Equality

The University of Vaasa promotes equality and non-discrimination in education, research, and the development of the work environment, strengthening an inclusive and fair community at all levels of its operations.

We aim to build a community where every student and employee feels welcome, valued, and safe—regardless of background, gender, language, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or other personal characteristics. Ensuring equality and non-discrimination is the responsibility of the entire university community, and promoting them is part of everyday actions. This page presents how the University of Vaasa makes this work visible and impactful.

An Inclusive and Accessible Community

The University of Vaasa is committed to building a community where everyone genuinely has equal opportunities to participate, learn, and grow based on their individual starting points. This includes the continuous improvement of accessibility in both physical and digital environments. On campus, efforts are made to ensure accessible routes, clear signage, and versatile space solutions that serve diverse users. In the digital environment, accessibility means clarity, usability, and multilingualism in online services, teaching materials, and communication.

However, equality is not limited to structures—it is also reflected in everyday interactions, communication, and the community atmosphere. The University of Vaasa strives to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where everyone feels heard and valued. The well-being of students and staff is a key part of this work, supported through accessibility and well-being plans, training, and low-threshold support services.

The university actively monitors the realization of equality and non-discrimination within the community and develops its practices based on feedback, surveys, and statistical data. The goal is a continuously evolving, diverse, and inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and feel a sense of belonging.

Big Heart Award Recipients by Year:

2018: Professor Seppo Niemi

2020: Student Union of the University of Vaasa

2021: University Lecturer Sirpa Heino

2022: Assistant Tiina Jokinen (Staff and Management Services)

2023:

Dean Arto Rajala (Marketing and Communication Unit)

Advocacy Specialist Elli Uusi-Kokko (Student Union)

2024:

Director Heidi Kuusniemi (Digital Economy Research Platform)

Manager Sanna Kotajärvi-Söderholm (Student Services)

2025: University Lecturer Heini Pensar (Human Resource Management)

Honorable Mentions:

Education Program Coordinator Marja Vettenranta

Professor Mohammed Elmusrati

More Information and Guidelines:

• Act on Equality between Women and Men
• Non-discrimination Act
• The Na­tional Non-Dis­crim­i­na­tion and Equal­ity Tri­bunal
• Ombudsman for Equality
• Information on equality
• Guidelines and Regulations Concerning Studying and Degrees
• Guidelines for situations of inappropriate treatment and harassment relating to studying
• Accessible studying and individual study arrangements