Message from the Assistant Dean, Diversity and Inclusion
As the inaugural Assistant Dean in Diversity and Inclusion, I am honoured to welcome you to the Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) website for Diversity and Inclusion. On the website, we celebrate our diversity excellence, share resources, offer support, and provide solutions to Diversity and Inclusion related issues/topics such as LGBTQIA+, Gender Equality, Disability Inclusion, CALD (cultural and linguistic diversity), and Indigenous.
Differences in age, race, gender, cultural heritage, sexual orientation, physical ability, and background bring valuable experiences to our campus. We embrace the diversity of our staff and students. We are committed to cultivating, providing, and supporting a safe, fair, and enriching environment for our staff and students. Our roles include the responsibilities to produce excellent research, pursue important questions, make great contributions to society, and lead by example to create diverse and inclusive environments.
As your Assistant Dean in Diversity and Inclusion, I am passionate about promoting understanding and awareness to build a stronger FBE community and beyond. I am supported by the FBE/MBSL Joint Equity (Diversity and Inclusion) Committee. I am proud to be part of a team that seeks inclusive excellence in our efforts to attract and retain best employees and students, as well as form collaborative partnerships with global institutions and businesses. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.
Professor Flora Kuang
Assistant Dean, Diversity and Inclusion
FBE and MBS joint Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (DIAC)
The FBE and MBS Joint Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (DIAC) is made up of individuals across the Faculty of Business and Economics and Melbourne Business School and has representation from professional and academic staff, early career researchers and senior leadership.
We are guided by the University’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2030, our commitment to the Athena Swan Charter, and the Joint Vision and Strategic Framework for Enhanced Gender Balance and Equity Amongst Academics.
The Committee can be contacted via fbembsl-di@unimelb.edu.au
Diversity is a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. At FBE, we proudly celebrate the diversity excellence of staff and students. Here are some of their stories.
Tolulope (Tolu) Akinbiyi
Tolu is a Bachelor of Commerce student and an inaugural student representative of the FBE/MBSL Joint D&I Committee. Having joined SAMM – the Students’ Association of Management and Marketing – in her first semester, she serves as a member of its executive committee. Tolu is also actively involved in the university community beyond the FBE, as a member of UMSU’s Bla(c)k Collective and the German Club Executive Committee.
Mitch Hibbens
Mitch Hibbens is a queer Wiradjuri person living in Wiradjuri country and working with the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership. He is currently the program director for the MURRA Indigenous Business Masterclass Program and an associate lecturer.
Norton Hills
Norton Hills is a part-time student at Melbourne Business School and an inaugural student representative of the FBE/MBSL Joint D&I Committee, and an active participant in several MBS clubs. Norton’s strong network of LGBTQIA+ friends and allies has connected him with students from a variety of backgrounds.
Dr. Mehrdokht (Medo) Pournader
Medo is a Faculty of Business and Economics senior lecturer and senior academic adviser, is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She actively serves on the FBE/MBSL Joint Diversity and Inclusion Committee and leads a committee working group on improving faculty support for LGBTQIA+ students and staff.
FBE/MBSL D&I Small Grants Program
FBE/MBSL Joint D&I Committee is pleased to announce a small grants program to support staff and students who are interested in hosting or coordinating events that advance the vision of FBE and MBSL as trusted leaders in diversity and inclusion.
SSNP: Scheme for Supporting FBE New Parents
Scheme for Supporting FBE New Parents (SSNP) aims to improve the experience of FBE staff who are new parents, and effectively attract and retain FBE staff. SSNP also aims to support gender equality and increase women representation among academics, and enhance a culture of diversity and inclusion at work and beyond.
Deans' Diversity and Inclusion excellence awards
The Deans’ Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Awards aim to celebrate individuals and groups in the Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) and Melbourne Business School (MBS) who evidence exceptional dedication to diversity and inclusion. These awards embody our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and are open to both academic and professional staff. Award categories include thought Leadership and Intellectual Contribution, Promoting Diversity and Inclusion, and Inclusive Pedagogy.
Carer's travel support scheme
The Faculty of Business and Economics recognises that access to opportunity is a crucial aspect of setting the environment for research excellence. In step with this, our Carer's Travel Support Scheme seeks to ensure research activities, specifically travel, is accessible for researchers with caring responsibilities.
Enhanced Gender Balance and Equity Amongst Academics
The joint vision and strategic framework for Enhanced Gender Balance and Equity Amongst Academics launched in 2021, addresses the underrepresentation of female academic staff, in general, and in leadership and decision-making roles, in particular. Other areas of focus are increasing diversity and inclusion in the curriculum and among Bachelor of Commerce students, and initiatives to enhance the wellbeing of staff and students. Creating more gender equity by increasing the representation of women in academic positions, and more broadly across the Faculty in senior leadership roles, is a strategic priority for the Faculty of Business and Economics and is an important part of our diversity agenda.
sheCommerce
sheCommerce is an immersive and academic enrichment program delivered by the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Business and Economics. sheCommerce is for Year 9-12 high school students who identify as women or non-binary and are passionate about leadership and pursuing a career where they can impact change. The program allows students to meet like-minded peers, current Bachelor of Commerce students, alumni and inspiring academics who are making a difference in industry and through their research.
-
Training
Courses and support on ally training, disability awareness and cultural competency available to all University staff
-
Resources
A collection of relevant resources, groups and services for communities and their allies
-
Support
A range of support that may assist underrepresented and marginalised communities and their allies
News and Events
Diversity and Inclusion calendar
By acknowledging, celebrating, and promoting days of significance, we aim for increasing the visibility of diversity and foster an inclusive workplace culture.