Equality and non-discrimination policy of an education provider

At Tampere University the obligations of the equality and non-discrimination legislation are implemented in accordance with the Equality and Non-discrimination Policy for 2026-2028. The policy consists of two separate parts: the Functional Plan of an Education Provider and the Equality and Non-discrimination Policy for HR.

Functional Equality and Non-discrimination Policy of an Education Provider has been prepared to support the achievement of equality and non-discrimination goals related to education at Tampere University. As a university, i.e. as an education provider, we are obliged to promote equality and non-discrimination and to prevent exclusion. This policy concentrates on student admissions, teaching arrangements, learning materials, learning environments, diverse learning, the assessment of study attainments and the prevention and elimination of harassment. The plan includes three priorities: accessible and diversity-promoting education and learning; organisational culture of equality, non-discrimination and accessibility and prevention of inappropriate behaviour and harassment, and handling challenging situations. The priorities include goals and development measures aiming to increase the educational equality and non-discrimination at the university. Roead more on Equality on Non-Discrimination policy for 2026-2028.

Accessible and diversity-promoting education and learning

Our objectives 

We promote equality, non-discrimination and accessibility in student admissions, curriculum design, teaching arrangements, assessment of learning outcomes, and study guidance. Our aim is to ensure that, for example, gender, nationality, social position, disability or financial situation do not affect the opportunity to apply for and pursue studies. As an education provider, we must ensure that everyone has equal opportunities for education and professional development, and that our teaching and study materials support the realisation of equality and non-discrimination, while also reflecting social and cultural diversity. We aim for our degree and continuous learning education to be accessible and inclusive. Thus, our learning materials, teaching methods, use of digital tools for teaching and learning, and assessment procedures treat everyone equally and accessibility has been taken into account. University studies equip students with the ability to understand and examine issues related to equality and non-discrimination. Our degrees must be designed so that it is possible to complete them within the target time. We aim to ensure the equal treatment of our students by improving the conditions for participation in education for students with disabilities or other individual needs. Individual study arrangements support our students and safeguard equal treatment alongside our other students.

The goals of the section accessible and diversity-promoting education and learning 

• Our applicant communications attract a diverse range of students. Applicant communications take into account gender diversity and other underrepresented groups.
• Curricula and teaching arrangements promote equality and non-discrimination and foster the appreciation of social and cultural diversity.
• We incorporate accessibility perspectives into the planning of teaching and curriculum design to ensure that teaching is suitable for as many students as possible without requiring separate adjustments.
• Individual arrangements promote study progress.

Organisational culture of equality, non-discrimination and accessibility

Our objectives 

The equality of all people is our core value that we respect in our own activities and promote through research and teaching in society at large. We strive for an operating environment and organisational culture where all members of our community – students and staff alike – have the right to a physically, psychologically, socially and digitally safe, healthy, equal, and non-discriminating study and work environment. We also raise awareness of anti-racist practices as part of the University’s operations. In our operations, we seek to ensure that our environments are physically and digitally accessible. We promote the inclusion of diverse learners and working methods in our environments. Our university’s Safer Spaces Policy ensures that all members of our higher education community have safe, equal, and comfortable conditions for studying, working, teaching, conducting research and spending time. 

Openness, diversity, and responsibility guide internal communications in our university community. We aim for effective information flows as an essential part of our organisational culture. We have various policies and guidelines related to equality and non-discrimination, which are compiled and made available to the entire community on the Intranet. Our students are an important part of the university community, and the guidelines and procedures also apply to them. 

We aim to increase competence and awareness within our university community regarding equality and non-discrimination, so that our students and teaching and guidance staff have the necessary tools to consider diversity and ensure non-discrimination in different situations. We actively seek to identify and eliminate practices and structures that maintain inequality in our organisational culture.

The goals of the section organisational culture of equality, non-discrimination and accessibility

• Our staff and students are familiar with the principles guiding equality and non-discrimination. 
• Our staff and students are familiar with the principles guiding equality and non-discrimination. 
• We aim to improve the healthiness of study and work environments and the wellbeing of our community by encouraging a reduction in fragrance use.
•  We reduce physical barriers by acknowledging diversity.

Prevention of inappropriate behaviour and harassment, and handling challenging situations

Our objectives 

Our university is an equal and non-discriminatory place to study and work. Harassment, discrimination, bullying and inappropriate conduct are strictly prohibited. If inappropriate behaviour, bullying or harassment occurs, all members of the university community have a duty to intervene. We take reports of inappropriate conduct seriously. Our approach to handling such matters is based on equality, fairness, confidentiality and discretion. 

Employees have the right to request that a harassment contact person, occupational safety delegate, other support person or a shop steward is involved in processing their case. Students may also request a support person, such as the student union’s harassment contact person, to assist in the process. 

We focus on early intervention and response. We aim to identify various forms of harassment and inappropriate behaviour and address issues before they escalate. We promote the sharing of good practices among our teaching units.

The goals of the section Prevention of inappropriate behaviour and harassment, and handling challenging situations

• Our university has an equal and non-discriminatory organisational culture. 

More information

equity.tau [at] tuni.fi (equity[dot]tau[at]tuni[dot]fi)

Read more on Equality in education and studying and prevention of harassment

Read more on Equity, diversity and inclusion

The goals and measures of the Functional Equality and Non-Discrimination Policy for an Educational Provider, organised by priority area: