IDEA Center of Erasmus University Rotterdam proudly launched the book ‘Turning DEI Goals into Reality – A Hands-On Guide to an Inclusive Workplace’ (published by Routledge – Taylor & Francis Group). The first copy of the book was presented to Prof. Mia Rönnmar, Rector of Malmö University, at the European University Alliance UNIC Thematic Conference in Malmö.
What is the most important advice that the book gives?
In today’s dynamic organisational landscape, striving for a diverse workforce does not automatically translate into an inclusive workplace. The book provides practical insights and hands-on tools for how everyone can work towards an organisation that is more inclusive, diverse, equitable, accessible, and ultimately more enjoyable for all.
Featured are key terms and definitions, drivers and accelerators of increased attention to inclusion, diversity, equity and access, and topics such as connection and engagement, inclusive organisational culture, communication HR policies, monitoring and research, and leadership.
Why is the book relevant to universities wanting to set up an IDEA office?
One of the success factors is the truly integrated approach, as it deals with all elemental parts of an institution, such as education, research, engagement, HR, outreach, communication.
The model presented in the book has already been successfully applied within organisations and can have impact straight away. If you’re in HR, you can read the chapter on inclusive HR and start changing processes and systems today. If you are in communications, you can read the chapter about inclusive communication and begin immediately. Through providing a holistic, integrated approach for recognising and then transforming – old and ingrained – systems and mechanisms, as well as adapting human behaviour and ways of thinking, this book helps readers to take tangible and impactful steps in creating an inclusive organisation.
The book is relevant to anyone looking for a guide to implement IDEA practice immediately – in HR, in communications, in consulting, in research, in organisational coaching, and in the boardroom.
IDEA-net project researchers, Professor Slobodan Cvejić and Dr. Milica Resanović organised a dynamic webinar focused on the potential for establishing an IDEA Office (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) within the University of Belgrade. Together wtih Dr. Nataša Simić, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, the webinar engaged both academic and administrative in discussing key opportunities and challenges.
Resources inspiring change
The webinar began with a brief presentation by Milica Resanović, who introduced the IDEA-net project (Expanding the Network of IDEA Practitioners in Higher Education through Institutional Capacity Building). All participants had the opportunity to learn about the project’s key ideas and objectives. Special emphasis was placed on an analytical overview of the Compendium of Best Practices, highlighting the diversity of IDEA practices around the world and the different ways in which inclusiveness and excellence are integrated into the everyday work of higher education institutions.
Slobodan Cvejić then presented the Guideline on Establishing an IDEA Office, published as part of the IDEA-net project. The presentation focused on the essential steps required to establish such an office, with particular attention given to evaluating which steps may already be partially implemented, such as identifying underrepresented groups and pinpointing critical moments in students’ academic journeys when they may be especially vulnerable, and which steps still need to be taken in the future.
Reflecting on the vision for September
Dr. Nataša Simić concluded the session by sharing her knowledge of the most vulnerable student populations and current support mechanisms available at the Faculty. She also highlighted a variety of initiatives already aligned with IDEA principles, both formal and informal, which could serve as a strong foundation for future institutional practices.
The exchange of ideas that followed served as a powerful catalyst for reflection and collaboration. It set the stage for concrete next steps toward building a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive academic environment at the Faculty of Philosophy. In total, 19 participants discussed for 90 minutes and agreed to continue with IDEA activities in September.
Within the span of one week between March and April 2025, the IDEA-net project visited the universities of Belgrade and Zadar to host capacity building on matters of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) in education. These workshops follow from the first workshop at the University of Ljubljana. We would like to thank our hosting universities for coordinating all necessary preparations as well as the Expertise Center for Diversity Policy and Erasmus University Rotterdam who delivered these workshops.
Our first workshop in Ljubljana
Hosted over two days at the end of the summer of 2024, teaching and administrative staff of the University of Ljubljana gathered at the Faculty of Arts to take part in the IDEA-net’s first capacity building pilot. Discussions tapped into the questions, experiences and expertise of the university faculty staff on:
- The differential qualities of safe, brave and accountable spaces.
- The intersectional and contextual dimensions of diversity.
- How issues regarding diversity, inclusion, exclusion are resonated with, and how these manifest contextually.
- The workings of exclusion mechanism, such as micro-aggressions, and possible interventions.
- Actions for a safe and inclusive campus culture at the University of Ljubljana.
Our second workshop in Belgrade
Led together with the Faculty of Philosophy, participants of the capacity building shared their experience and vision for IDEA concepts, frameworks, policy, practice, networks and community.
The University of Belgrade’s decentralised model of governance set the context for identifying methods to strengthen cooperation and communication between cross-faculty bodies, professors and students to enhance IDEA.
The faculty’s Committee for Student Issues, administration, legal office, students organisation and the vice-deans were in attendance.
Our final workshop in Zadar
At the University of Zadar, participants from the academic departments and Student Counselling Service had the opportunity to become acquainted with current concepts and practices related to ensuring inclusion at higher education institutions, as well as to exchange their own experiences of working with students.
The two-day workshop addressed:
- What are the possible frameworks for ensuring the inclusion of students, as well as staff members, from vulnerable groups?
- What does it mean to foster a culture of belonging within the context of a higher education organization?
- Who are the specific vulnerable student groups at the University of Zadar, and how should they be approached?
- What is the significance of inclusive curricula and pedagogies for teaching practices, and what is their role in supporting students?
In addition to detecting the University’s strengths and spaces for IDEA improvement, participants underlined the importance of Student Counselling Service in providing pyschosocial support to vulnerable students. They also agreed on improving the inclusion of students who work as well as extending IDEA principles to University staff.
