EDI Mini-Fest  

Session Outline:

Across the higher education sector, dedicated efforts have been made to address the inequalities faced by our students. However, these endeavours often focus on singular demographics, inadvertently overlooking the rich tapestry of intersectional and holistic identities our students possess. To genuinely understand and improve student experiences, we must acknowledge their multifaceted nature and adapt our approaches accordingly.

In this session, we’ll present the findings of a research project on intersectionality conducted at a large post-92 university. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we explored the intersectional makeup of the institution. Using interviews provided a richer understanding of the nuanced lived experiences of students who bear multiple minoritised identities, navigating the complexities of cumulative discrimination. 

Our findings cover four key topics: Representation & Community; Societal Experiences of Discrimination & Harassment; University Barriers & Discrimination; and Intersectional Experiences and Discrimination.

We will also share our actionable recommendations and the initial steps we've taken to address the barriers highlighted which we hope will help enhance the experiences of our students. These practical insights will extend beyond our university and resonate with colleagues across the sector and beyond. We will also invite attendees to join this collaborative discourse by sharing their own experiences and suggestions. 

Join us in this engaging discussion as we confront the realities of inequality in higher education head-on. By addressing the pressing issues of intersectionality, representation, and discrimination, we aim to inspire positive change within the academic sphere and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape where every student's unique journey is recognised and supported.

Session Aims:

• To introduce intersectionality in the context of UoP;

• To understand the four key findings of our research: Representation & Community; Societal Experiences of Discrimination & Harassment; University Barriers & Discrimination; and Intersectional Experiences and Discrimination;

• To collaborate on solutions for these barriers.