Cultural diversity and inclusion
Deakin values inclusion and diversity, embraces difference and seeks to nurture a connected, safe and respectful community.
We aspire to achieve cultural diversity in line with the broader Victorian community, and for students and staff from all cultural backgrounds to feel welcome, safe and supported to achieve academic or career success.
Gender equity
The benefits of a balanced and diverse workforce are well established including better decision-making, innovation, ability to attract the best candidates, and job satisfaction for all.
Deakin University is committed to ensuring gender equity becomes a business and cultural norm, and has a history of efforts to address gender inequalities.
Disability services
Disability Resource Centre
The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) promotes inclusion and access for students and staff. It provides advice and supports inclusive teaching and learning practice. It also delivers information and services for students when a disability, health or mental health condition affects study or participation in university life.
The DRC can make recommendations on reasonable adjustments to support learning success. Prospective students are welcome to contact the DRC for information, and enrolled students with disability are encouraged to register with the DRC early in semester.
Learn more about disability services
Australian Network on Disability member
The Australian Network on Disability is a national, membership-based organisation that makes it easier for organisations to welcome people with disability. Deakin University is proud to announce we have received the Gold Membership for 2020.
Please get in touch with our project officer, Yasmin Mobayad, if you need further information.
National Disability Coordination Officer Program
The National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO) Program aims to increase education and employability for people with disability by improving links between schools, tertiary education providers, employment providers and providers of disability assistance programs.
Find out more about the NDCO Program
Supporting people with a disability in recruitment
At Deakin University, the Human Resources Division's Recruitment and Onboarding team work with the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator and Diversity and Inclusion to build disability knowledge and confidence.
Together, the teams have worked closely to audit Deakin's recruitment process to identify gaps relating to recruitment methods and to provide support and accessibility to candidates with disabilities.
Student access and experience
Deakin Engagement and Access Program
This program aims to encourage primary and secondary school students' achievement and aspiration towards higher education. We run activities with students from Year 3 to Year 12 in collaboration with around 30 schools, and with a range of community partners.
Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program
The Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) supports a range of targeted projects to broaden access to higher education and the successful completion of courses.
Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS)
VTAC's SEAS provides opportunities to access higher education for students whose ability to show potential for university study may have been limited or disadvantaged.
Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience
DEAP and the National Indigenous Knowledges Education Research Innovation (NIKERI) Institute have a partnership with the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME). This is a national educational program that links Indigenous secondary school students to universities through outreach and personal mentoring.
Networks
Deakin LGBTIQ+ Community
The Deakin LGBTIQ + Community aims to create a more diverse and inclusive culture by promoting greater visibility and awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, intersex, queer or questioning (LGBTIQ) staff and students. Any Deakin staff member or student is welcome to join.
Harassment and Discrimination Contact Officers Network
Harassment and Discrimination Contact Officers (HDCOs) are staff who are trained to assist staff and students with any enquiries about discrimination, sexual harassment or bullying. There is a network of over 75 HDCOs across the University, on every campus and in most work areas.
Campaigns
End Violence Against Women
In line with Deakin's commitment to nurturing the personal development and wellbeing of students and staff, the University supports campaigns to end violence against women.
This includes the Australian universities Respect. Now. Always., the global 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence campaign, the local Barwon Month of Action, and the Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) counselling services at Deakin’s Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool campuses.
Racism. It Stops With Me
Deakin University is an official supporter of Racism. It Stops With Me, a campaign that invites all Australians to reflect on what they can do to counter racism wherever it happens.
Learn more about Racism. It Stops With Me
Diversity – More than we see
Deakin is proud of the diversity of our students and staff. We strive to foster an inclusive and vibrant culture that promotes value and respect for everyone. Diversity – More than we see is a campaign that celebrates individuality and uniqueness.
Contact us
General enquiries
+61 3 9244 6255
Email Diversity and Inclusion
Mel Martinelli
Diversity and Inclusion, Director
Email Mel Martinelli
Merrin McCracken
Access and Inclusion/Disability Services
Email Merrin McCracken
Jane Finlay
Access and Equity Partnerships
Email Jane Finlay
Bree Gorman
Gender Equity
Email Bree Gorman