ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡'s Diversity Environment
ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ established the "Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion" on April 1, 2018, to build an environment where faculty, staff, and students respect each other's personalities, recognize diverse values, and work together, and to quickly address issues related to the acceptance of diversity. The following year, this office, which established a charter, became a university-wide organization encompassing everything from affiliated schools to the university, graduate schools, and university hospital, aiming to lead the formation of a collaborative society through the promotion of projects related to work-life balance, barrier-free access, diversity, and community engagement.
The Juku uses the original coined term "Kyosei Kankyo" (Collaborative Environment) to express its "diversity environment." This includes the philosophy of realizing a collaborative society where people from various backgrounds respect and cooperate with each other. By positioning environmental improvements and awareness-raising activities related to the four aforementioned themes from a broader and more inclusive perspective, the Juku aims to realize a "Kyosei Kankyo."
Under this philosophy, multifaceted initiatives are being developed. In terms of "work-life balance," these include support for childcare (KIDS) and nursing care (KIND), support for balancing personal concerns with work (CARE), and the implementation of comprehensive childcare support programs for nurses, midwives, and students. Furthermore, in collaboration with the university hospital and other institutions, the "Breeze Project" provides support for physical maintenance, including the establishment of a "Body Consultation Room" where people can consult with specialists, and the holding of regular seminars.
Regarding "barrier-free" access, support is provided to students and faculty with disabilities. For students in particular, the "Office of Accessible Education" has been established to develop a university-wide backup system called the "@ease Project," which includes peer support by students known as @ease supporters. Regarding "diversity," the university is promoting collaboration with relevant domestic and international organizations and environmental improvements called Pride Commitment. In April 2023, a basic policy on the promotion of DEI was established, and efforts are being made to create places of belonging and develop consultation systems. Finally, in "community engagement," the office supports projects initiated based on proposals from the ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ Student Conference, such as the installation of water coolers on all campuses as proposed.
As society changes globally, in complexity, and in diversity, what is required is a "broad perspective," a "sincere attitude," and a "generous heart"¡ªin other words, integrity. Under the philosophy of "Kyosei Kankyo," which possesses a uniquely broad and new perspective, we aim to create an environment where diverse people and ideas are equally respected and accepted, and where people respect and cooperate with one another.
(Erika Kuroda, Administrative Director, Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)
*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of publication.