Cultural, Religious & Linguistic Diversity

The WA community is marked by increasing cultural and religious diversity, with one quarter of its population born overseas, representing more than 200 countries, 170 languages and 100 religions. This diversity is mirrored within UWA as approximately 20% of the student body and academic staff and 12% of general staff are from a culturally diverse background. There are over 80 languages spoken at UWA.

UWA acknowledges that this diversity presents an opportunity to be creative and capture the benefits of challenging old ways of thinking and exploring new perspectives. It explicitly recognises it’s obligation as a university of excellence to produce graduates underpinning a knowledge-based nation that are intellectually and emotionally comfortable with difference.

UWA’s strong track record in promoting cultural and religious diversity is demonstrated by the following:

• a strong policy environment
   
• a range of initiatives designed to support cultural and religious diversity such as:

• a dedicated prayer room for Muslim staff and students and availability of halal food at the UWA refectory
   

• recognition of major ethno-religious events and festivals within the UWA calendar
   

• cultural diversity training for both staff and students
   

• explicit recognition of the need for cultural and religious leave for staff within the UWA Enterprise Agreements
   

• support for multi-religious, multi-ethnic student organisations on campus
   

• strategies designed to embed diversity perspectives within the curriculum and support a diverse student population in a manner which is sensitive to the different needs of all individuals.