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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Aberdeen aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment.  In 1495 we were founded on the principle of being open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the services of others. We still have that purpose and continuously work towards a more inclusive community. This page provides students with resources and contacts on equality, diversity and inclusion.

Visit the University of Aberdeen's Equality, Diversity & Inclusion pages by clicking here.

Reporting and Feedback

We are committed to enhancing your student experience by listening to your opinions and implementing change. Use our  online feedback form to share your views quickly and easily. Let us know how we can improve our service or what you love about the University.

There is support available to you if you experience or witness harassment on or around campus. You can report harassment anonymously through our Reporting Tool.  

You can find a list of contacts for a listening ear, support, and tools for reporting incidents on our Race Equality Support Page.

You can also speak confidentially with a Support Adviser at the Student Advice & Support Office, a Counsellor from our Counselling Service or a Chaplain at the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy.

Student Support Services

If you would like to speak to someone confidentially about anything, our Student Support Services are available. Student Support Advisers at the Student Advice & Support Office can offer practical support and signpost you to relevant outside organisations that can offer you support.

Our Multifaith Chaplains are available if you would like to speak confidentially with someone. If you feel that you would benefit from counselling, our Counselling Service is available as well.

Support for LGBTQI+ Students

Grampian Pride is the annual LGBTQ+ Pride festival in Aberdeen. This festival is an opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies in Aberdeen and the surrounding areas to come together, provide a safe space and celebrate. The festival has grown year on year and consists of a march, various stalls, information about LGBT+ organisations and services, entertainment, key speakers, safe spaces, and a family area.

Pride 2020

During 2020 Pride month, while under lockdown, our alumni, staff and students came together to "Share the Pride". Watch this video to see how we celebrated... 
Pride 2021

During 2021 Pride month, we asked our staff, student and alumni community what Pride means to them. This is what they said…

 

Changing your Gender Marker or Name

You can change your gender marker or first name by simply emailing studentrecords@abdn.ac.uk You don’t need to provide any proof to do this.   

Gender Neutral Toilets

We have a growing number of gender neutral toilets available across Old Aberdeen campus including at the Sir Duncan Rice Library and William Guild Building. We now have around 100 gender neutral toilets on campus and we are working to add more all the time.  

Here is what our Principal, George Boyne, has said regarding gender neutral toilets during the 2019/20 Open Ask Session:

‘Last year following an exercise where we surveyed the entire WC provision across our campuses Estates & Facilities identified 116 toilets, (12%) of our total provision, that could fulfil Aberdeen City Council Building Control’s interpretation of the Building Standards Scotland of a unisex/gender neutral toilet. This was discussed with AUSA and reported to the Student Experience Committee where it was agreed that Estates & Facilities would progress the re-designation of these toilets. Further survey work on the replacement of signage is nearly complete and we expect to start the changes early in the New Year.’

Transgender Equality Policy 

Student Channel

Hear from current students, alumni and staff through blogs, vlogs and podcasts on the Student Channel. Below are some examples of blogs that have recently been published.

Are you interested in becoming a Student Content Creator for the Student Channel? All current students are welcome to join, simply fill out this form to request further information. 

AUSA Forums and Societies 

External Support and Resources

LGBT Switchboard – Switchboard is an LGBT+ helpline – a place for calm words when you need them most. They’re here to help you with whatever you want to talk about. Nothing is off limits and conversations are 100% confidential.

FFLAG – supports friends and family members of LGBT people.

Mermaids UK – family and individual support for gender diverse and transgender children and young people. Mermaids is passionate about supporting children, young people, and their families to achieve a happier life in the face of great adversity.

Mindline Trans+ – a confidential emotional, mental health support helpline for people who identify as transgender, agender, gender fluid and non-binary.

Support for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Students

University of Aberdeen Celebrates - Black History Month

Black History Month UK

October 1st marks the start of Black History Month in the UK, a time to celebrate the extraordinary contributions that black people have made in the UK and beyond. Black History Month was initiated by historian Cater G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African Life and History (ASALH) in 1926 in the US to promote the study of Black history and acknowledge achievements of black people. It is now observed across the world and continues to inspire new generations of people. 

Each year the University developed a programme of events, blogs, podcasts and talks which provide opportunities for our community to engage with the objectives of this celebration.

Student Channel

Hear from current students, alumni and staff through blogs, vlogs and podcasts on the Student Channel. The blogs and podcast below were created in celebration of Black History Month UK 2020.

Are you interested in becoming a Student Content Creator for the Student Channel? All current students are welcome to join, simply fill out this form to request further information. 

AUSA Forums & Societies 

Race Equality Pages

External Support & Resources

Mind- Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students' mental health support

Support for Disabled Students

Disability Support Services

The Disability Service provides advice, information and practical study-related support to prospective and current students who have sensory and physical impairments, mental health conditions, long-term health conditions, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Dyslexia and other specific learning differences (SpLD) and students who have an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). They are available to assist undergraduate, postgraduate, full time, part time and online distance learners.

The Assistive Technology Service supports students and staff with a disability, specific learning difference, mental health or any other medical issue through the use of technology. We help people find the right tools to develop complimentary strategies in order to become confident in their studies, research or role and to develop lifelong skills that enable them to achieve their potential in their time here at the university, and in their future endeavours. 

Student Channel 

Hear from current students, alumni and staff through blogs, vlogs and podcasts on the Student Channel. Below are some examples of blogs that have recently been published.

Are you interested in becoming a Student Content Creator for the Student Channel? All current students are welcome to join, simply fill out this form to request further information. 

AUSA Forums & Societies 

Disabled Students Forum