Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Tolerance

Our Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Tolerance 

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. The university aims serve as a leading example of inclusion, diversity, equality, and tolerance. This is achieved through several initiatives that are underpinned by engagement with the external community and networks to promote the tenets of IDE&T in the UAE and beyond. 

Inclusion officer appointment

SUAD has appointed a dedicated Inclusion Officer to strengthen its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across the institution.

The Inclusion Officer, who also serves as a lecturer at the university, is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges students face firsthand and to develop practical solutions when difficult situations arise. She is responsible for designing and implementing training initiatives that promote equal opportunity, accessibility, and inclusive practices for students, faculty, and staff. This role ensures that institutional decision-making, recruitment, and campus engagement reflect best practices in equity and non-discrimination. The appointment demonstrates SUAD’s proactive approach to fostering an inclusive campus culture and provides a formal mechanism for monitoring and advancing diversity and inclusion objectives.

Meet our Inclusion Officer, Sabine Karpf.

Non-Discrimination Principles at SUAD 

The university is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment in which discrimination in any form is not tolerated during student admissions or staff recruitment. This principle is embedded in SUAD’s policy against discrimination, which prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all. 

A Multicultural Environment 

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi features a diverse student body, with individuals from over 90 nationalities, creating a vibrant multicultural environment. This diversity enriches academic discussions and fosters collaboration, preparing students for a globalised world. The university promotes cross-cultural understanding through various initiatives and events, ensuring that every voice is valued and enhancing the overall educational experience. 

Diversity in SUAD’s Faculty and Staff 

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is proud of its diverse faculty and staff. SUAD team represents a rich mix of cultures, backgrounds and experiences. This diversity enriches the academic community and enhances the learning experience for students. SUAD aims to foster a respectful and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to the university’s mission. 

Equitable Pay 

The university is committed to prioritising fair pay for all employees. It ensures that salary structures are transparent and equitable, with regular assessments conducted to review the pay scale and ensure alignment with industry standards. The aim is to cultivate a respectful and collaborative environment where the diverse contributions of staff and faculty are recognised and valued. 

People of Determination 

As a disability-friendly institution, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi provides all the support needed to its people of determination. The campus offers a range of bespoke facilities for people of determination which are regularly checked to ensure compliance with UAE laws. 

In addition, the Student Success and Wellbeing Section at the Student Affairs Department provides extensive support to students of determination and engages with the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) to ensure that student support meets best practice. 

Students of Determination Services and Accommodation 

The university is committed to providing accessible and supportive services for Students of Determination. These services include: 

• Specially equipped rooms in both male and female residences 
• Allocated parking spaces and designated washroom facilities 
• Elevator access in all buildings and evacuation chairs for emergency situations 
• Special exam accommodation such as extra time, transcriber assistance, academic mentoring, dedicated peer tutors, shadow assistants, and separate classrooms for continuous assessments and final exams 
• Psychological evaluations, psychiatric assessments, intervention support from SUAD Counsellors, and access to behavioural therapy services 

These support services have been developed to identify and meet the needs of every special need student. The university’s ongoing commitment is to establish an inclusive and just learning environment and to provide tailored assistance to address the unique educational needs of students with disabilities. This is essential to ensure that all students have equitable access to the support and resources required for their academic and personal accomplishments. 

Gender Equality 

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is deeply committed to promoting gender equality through various initiatives and programmes aimed at empowering women in education and beyond.  

Supporting Women's Success in their Studies 

The university encourages the participation of women in all subjects, particularly in science and technology, where women are usually underrepresented. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi monitors the progress of female students from application to graduation. The university tracks application, offer, acceptance, and admission rates to ensure that women receive the support they need to succeed. It also monitors graduation rates and provides targeted support to help female students complete their degrees. Mentoring programmes are offered to support all students in achieving their academic and professional goals. A significant number of these programmes are dedicated to supporting women, with at least 70% of participants being female. These initiatives empower young women through mentorship and education, promoting leadership, creativity, and gender equality. 

Empowering Women in their Careers 

Equality is a priority at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. The university ensures that there is no discrimination accepted at any level of the organisation in order to maintain an equitable and harmonious, professional and ethical working environment for all. These principles are manifested in the numbers of female staff and faculty hired at SUAD, as well as the significant number of leadership positions occupied by women. These figures reflect SUAD’s true dedication and commitment to female empowerment.