equality and Diversity Officer and there are a number of Students' Union societies (for example for Lesbian, Gay and Transgender students) or you may wish to form a new society reflecting your interests. Contact the Students' Union for more information
During the academic year parts of the University may organise events or activities that have an equality and diversity focus, such as the annual, week-long, Diversity festival, a commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day, Black History Month and Lesbian and Gay History month, and host lectures, conferences and seminars on current issues for equality and diversity. If you would like to help organise or support these initiatives, please contact the Equality and Diversity Advisor on 01604 893887

Harassment, bullying or 'hate' incidents

If you feel that you have been subject to harassment, discrimination or less favourable treatment - due to your disability, race/ethnicity/nationality, gender, religion or belief, or sexual orientation, or age, or you are just being harassed for no apparent reason - you can make report online at www.northampton.ac.uk/harassment

Disabled students

If you are looking for additional support in respect of any disability (including dyslexia), or you have issues in respect of Disabled Student Allowance, or what reasonable adjustments may be required to ensure full access to your studies or assessments, the best place to start is the Access Ability Team within the department of Student Support and Administration. The team is located within the Student Centre at Park Campus and at Avenue Campus near the restaurant. You can email them on disability@northampton.ac.uk. You may also find the Disability pages on this website useful
If you are looking for additional study support, you can discuss this with your academic tutor or contact the Centre for Academic Practice
If you would like to be involved in student focus groups looking at disability issues at the University, contact the Access Ability Team
The University currently runs small mentoring schemes for disabled students in conjunction with the national mentoring Consortium. For more information about this contact the Careers and Employability Service

International students

If you are an International student, you may wish to contact the International Student Officer in the Students' Union
There is also an International Student Advisor based in the Student Centre at Park Campus, or they can be contacted via Student Services at Avenue campus (based near the restaurant)

Religion, faith or belief

If you would like information about how you can participate in a variety of faith activities at the University you can contact the Chaplaincy team. The needs of most, if not all, religious or faith traditions (for example various Christian denominations, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Baha'i) can be met, and contact lists are held for external groups or organisations
Students who are Humanists or atheists, or who hold other beliefs, can also contact the Chaplaincy for advice and may be put in contact with others within the university, or external organisations, respecting their belief system(s)

Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans students

If you would like to discuss any issues (in confidence) relating to your sexual orientation you may contact:

The LGBT Officer in the Students Union. Historically there has been a student LGBT Society or informal network of students
You can also contact the University's Equality and Diversity Advisor on 01604 893887.
They may be able to 'sign-post' you to the appropriate part of the University in respect of any issue you have