Equality, Diversity
& Inclusion.
Creating an academic community where different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences are respected.
Different Perspectives.
One Academic Community.
At the International Business School of Scandinavia (IBSS), we are committed to providing an inclusive, respectful and equitable learning and working environment for all members of our academic community.
As a private business school based in Denmark with students, faculty and educational partners internationally, IBSS recognises the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion in both education and employment.
Diversity of background, experience, culture and perspective strengthens international education and helps prepare our students for an interconnected global society.
Who this policy
applies to.
Equality, diversity and inclusion form part of the way IBSS approaches education, institutional development and professional conduct across its international academic community.
Where IBSS programmes are delivered in cooperation with educational partners, partners are expected to uphold equivalent principles of equality, dignity and non-discrimination in accordance with applicable local legislation and their agreements with IBSS.
All students, faculty, academic staff, administrative staff, management and visiting personnel.
Educational partners and other persons acting on behalf of IBSS, where applicable.
Admissions, recruitment, employment, teaching, assessment, academic supervision, curriculum development, student services and institutional decision-making.
Learning and working environments provided directly by IBSS, including online and blended-learning environments.
Grounded in equality
and non-discrimination.
This policy is informed by applicable Danish legislation concerning equality and non-discrimination, together with relevant European and international human rights principles.
Danish Act on Gender Equality
Promotes equality between women and men and seeks to prevent direct and indirect discrimination on the grounds of gender.
Equal Treatment in Employment
Danish legislation provides for equal treatment of women and men in employment and related vocational education and training.
Prohibition against Discrimination on the Labour Market
Danish law prohibits discrimination in employment on protected grounds including race, colour, religion or belief, political opinion, sexual orientation, age, disability and national, social or ethnic origin.
European & International Principles
IBSS also recognises applicable Danish and European requirements concerning equality and accessibility, together with international human rights principles applicable in Denmark.
IBSS applies this policy in accordance with applicable law and any specific legal requirements in jurisdictions where activities are carried out through international partners.
What we
stand for.
IBSS seeks to create an academic and professional environment in which individuals can participate fairly, contribute confidently and be treated with dignity and respect.
Provide equal opportunities in education, admissions, recruitment, professional development and employment.
Prevent unlawful discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, bullying and victimisation.
Treat students, employees and other members of the IBSS community with dignity, fairness and respect.
Base academic and professional decisions on relevant, transparent and objective criteria.
Encourage an international academic culture in which different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences are respected.
Promote inclusive teaching and learning practices appropriate to IBSS’s international student body.
Make reasonable efforts to ensure learning materials, digital platforms and educational activities are accessible.
Consider reasonable adjustments where necessary to support effective participation in academic or professional activities.
Protect individuals who raise genuine concerns regarding discrimination or harassment from retaliation or victimisation.
Respect across
cultures and perspectives.
IBSS does not tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment on grounds protected by applicable law.
IBSS additionally seeks to foster an environment in which individuals are treated fairly and respectfully regardless of personal background, including characteristics such as gender, age, race, colour, ethnicity, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, or socio-economic background.
Differences of opinion, academic debate and cultural perspectives are recognised as normal elements of an international academic environment. Such differences must, however, be expressed in a manner consistent with professional conduct, academic integrity and respect for others.
Shared responsibility.
Maintaining an inclusive academic environment is a responsibility shared across the IBSS community.
Management
IBSS Management is responsible for ensuring that the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion are appropriately reflected in institutional policies, decision-making and organisational practices.
Administration
The Administration Department supports implementation of this policy, receives concerns or complaints, and ensures relevant matters are referred to the appropriate person or body.
Academic Staff & Faculty
Faculty and academic staff are expected to promote fair and inclusive learning environments, apply academic requirements consistently and treat students without unlawful discrimination or bias.
Educational Partners
Partners delivering or supporting IBSS programmes are expected to respect the principles contained in this policy and comply with applicable equality and non-discrimination legislation within their respective jurisdictions.
Students & Community
All members of the IBSS community share responsibility for treating others with dignity and respect and behaving in a manner consistent with this policy.
Speak up.
Be heard.
Any student, employee or other member of the IBSS community who believes that they have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, victimisation or other conduct contrary to this policy is encouraged to report the matter to the IBSS Administration Department.
Reports will be considered objectively and handled with appropriate confidentiality. Information will only be shared with individuals who reasonably require it in order to assess, investigate or resolve the matter, subject to applicable legal obligations.
No person should be disadvantaged or subjected to retaliation for raising a genuine concern in good faith or participating in an investigation.
Where a complaint relates to activities delivered through an IBSS educational partner, IBSS may coordinate with the relevant partner in accordance with applicable institutional procedures, contractual arrangements and local law.
Supporting effective
participation.
IBSS recognises that students and employees may have different accessibility requirements.
Where reasonably possible and appropriate, IBSS will consider adjustments to teaching, assessment, communication, digital resources or working arrangements to enable individuals with disabilities or documented accessibility needs to participate effectively.
Any adjustment must maintain the academic standards and learning outcomes applicable to the programme or course.
Students requiring an adjustment or additional support should contact the Administration Department as early as reasonably possible.
Monitoring
& Review.
IBSS will periodically review this policy and its implementation to ensure that it remains appropriate, effective and consistent with applicable legislation and institutional practice.
Feedback from students, faculty, staff and educational partners may be considered as part of the review process.
Where appropriate and legally permissible, IBSS may use aggregated or anonymised information to identify patterns, barriers or areas in which institutional practices can be improved.
Accountability.
Conduct contrary to this policy may be addressed under the relevant IBSS student, academic, employment or disciplinary procedures.
Discrimination, harassment, victimisation and retaliation may constitute serious misconduct and may result in disciplinary measures where substantiated.
Educational partners that fail to uphold applicable contractual, legal or institutional requirements relating to equality and non-discrimination may also be subject to review under their agreement with IBSS.
An international community built on respect.
By promoting equality, respecting diversity and maintaining an inclusive learning and working environment, IBSS seeks to ensure that students, faculty, staff and partners are able to participate in academic life with dignity, fairness and mutual respect. Every member of the IBSS community has a role in maintaining these principles.
Administration Department
International Business School of Scandinavia
Ved Lunden 4
8230 Aarhus
Denmark