Filenews 5 January 2026 - by Andrea Mavrou
With an emphasis on equality, inclusion and respect for diversity, the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) has been developing in recent years a network of policy and institutional interventions aimed at creating a safe and fair academic and working environment. These are initiatives with a clear social footprint, which contribute substantially to the public debate around human rights and equal opportunities.
As the officer Konstantia Kousoulou explains, the principles of equality and inclusion are not treated as fragmented actions, but as horizontal values that run through education, research, administration and the daily life of the university community. For this reason, these issues were included from the beginning in the strategic planning of the University in a methodical and organized way, so that they are implemented systematically and continuously.
This choice is also reflected in the official Strategic Development Plan of the University, where the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion is part of the main strategic goals, as an integral element of the academic and social mission of CUT.
From planning to practice
This strategy was initially implemented through the Equality Plan 2020–2024, as well as the Equal Access Plan for Persons with Disabilities and Persons with Special Educational Needs, which laid the groundwork for the creation of a more inclusive academic and work environment.
Following an assessment of the previous period and research in the academic community, in 2025 the new Equality and Accessibility Plan 2025–2028 was prepared, which combines the objectives of the two previous plans and is based on five main pillars:
- creating an organizational culture of equality and inclusion,
- access to and support for people with disabilities and special educational needs;
- equal support for professional careers;
- gender mainstreaming and accessibility in funding, research and teaching;
- zero tolerance for intimidation, discrimination, harassment and gender-based violence.
These pillars are translated into specific goals and actions implemented at the level of administration, services, faculties and departments.
A decisive role in the implementation of the policies is played by the institutionalized Equality Committee of the University, which operates at the level of the Senate, as well as the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which has undertaken the coordination, support and implementation of information, education and awareness actions of the university community.
At the same time, CUT participates in the European University of Technology (EUt+) alliance, through the EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) Office, in collaboration with eight other European universities. This cooperation allows for the exchange of good practices and the implementation of joint actions, strengthening the equality dimension at European level.
Visible changes and community response
As Ms. Kousoulou points out, in recent years the change in attitudes within the university community has been evident. A typical example is the universal use of inclusive language in all official documents and announcements of the University, a practice that is now also promoted in everyday communication.
At the same time, equality issues are strengthened through trainings, awareness-raising actions and the operation of specialized structures, while the annual collection and monitoring of gender data is an important tool, which supports evidence-based policy planning and accountability.
Accessibility and ensuring equal opportunities for all members of the university community are a key pillar of the Cyprus University of Technology's strategy and are addressed with a holistic and long-term approach. As it is pointed out, these issues are not limited only to physical access to the premises, but concern the overall participation in the educational, research and working life of the University.
In this context, CUT systematically invests in improving the physical and digital accessibility of its infrastructure and services, ensuring that educational materials, online platforms and administrative processes are accessible to all. At the same time, adaptations and assistive technologies are provided, where necessary, so that people with disabilities or special educational needs can participate equally in the educational process.
Particular emphasis is also placed on educating and raising awareness of the university community on accessibility and equal opportunities issues, as well as on the collection and utilization of relevant data, which allow for evidence-based policy design. The University also develops partnerships with specialized bodies, enhancing the effectiveness of its interventions. The goal, as underlined, is to create a safe, accessible and inclusive academic environment, in which all members of the community can participate and evolve equally.
"Employer of Equality" award and next steps
The recent award of CUT as an "Equality Employer" is, according to the University, an important confirmation of the systematic and collective effort made over time to promote equality and inclusion in the work and academic environment.
Through this distinction, policies and practices that promote transparency in procedures, equal opportunities and the prevention of discrimination, both in access and in the professional development of staff, are recognized. At the same time, special emphasis is placed on the institutional integration of the principles of equality in strategic planning, the operation of specialized support structures, as well as the implementation of education and awareness actions.
As it is emphasized, the award does not mark the completion of the effort, but acts as an incentive to continue and strengthen the actions. In this context, for 2026, CUT plans to revise and update the Code of Practice for preventing and addressing bullying, harassment and sexual harassment, with the aim of making it more inclusive, clear and accessible for all members of the university community.
At the same time, the University intends to delve into more topics related to under-represented groups, paying particular attention to the active involvement of the student community, so that students can act as agents of positive change, both inside and outside the university.
