EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDIC) is made up of undergraduate, graduate and staff volunteers, and exists to ensure that the Sheffield Philosophy Department is as equal, diverse and inclusive a community as possible. We are keen to make sure that the department does all it can to actively support and include each and every member, both students and staff. We aim to attend to all aspects of diversity, such as:
age
caregiving responsibilities
disability
gender
learning difficulties
mental health
nationality
race
sexuality
socioeconomic/class background
We meet once per semester, and everyone is welcome to come to these meetings. We especially encourage the participation of volunteers who identify as members of minority or under-represented groups.
Everyone is invited to attend the EDIC, and any student or staff member who wants to volunteer can be a representative.
You can get in touch with the EDIC if you have questions or concerns, via our anonymous feedback form found below, or, if you prefer, directly via email!
The EDIC is co-chaired by a a PhD student and the Director of One University.
Co-chairs: Rosanna Keefe, Director of One University (r.keefe@sheffield.ac.uk); PhD Student: Carien Smith (CSSmith2@sheffield.ac.uk).
Student EDI Representatives: Ciara E Smith-Hay (cesmith-hay1@sheffield.ac.uk); Leonardo Lazna (alanza1@sheffield.ac.uk); Alex Facchino (afacchino1@sheffield.ac.uk).
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Issues Report Form
This form provides the possibility to report any issues related to equality, diversity and inclusion (anonymously, if they wish). Responses to the form go to the chair of the Equality and Diversity Committee, and are treated with high confidentiality. You can find the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Issues Report Form here:
Consent and Race Equality Conversations
Starting in 2022, The University offered Consent & Race Equality Training to all new students. The handbooks below contain a summary of the presentations, some additional materials as well as extra information on the University and external support available.
Gender Inclusion Policy
The Gender Identity Policy exists to ensure that all staff and students (including transgender people, staff and students associated with transgender people, such as friends, family and partners, and people perceived to be transgender) are treated with dignity and respect. The policy supports students regardless of ‘out’ status. Students’ trans status will not be shared without written consent.
The Department of Philosophy will not tolerate any discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation.
Trans Student Tutor: Rosanna Keefe - Director of One University (r.keefe@sheffield.ac.uk)
Trans Student Representative: TBC
Changes to name and/or pronouns
Your student record can only be changed for formal changes to name or gender, where the change has been legally recognised. However, if you have not formalised the changes, you can still notify the Philosophy Department.
A. Inform your department of your preferred name and pronouns:
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities is committed to providing a supportive environment for all of its students, including trans and non-binary students who wish their gender identities to be known and students who use a preferred name different to that on their student record. However, it is the right of the individual to choose whether they wish information about their preferred pronouns and names to be shared with staff.
To support this choice, we have created a process to ensure we are able to capture accurate data about students’ pronouns and preferred names throughout your time at Sheffield. Please note this shouldn't be used for nicknames.
Click the button below to access the form. The form is also embedded on this page:
B. Including your preferred name or pronouns within Google Mail and Blackboard:
You can also change your name and pronouns on the several google and blackboard tools used by the University during your learning and day to day interactions with us.
Gmail (action on desktop browser)
Login to Gmail
Click on the 'Settings' icon (top right)
Click on the 'See all settings' button
Under the 'Accounts' tab, next to the 'Send mail as:' field click on the 'edit info' link.
Select the second radial button and type in the name you prefer, plus pronouns if you wish (see image).
Click on the 'Save Changes' button to commit to the change.
[The updated name will be visible to you and the recipient when you send an email from Gmail in a browser and from the Gmail app on both Android and iOS].
* If you were to add your University account to the native Apple Mail app or Android Mail app then there is a field to determine what the name will be when an email is sent.
Google (action on desktop browser)
Login to a Google service such as Gmail.
Click on the Google apps menu icon (top right) and select 'Account'.
Click on the 'Personal info' tab and then on 'Name' (you may have to login to authenticate).
use the CHANGE NAME fields to update your name and add pronouns to the Last name field if desired [a / is not allowed] (see image below).
Click on the 'Save' button to commit to the change.
[The updated name will appear across the different Google services used on campus].
The instructions on the page linked from the title outline a feature in Blackboard which enables staff and students users to add their pronouns, and pronunciation of their name in written and audio format, into their user profile.
This information will be visible to staff and student users within Blackboard module pages on the following features:
Discussion Boards
Blogs and Journal tool
Group homepage
Blackboard group assignments
Blackboard peer review tool
Users area (staff only)
Click the button below for further guidance on how to make changes to your profile.
C. Requesting a change to personal details on formal records:
SSiD (Student Services Information Desk) can support you requesting formalised changes to your name and gender, which will appear on your formal records. You can view this information and the evidence required by clicking the button below:
You can now add your pronouns, how to pronounce your name and more to Blackboard!
Scan the QR code above or click the link below for further guidance on how to personalise your Blackboard profile.
Women in Philosophy
We actively work to promote women in philosophy and their work, and our department has a long history of support for women. Our very first graduate was Alice Miller, who received a First in 1915. More recently we have twice been recognised for women-friendliness by the Society for Women in Philosophy. We run two annual Women in Philosophy events: an evening social event for women postgraduate students and staff, and a public lecture on Women in the History of Philosophy. 29% of permanent, full-time academic staff are women, above the UK average of 24%.
Members of the department have recently been working on behalf of women in philosophy and across the University, leading on work evaluating parental leave policies and practice, with recommendations for improvements to both. We have also been working with HR to make parental leave policies more trans inclusive. Members of the department have also been working with the faculty to support part time workers (who are predominantly women), and with HR to develop training to address implicit biases.
We have adopted the BPA/SWIP guidelines in their entirety, and we have the above mentioned Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee which any undergraduates, postgraduates or staff members can join and actively participate in the work for equality and inclusion.
Diversifying Curricula
We are actively working to ensure our curricula represents authors from demographic groups traditionally underrepresented in academia.
Minorities in Philosophy (MAP)
Sheffield has a MAP chapter which, among other things, organises an annual MAP lecture, to promote the work of minorities in philosophy.
The department encourages those organising events to consider adopting a safer spaces policy, to strive for inclusive environments in which philosophical conversations can flourish. The EDIC has developed a model policy, which can be read here.
Race Equality Work in the Philosophy Department
In line with the University’s Race equality strategy, the department is undertaking a range of activities to promote racial equality and to decolonise philosophy.
We have a departmental race equality strategy, and are taking steps to include philosophy of race and decolonisation in a range of our modules in the department. This builds on successful earlier work in the department to diversify our syllabi.
Click the button below to read more about our race equality work. The Centre for Engaged Philosophy brings together scholars and practitioners dedicated to philosophical practices that aim to inform, learn from, and build, ongoing collaborative relationships of import beyond the academy.
Race Equality Lecture 2020
The Race Equality Lecture is aimed to explore race and racism particularly racial inequality in the UK. The session includes examples of privilege, microaggressions as well as reflective questions on diversifying the curriculum and tackling difficult conversations. We will also discuss practical intervention tips, equipping students with skills to safely intervene and protect themselves and or the victim.
Student parent and carer group
If you're a student parent or carer, our peer support group provides an informal space for you to discuss your experiences and share tips in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
The sessions are facilitated by wellbeing advisors who have experience of being both carers and parents. Click the button below for more information.
Parent & Infant Rooms
Across the University, there are a number of nearby, accessible spaces for new parents and infants to use.
Building Building code Floor Floor code Room code Room Type
Arts Tower 1203 Second Floor 2 12030225 Parent & Infant Room
Alfred Denny Building 1208 Level A Ground Floor 0 1208A305 Parent & Infant Room
Hicks Building (Main Block) 1303 Level D Ground Floor 0 1303D15 Parent & Infant Room
Portobello Centre 1631 Level B Ground Floor 0 1631B65 Parent & Infant Room
Royal Hallamshire Hospital 8073 Ground - Level C 0 8073C18b Parent & Infant Room
(Medical School)
Bartolome House 8100 Basement BT 8100CB03 Parent & Infant Room
3 Solly Street 8326 First Floor Plan 1 8326129 Parent & Infant Room
(Former Velocity 2)