University of Applied Sciences

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Our approaches to Diversity and Inclusion are ever-changing to suit the needs of our community. Take a look at our initiatives so far.

CODE sees diversity, equity and inclusion as an opportunity in terms of attitude and policy, and we cultivate a culture of participation for everyone and their specific skills and characteristics. For this reason — respect, recognition, and empowerment of all members of the university have the highest priority—regardless of gender, abilities, cultural or ethnic background, religion or belief, age, sexual identity or preference, or other reasons that may lead to discrimination and/or exclusion.

Studying at CODE has been a great experience. When I needed help, my male peers were encouraging and helpful, but not from a patronizing standpoint, but like peer-to-peer. Working in a diverse team is so important: the work is better, and it’s more fun.Lotta Melcher
– Software Engineering student at CODE

Community

The CODE Community is varied in its perspectives and concerns. Here are a few of the ways we give space to those various voices:

  • Townhall meetings for transparent discussions about sensitive or urgent topics
  • English-language use by all students and team members while on campus
  • Diversity & Inclusion events throughout the semester (where we discuss topics like gendered language, codes of ethics, children of lesser-educated parents in academia, and difficulties of being a foreigner in Berlin)
  • Glimpses of Diversity workshops during onboarding days for all new students

FLINTA (Frauen, Lesbian, Intersex, Non Binary, Trans, Asexual) at CODE

23% percent of the CODE student body and 49% of the team are FLINTA. We started holding meetings back in our first year of studies to be sure we could see each other, hear each others’ stories, and support one another through:

  • Regular student-hosted events for all FLINTA in the CODE community
  • A dedicated Slack channel to share experiences and ask for advice

LGBTQIA+

CODE’s queer community is more visible than ever before, and one of the best ways to tackle that is to celebrate who we are! Part of this initiative is our Pride Week during June, planned by team members and students. Other steps we’re taking:

  • We encourage everyone to share the pronouns they choose for themselves at community events
  • We have multi-gendered bathrooms on campus
  • Name and pronoun changes for students and staff are always possible and embraced
  • A dedicated Slack channel to share experiences and ask for advice

Campus Accessibility

We are currently designing our future campus to make our spaces more accessible for members of our community with physical disabilities, whether visible or not. We are constantly adjusting and expanding our facilities and are open to feedback from our community to make it as easy as possible for all CODE members to move about campus independently, always.

We offer family-friendly rooms for individuals with children and integrate consideration into scheduling meetings with those who possess care responsibilities. Additionally, we provide a Praying and Relaxation room designed to offer a tranquil space for winding down, meditation, or for practicing one’s faith in privacy between classes.

Learning Accessibility

CODE’s unique curriculum does more than help our students learn by doing. Our project-based, self-directed learning allows all types of learners to thrive and show off their skills, especially for those who haven’t always been comfortable with traditional learning formats.

We also address visual and auditory impairments by providing learning tools to suit various needs. Students are actively encouraged to co-design more accessible learning journeys that address their individual requirements.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental health is of great importance in a learning community that encourages self-drive. We reduce stigma around mental health issues through community events and open discussions. At CODE, we:

  • Educate students through courses on wellbeing
  • Educate staff & mentors on best practices in mental health first aid and safeguarding
  • Provide confidential psychological in-house counseling for students

Recruiting

We collaborate closely with the People and Culture team to uphold fair hiring practices. As an integral part of our recruitment process, we conduct DEI-specific interviews. These conversations are instrumental in our commitment to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our operations, fostering an inclusive and welcoming culture at CODE.

Learn more about diversity, equity & inclusion at CODE

Our strategy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a living document, open to change as our needs do. Inclusion is an ongoing conversation, one whose ending has not yet been written.

If you’re curious about our DEI initiatives, have questions, or wish to share feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at dei@code.berlin.

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