Université de Lorraine is commited
Université de Lorraine is firmly committed to strong, shared values, as outlined in its Charter of Values. Our university promotes social equality, diversity, and inclusion for all through a variety of initiatives.
Structuring our actions
Gender equality action plan for professionals
At the heart of both public and societal concerns, the action plan for professional equality between women and men responds to the legal requirement to implement a multi-year action plan, as set out by the French Civil Service Transformation Act of August 6, 2019.
Beyond legal obligations, Université de Lorraine is committed to defending, promoting, and advancing the values it holds dear. This plan builds on longstanding and proactive efforts undertaken by the University to address issues of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Doctoral Student Harassment Prevention
A working group on Doctoral Student Harassment Prevention (GT PHD), composed of doctoral candidates, thesis supervisors, doctoral schools, and several operational departments, produced 19 recommendations aimed at improving existing support systems. These recommendations focus on:
- specific measures related to the progress of the thesis
- targeted actions addressing harassment
- the provision of information prior to the start of the doctoral programme
- strengthening scientific engagement within research units
- enhancing the monitoring system for thesis discontinuation
- awareness-raising, training, and communication on harassment
In addition to the listening and response system for internal violence situations and managing bullying, certain situations are handled directly by doctoral school directors and administrative staff. At the national level, Individual Monitoring Committees (CSI) have been established to monitor the scientific progress of theses. These committees also provide doctoral students with an opportunity to raise concerns about their working conditions and overall well-being.
A number of these recommendations are already being applied, including the CSI and the signature withdrawal procedure. Doctoral students also have the option to appoint a member of the CSI themselves. A confidential form has been developed, which can be sent directly to the Maison du Doctorat, without the thesis or laboratory supervisor being informed.
This initiative is part of a broader national framework. In October 2021, Frédérique Vidal, then Minister for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, launched a national action plan to combat gender-based and sexual violence in higher education. These concerns are central to Université de Lorraine, which implemented its first action plan for gender equality in June 2021.
Disability Master Plan
The 2018-2022 Disability Master Plan is an action plan covering all areas related to disability within the institution. Université de Lorraine is committed to inclusive measures aimed at providing equal opportunities to students and staff, regardless of their status.
The 2018-2022 Disability Master Plan addresses various aspects including student support, human resources, campus infrastructure, IT resources, education, research, and the accessibility of all activities offered to the university community.
Diversity Charter
Université de Lorraine has made a commitment alongside several partners by signing the Diversity Charter.
The Diversity Charter is a declaration of commitment open to any employer who, through a proactive approach, wishes to promote diversity and go beyond the legal and regulatory framework for combating discrimination.
By signing the Diversity Charter, Université de Lorraine has joined companies, associations, and local authorities in reaffirming its dedication to diversity and to fighting all forms of discrimination.
Autre cercle charter
The Autre Cercle Charter serves as a benchmark for employers’ commitment to LGBT+ communities.
Built on four key principles, it aims to engage employers to:
- Create an inclusive environment for LGBT+ employees
- Ensure equal rights and fair treatment for all employees, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity
- Support employees who experience discriminatory comments or acts
- Measure progress and share best practices to improve the overall working environment
The Autre Cercle team has adapted this charter specifically for the higher education and research sector (ESR), notably by adding commitments relating to students.
It is this updated charter that Université de Lorraine has signed, pledging to foster a caring and inclusive environment for both its staff and students.
Raising awareness and education
The EDI mission raises awareness among students and implements training programs for the entire university community.
EDUCATION
Every year, around a hundred people receive training on issues related to sexist and sexual violence and discrimination through the deployment of EDI units. The training focuses on identifying cases of SSV and discrimination, as well as on listening to and guiding victims or witnesses. Each session helps participants enhance their skills and equips them to lead awareness-raising sessions using the tools provided.
Raising awareness
Various awareness-raising sessions are regularly organised by the EDI mission and/or by the university’s departments. These sessions take several different forms, including:
- Forum theatre performances
- Presentations by members of the EDI units within departments
- The Diversity Fresco workshop
- Interventions by the EDI mission during university events
- Organisation of events to discuss EDI themes (film screenings and debates, conferences, panel discussions, exhibitions, posters, and awareness campaigns, etc.)
To support these awareness-raising sessions, Université de Lorraine has developed a range of tools available in the Ressources section.
Involving communities
Université de Lorraine is committed to promoting the values of equality, diversity, and inclusion. To support this commitment, it takes part in national initiatives and networks, and has established local relays across its territory.
The University Community: EDI Units
With the aim of ensuring coverage across the entire Lorraine region, the Mission supports the creation of EDI units. These units serve as equality, diversity, and inclusion contact points within faculties and/or campuses. They are organised groups of staff and students who work together to support the institution’s efforts in combating all forms of sexist and sexual violence and discrimination. Their goal is to help maintain a respectful and inclusive environment, and to foster a culture of mutual respect throughout the University.
Report and Address
Listening and response system for internal violence situations and managing bullying situations
Université de Lorraine’s listening and response measures for internal violence situations is available to staff, PhD students, and students.
Internal violence refers to:
- Sexist and sexual violence: sexual assault, rape, sexual harassment, sexist insults, etc.
- Workplace moral harassment, school bullying, and cyberbullying.
- Discrimination based on illegal criteria such as age, origin, sexual orientation, disability, as well as racist, sexist, homophobic, ableist insults or actions, etc.
These incidents can occur in study, work, or internship locations, online, or during any event related to the university.
Whether you are a victim or a witness, you can contact :
By phone: 06 38 97 73 91
By email: stop-violences@univ-lorraine.fr
A meeting with a listening team will be offered to provide support in a confidential setting.