Fostering belonging

We envision a vibrant, diverse community founded on inclusion and a shared sense of belonging, igniting our drive to create significant global impact.

A whole of university approach to diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Macquarie University seeks to engage our students, staff, patients, partners and the wider community through transformative learning, life experiences, discovery, knowledge dissemination, healthcare, innovation and deep partnerships. Diversity, inclusion and belonging are the fundamental principles that enable us to fulfil this purpose.

Professor S Bruce Dowton Vice-Chancellor and President

The framework

Macquarie's commitment is outlined in our whole of university Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework 2024–2028. The framework is built on three interconnected pillars, each with a set of outcomes, priorities and key actions. The framework is designed to inform strategies and plans at all levels and in all areas of Macquarie University, ensuring that diversity, inclusion and belonging become deeply embedded in the systems, practices and culture of the University and all its entities.

Building diversity

We will take a proactive effort to enhance the presence and inclusion of people from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, races, ethnicities, languages, faiths, genders, sexualities, abilities, ages, socioeconomic statuses and life experiences across every part of the University community.

Acknowledging the complexity of each individual's identity is essential, as the intersections of these attributes can lead to compounding experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

Embedding inclusion

We will take deliberate and proactive measures to establish a nurturing and fair environment where every member of our Macquarie community – regardless of their diverse backgrounds, identities or abilities – feels deeply valued, respected, and provided with equal opportunities to engage and flourish.

Fostering belonging

We will create an atmosphere where everyone can genuinely sense their integral and valued role within our Macquarie community. This involves creating a safe space for individuals to express their authentic selves, fostering a strong connection to the University and its unique culture, and cultivating a shared sense of identity among all who contribute to our community.

Our guiding principles

Six principles guide Macquarie University’s approach to diversity, inclusion and belonging:

Enabling success

Our progress in the following four key areas underpins our aim to consistently integrate and successfully implement the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework 2024–2028 across the University.

Clear accountability structures will enable the alignment of all diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives under this overarching framework and ensure we collectively deliver on the University’s priorities.

Framework success measures, key performance indicators and targets will be developed to guide action planning at the faculty, portfolio and entity levels, with regular transparent reporting to our Macquarie community.

Improved collection and reporting of qualitative and quantitative diversity and inclusion data will enable a metrics-based approach in which attention and resources are focused on those areas most likely to bring about meaningful change. These metrics, complemented with qualitative surveys and focus groups, will be used to identify priorities, establish baselines, assess the effectiveness of various initiatives and measure outcomes.

Regular reports on the progress of diversity, inclusion and belonging will be shared with our leaders and the University community.

Effective communication and engagement will be critical in gaining support for the framework and its principles, inspiring action at the local level, sharing progress and success stories, and sustaining momentum over time.

Diversity, inclusion and belonging messaging will be embedded in internal and external communications to enhance visibility and promote a shared sense of belonging.

Ensuring that everybody has the knowledge, capability and support to advance diversity, inclusion and belonging is essential to our goal of a leader-led, whole-of-community approach.

The framework prioritises targeted development in inclusive leadership and inclusive design. It also emphasises the importance of raising awareness about diversity, accessibility, everyday inclusion, safety and respect for all.