Equality and Diversity

Embracing diversity and creating equal opportunities

The German Sport University Cologne is committed to an open, respectful and non-discriminatory environment. Diversity enriches us in research, teaching, student life and administration. Our aim is to achieve gender equality and actively promote equal opportunities, so that everyone can participate, regardless of their diverse backgrounds.

A group of four young women are standing around a table with a sheet of flipchart paper on it
A group of four young women are standing around a table with a sheet of flipchart paper on it

Equality

The German Sport University Cologne systematically and sustainably promotes gender equality. Through gender-sensitive governance and targeted measures to steer the university, we are particularly focused on strengthening career pathways for women. Our aim is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and administration – particularly at higher levels of qualification and career progression. 

At the same time, we are committed to fostering a family-friendly university culture that supports the balance between family life, studies and work. A culture of respect and non-discrimination also forms an important foundation.

Gender equality is a key objective… 

. Furthermore, the University has signed the HRK’s voluntary commitment ‘Towards Greater Gender Equality in Appointments’.

(All documents on this page are in German)

Diversity

The German Sport University Cologne is actively committed to diversity and equal opportunities, as well as to a community characterised by respect and appreciation amongst all members of the university. 

The binding framework for our campus life, which is designed to be sensitive to discrimination, appreciative and inclusive, is formed by the Regulations on Respectful Behaviour and Protection against Discrimination and Harassment, the Guidelines on Good Leadership, the Mission Statement on Study and Teaching, and the Basic Regulations of the German Sport University Cologne.

To ensure full participation regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion and belief, migration or refugee background, or social origin, we pursue the five strategic objectives set out in the Diversity Strategy: 

  • Promoting participation,
  • Enable progress and innovation,
  • Harness and foster potential,
  • Enabling identification and empowerment, and
  • prevent and combat discrimination. 

Respect & Anti-discrimination

The German Sport University Cologne is actively committed to fostering a respectful, non-discriminatory and supportive environment across the entire campus. We firmly reject all forms of discrimination, abuse of power and interpersonal violence. The University is committed to protecting the personal rights of all members and affiliates of the University. This commitment was reaffirmed as early as 2019 with the signing of the voluntary pledge by universities in North Rhine-Westphalia on addressing the abuse of power.

The aim is to strengthen a culture of mutual respect at the German Sport University, in which all members of the university are made aware of issues relating to interpersonal violence and take a stand against it. The formal basis for our non-discriminatory and inclusive campus life is provided by the Senate’s regulations on respectful behaviour and protection against discrimination and harassment. Building on this, our protection policy against interpersonal violence at the German Sport University Cologne offers all members and affiliates of the university comprehensive guidance on how to prevent interpersonal violence within their respective areas of activity at the university.

First points of contact in cases of interpersonal violence

At the German Sport University Cologne, there are numerous contact persons and support services available for students and staff affected by discrimination, interpersonal violence or structural disadvantage – as well as for anyone wishing to obtain information or advice. 

On our intranet site, you will find a list of all internal and external points of contact, categorised by topic. All enquiries are treated in strict confidence. In all cases, you can – even if you are not affiliated with the university – contact our Rector’s Office representatives for anti-discrimination or the equality officers in complete confidence. There you will receive support, clarification and, if necessary, referral to the appropriate services. An official complaint may also be lodged with the AGG Complaints Office (in accordance with Section 13 of the AGG) at the German Sport University.

Logo mit Schriftzug "Edelgard" auf einer skizzierten Person mit Messer in der Hand

EDELGARD protects

The cafeteria on the Spoho campus is an EDELGARD safe space

Since October 2022, our cafeteria on the Spoho campus has also been an ‘EDELGARD safe space’. This space is open to the public. In the event of acute harassment or a threat, it provides a safe place to take a breather and offers low-threshold support to those affected in planning their next steps. Although EDELGARD is aimed specifically at women, girls and queer* people, it also offers protection and support to anyone else affected. The main point of contact at the Spoho cafeteria is Giuseppina Schieffer, the cafeteria manager.

 

EDELGARD is dedicated to protecting women, girls and queer* people from sexual violence in public spaces in Cologne. The project promotes a city society based on solidarity, in which sexual violence has no place. Together with Cologne-based businesses, the ‘Cologne Initiative against Sexual Violence’ is establishing locations across the city where those affected can easily access support if they feel they are being harassed or threatened. Another aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the issue of sexual violence.

You’ll find ‘EDELGARD schützt’ locations throughout Cologne. You can find an overview on the map of all contact points. These premises are marked with the ‘EDELGARD schützt’ emblems in the window or on the door.

Awareness-raising, networking and public relations

Through our public relations work and our awareness-raising and networking initiatives, we raise awareness of equality and diversity issues amongst all members of the university community and those with an interest in the university. This forms the basis for our respectful, inclusive, non-discriminatory and gender- and family-friendly university culture.

Those interested in higher education are warmly invited to our public events, such as the Orange Days or Diversity Week. Girls have the opportunity to get to know us as part of Girls’ Day. 

The University of Sport’s Equality Office actively participates in the State Conference of Equality Officers at Universities and University Hospitals in North Rhine-Westphalia (LaKof NRW) and the Federal Conference of Women’s and Equality Officers at Universities (bukof). Furthermore, we are an active member of the NRW network for reconciling semester terms with school holidays.

Staff and students at the German Sport University Cologne can find internal networking opportunities and further training options on the topics of equality and diversity on our intranet pages.

 

Key contacts

Equality and Diversity Management

Our team for equality and diversity management consists of the Equality Officer and her two deputies. They are supported by the officers responsible for equality, diversity management and family services, and advised by the Equality Commission. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time with your enquiries.