The Faculty of Law has appointed a duo as Wellbeing, Diversity, and Inclusion Officers: Beth Yoder and Janet Thompson Jackson. They started on September 1st 2022. The University of Groningen wants to be a university where staff members and students feel at home and feel respected. Diversity is part of the academic community, and therefore differences (in perspective and experience) should be recognized, utilized and properly facilitated in order to help reach individuals’ full potential, as well as that of the organization.

It has been a year since the initiation of the WDI Office.  If you are wondering what they have been doing, here are some highlights:

• WDI Committee.  A diverse committee was formed, initially consisting of 10 staff and 12 students. Sub-committee groups have been established in the areas of Gender Equality and Data Acquisition and Usage.

• Facultaire Bijeenkomst/ Town Hall.  On 15 March 2023 we facilitated an open meeting for staff and students to discuss how people view well-being, diversity, and inclusion and how we can further incorporate WD&I into the Faculty of Law.

• Affinity Groups. The WDI Office is piloting groups that are safe spaces for members to connect, share resources, find a sense of belonging, provide mentoring, advocate for unique needs, and to socialize. If you are interested in getting involved in one, contact us. 

• Monthly Calendar. The WDI calendar displays diverse holidays and events celebrated or recognized by a cross-section of the Faculty. If there is something you would like included, let us know. 

• Social Safety Trainings. These trainings to FoL departments are designed to develop an understanding of social (psychological) safety at work, to promote reflection through small-group conversations, and to give pragmatic tools to help cultivate a safe work culture.

• Inclusive Curriculum. We have supported teachers in their efforts to create a more inclusive curriculum.

• Advice. Sometimes people have questions about what it means, whether to be, or how to be more inclusive – from policy, to teamwork, to teaching and research. We listen, discuss, guide and support.

You can find more information about Wellness, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Faculty of Law at https://rug.nl/rechten/wdi