Under the motto "Breaking Barriers Together", the Gender & Diversity Advisory Board at IMC Krems implemented numerous initiatives during the 2024/25 academic year to actively promote equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion. The aim was to create an environment in which all students and staff can realise their full potential—regardless of gender, origin, disability, or socio-economic background.
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Embracing Diversity, Breaking Barriers: A Year of Inclusion at IMC Krems
"As a university, we have a responsibility to provide equal opportunities for all—regardless of individual circumstances. Making diversity visible and dismantling structural barriers is a key mission," emphasises CEO Mag. Ulrike Prommer.
Accessibility and Inclusion
In the area of accessibility and inclusion, the focus was on removing both physical and structural obstacles. At the Open House, visitors could experience everyday barriers first-hand at an interactive inclusion stand—by trying out a wheelchair or using an ageing simulation suit, for instance. In addition, the "Studying with a Disability" process was further developed to provide tailored support to students through individual case assessments. Access to information on financial support was also improved to better assist students facing challenging life situations. The successful hochschuleundfamilie audit once again confirmed IMC Krems’ commitment to creating a family-friendly environment.
Equal Opportunities and Gender Equity
Various measures were implemented to promote gender equity and raise awareness of diversity. Around International Women’s Day, the Gender & Diversity Advisory Board, together with Campus_Netzwerk:Diversity* and the University for Continuing Education Krems, organised a dialogue on current equality issues.
The ongoing “IMC Female Scientists” series on the IMC website showcases the achievements of women in research and teaching, making their work more visible. For the LGBTIQA+ community, events such as the Queer Movie Night and the Queer Heuriger offered space for networking and celebrating lived diversity.
“We want to encourage everyone to actively contribute to an even more inclusive university culture,” says Victoria Englmaier, MSc (WU) BSc (WU), responsible for Gender & Diversity, summing up the Board’s objective.
Knowledge and Change
Sustainable change is built on knowledge. Topics relating to diversity and ethics are a fixed part of the curriculum at IMC Krems. In the 2024/25 academic year, these topics were further expanded through additional identity workshops for outgoing students. Moreover, several final theses were written on diversity and gender topics, addressing current societal issues and contributing to academic discourse.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 academic year has clearly shown: the Gender & Diversity Advisory Board—working together with IMC Krems staff—makes a significant contribution to removing barriers and promoting diversity. The implemented initiatives strengthen a university culture where everyone has equal opportunities. In doing so, IMC Krems fulfils its social responsibility as a university.
The theme for the upcoming academic year has already been set: “You Matter. So Does Your Mental Health.” Numerous initiatives and measures in 2025/26 will therefore focus on mental well-being.