In the long term, Diversitybuddies provide a decentralized support structure for students and staff members at the University of Graz who are affected by barriers to equitable participation. They…

• …serve as easily accessible, visible and trustworthy contact persons for questions and concerns related to equality and diversity in daily work or study life
• …refer individuals to the many advisory and support services at the University of Graz and beyond as required
• …act as multipliers for diversity-sensitive competencies within their respective institutes, centers, departments, & institutions

All employees at the University of Graz who are committed to diversity or want to become so and express their voluntary interest can become Diversitybuddies. Simply send us an e-mail or contact us using the form below.

To acquire the necessary competencies, new Diversitybuddies participate in a half-day introductory workshop that is held up to twice a year. This workshop covers the following topics: 

• Basic knowldedge on the topics of gender & diversity
• Role clarity: What are my tasks? What is not part of it?
• Basic counseling skills for effective handling of sensitive situations
• Information on advisory and support services available within and outside the University of Graz

There are currently still places available for the introductory workshop on January 12, 2026 (click here) and on April 16, 2026 (click here). Both workshops will be held in German.

To facilitate exchanges between the Diversitybuddies, there will be a dedicated space in the internal chat program uniCHAT. Additionally, there are plans plans to organize a regular meetup (“Stammtisch”) for all Diversitybuddies. Furthermore, Diversitybuddies are cordially invited to share their experiences with the university in the open meetings of the AntiBias-Circle and thus contribute in shaping the University of Graz as an anti-bias organization. These meetings will be announced in advance.

For your commitment as a Diversitybuddy, you will receive the following goodies:

• Reserved places for topic-related workshops and trainings offered by the Coordination Center for Gender Studies and Equal Opportunities
• A letter confirming your commitment as a Diversitybuddy from the Vice Rectorate for Internationalization & Equal Opportunities after successful completion of the introductury workshop or by providing evidence of completion of an equivalent training
• On request, documentation of your involvement within the Activity Framework of the University of Graz as well as in UniGrazOnline