Diversity

The University of Sydney is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. Our Sydney in 2032 Strategy emphasises the importance of diversity in enriching our community and advancing knowledge. This commitment aligns with the recently released Australian Universities Accord Final Report, highlighting the urgent need for action on equity in higher education. As educators, we play a crucial role in addressing the disparities in participation and attainment for students from diverse backgrounds.

This page provides essential resources and guidance for all staff: 

• The Green Guide: Enhancing the learning experiences of students from equity backgrounds
  • An open-access resource offering evidence-based strategies for educators to support students from diverse backgrounds.
• Designing for Diversity: A suite of support for University of Sydney Educators
  • Support and resources for applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in a Sydney context, helping educators create more inclusive and accessible learning environments for all students.
• Inclusive Teaching Guide: Supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds in first-year and beyond
  • An open-access resource guiding educators in supporting first-year students from underrepresented backgrounds, offering practical strategies to improve learning outcomes for diverse student cohorts.

These resources are designed to help you understand the diverse needs of our student population, reduce barriers to learning, and create an inclusive classroom environment. We encourage you to explore these materials, access support, discuss them with colleagues, and adapt the strategies to your specific teaching contexts.

To discuss teaching for diversity and equitable teaching practices at Sydney or to access additional support, please contact [email protected].

The Green Guide: Enhancing the learning experiences of students from equity backgrounds

A practical, open-access guide for educators is now available to enhance the learning experiences of students from equity backgrounds. This ‘Green Guide’ offers evidence-based and down-to-earth techniques and strategies that any educator can use to improve the experience of students, especially those from diverse backgrounds.

Developed collaboratively by students and experts in education, the Green Guide is a one-stop shop for practical advice for university educators and leaders in Australia and abroad who are responding to the call in the Universities Accord to improve experiences and outcomes for students from equity backgrounds. 

To make the guide even more accessible, we’ve also created an AI agent that you can chat with to explore ideas and quickly find relevant information.

Designing for Diversity

The Designing for Diversity Resource site offers multiple ways to engage with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines by supporting educators to create environments where all learners can access and participate in meaningful, challenging learning opportunities.

The resource models a 5-step process as an efficient way to intentionally and proactively design for the diversity of learners. Student experiences and perspectives are integral to the design process and are reflected in a collection of stories-of-impact. These stories offer practical ideas that can be readily applied and inspire all staff involved in teaching and learning.

By showcasing best practices, connecting educators, and supporting a growing UDL community, this resource empowers staff to create inclusive and accessible learning environments for all students. 

Inclusive Teaching Guide

The Inclusive Teaching Guide offers effective strategies and practical examples to enhance inclusive teaching practices across all disciplines. This open-access resource provides principles and tools to improve first-year students’ learning experiences, ensuring that diverse and typically underrepresented students feel valued and supported on their academic journey. 

The Inclusive Teaching Guide is a collaborative resource developed by the University of Sydney, University of NSW, and University of Newcastle.