Cyprus University of Technology has developed a network of policies and institutional interventions in recent years aimed at creating a safe and fair academic and work environment, with emphasis on equality, inclusion and respect for diversity.
The initiatives have a clear social impact and contribute to public dialogue on human rights and equal opportunities, according to the university.
Officer Constantia Kousoulou explained that equality and inclusion principles are not treated as fragmented actions but as horizontal values throughout education, research, administration and daily university life.
The issues were integrated from the outset into the university’s strategic planning in a methodical and organised way.
The approach is reflected in CUT’s official Strategic Development Plan, where promoting equality, diversity and inclusion is incorporated into basic strategic goals as an integral element of the university’s academic and social mission.
The strategy was initially implemented through the 2020-2024 Equality Plan and the Equal Access Plan for People with Disabilities and Special Educational Needs, which laid the foundations for a more inclusive environment.
After a review and research in the university community, CUT drafted a new Equality and Accessibility Plan 2025-2028 in 2025 that combines the goals of the two previous plans.
It is based on five pillars: creating an organisational culture of equality and inclusion; access and support for people with disabilities and special educational needs; equal support for professional careers; incorporating gender dimension and accessibility into funding, research and teaching; and zero tolerance for bullying, discrimination, harassment and gender-based violence.
The institutionalised University Equality Committee, which operates at the Senate level, and the Diversity and Inclusion Office play key roles in implementing the policies.
The office coordinates, supports and implements information, training and awareness actions for the university community.
CUT also participates in the European University of Technology (EUt+) alliance through the EDI Office (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) with eight other European universities.
The cooperation allows the exchange of good practices and the implementation of joint actions, strengthening the equality dimension at the European level.
Kousoulou noted that a change in attitudes within the university community has been evident in recent years. Universal use of inclusive language in all official documents and announcements is now promoted in daily communication.
Equality issues are strengthened through training, awareness actions and specialised structures, whilst annual collection and monitoring of gender data supports evidence-based policy planning and accountability.
Accessibility and equal opportunities for all community members form a basic pillar of CUT’s strategy, treated with a holistic and long-term approach. The issues are not limited to physical access to spaces but concern overall participation in educational, research and work life.
CUT systematically invests in improving the physical and digital accessibility of infrastructure and services, ensuring educational material, electronic platforms and administrative procedures are accessible to all.
Adaptations and assistive technologies are provided where necessary, so people with disabilities or special educational needs can participate equally in the educational process.
Emphasis is placed on training and awareness on accessibility and equal opportunities, as well as the collection and utilisation of relevant data for evidence-based policy planning.
The university also develops partnerships with specialised organisations. The goal is to create a safe, accessible environment without exclusions where all community members can participate and develop equally.
CUT’s recent “Employer of Equality” award represents significant confirmation of the systematic and collective effort made over time to promote equality and inclusion in the work and academic environment, according to the university.
The recognition acknowledges policies and practices promoting transparency in procedures, equal opportunities and prevention of discrimination in access and professional development of staff.
Emphasis is placed on institutional integration of equality principles in strategic planning, operation of specialised support structures, and implementation of training and awareness actions.
The award doesn’t signify completion but motivates continuation and strengthening of actions, the university said. For 2026, CUT plans to revise and update its Code of Practice for the prevention and handling of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment to make it more inclusive, clear and accessible for all community members.
The university intends to deepen work on themes concerning underrepresented groups, with particular emphasis on active involvement of the student community as agents of positive change inside and outside the university.