The UQ EDI UnConference: Sharing knowledge and ideas, and community without hierarchy
We are looking to platform the diverse voices, lived experiences, and the work of people who live, study, and work at the University of Queensland and we would love to hear from you. Your story matters!
Aim of this year's EDI UnConference
This year's theme of Connect, Listen, Learn will highlight the importance of Connection as the foundation for change, to bring focus to the why and how of Listening, and to create ways of Learning that puts EDI on the map for all. We aim to:
- Create a safe space for the sharing of, and learning from, knowledge and lived experiences,
- Raise awareness and advocacy for EDI, and
- Connect staff and students from diverse backgrounds to allow for mentorship and encouragement.
When is the EDI UnConference?
Date: Tuesday, 15 August
Time: 8.30am — 3.30pm
Location: Terrace Room, Sir Llew Edwards Building (Building 14)
What to do if there is an issue
If you are experiencing discrimination or harassment, notice that someone else is experiencing discrimination or harassment, or have any concerns around the EDI UnConference proceedings / conversations, please contact a member of the UnConference staff immediately via private chat via Zoom, in-person, or via email:
- Katsu Shike: k.shike@uq.edu.au
- Brooke Szucs: brooke.szucs@uq.edu.au
- Teagan Stuart: teagan.stuart@uq.edu.au
Getting Support (external supports)
- Lifeline — 13 11 14
- Qlife — 1800 184 527 (webchat available)
- Beyond Blue — 1300 22 46 36
- Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467
- 13 HEALTH — 13 43 25 84
- 13 YARN — 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities)
- 1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732
- DVConnect — 1800 811 811
- Kids Helpline — 1800 55 1800
- MensLine Australia — 1300 78 99 78
- Alcohol & Drug Info Services (ADIS) — 1800 177 833
- Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre — 3317 1234
EDI UnConference Program
| Time | Workshop | About | Delivery mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30am- 8:50am | Welcomes and entry | Location: Terrace Room Zoom link for online session. | In-person and online |
| 8:45am – 9:00am | Vice Chancellor’s Address | Vice Chancellor Deborah Terry will be opening the EDI UnConference 2023 with a short address. Zoom link for online session. | In-person and online |
| 9:00 – 9:30am | EDI UnConference Roundtable and Introduction | To kick off the EDI UnConference, all attendees are invited to a round-table discussion about EDI at UQ with Vice Chancellor Deborah Terry. Zoom link for online session. | In-person and online |
| 9:30am – 10:00am | FishBowl Session 1: ‘What I wish the University knew’ | All audience members are then invited to share their experiences and stories around what they wish the University knew. Zoom link for online session. | In-person and online |
| 10am – 10:30am | UQ Ally Network Equalitea at Bookmark Café + online catch-up | EDI UnConference attendees are invited to connect with other networks on the Duhig Lawns. An online connection session will also be held during this time for all online attendees. Zoom link for online session. | In-person and online |
| 10:30am – 11:15am | Disability Inclusion Workshop | This workshop has been designed based on findings from a UQ-wide survey focussed on better understanding the experiences of students with disabilities at UQ. Zoom link for online session. | In-person and online |
| 11:15am - 11:30am | Presentation: Understanding and reducing academic stress in inclusive and accessible ways | This presentation will give you insight into how to use Universal Design Learning (UDL) to create a more inclusive environment, shared by someone with lived experience. Zoom link for online session. | In-person and online |
| 11:30am – 12:15pm | Human Library Session: The Me You Don’t See | Come to listen, connect, and learn with five wonderful UQ community members who will be talking about invisible | In-person |
| 12:15pm – 12:30pm | Presentation: Plants nutrient diversity and EDI (from a plant mum) | Nutrient diversity among plants can inspire and teach us about fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment in academia. What have I learned in planning my garden? Zoom link for online session. | In-person and online |
| 12:30pm – 13:30pm | Fishbowl Session 2: 'Action vs Attitude: enacting change’ | This fishbowl is all about co-design and co-development. Starting with three amazing panellists, all attendees are invited to contribute to this discussion about action vs attitude when enacting change. Zoom link for online session. | In-person and online |
| 13:30pm – 14:00pm | UQ EDI UnConference Summary and Reflections | All attendees are invited to reflect on the learnings of the EDI UnConference. Zoom link for online session. | In-person and online |
| 14:00pm – 15:30pm | Catering and networking | All attendees are invited to a free catered afternoon tea to connect with attendees and participants from throughout the day. We will also have some creative potions available for anyone interested in the afternoon tea who may want to engage their creative side. | In-person |
Day-long Activities
Throughout the EDI UnConference program, participants will have the opportunity to contribute to a number of activities including:
- 11am – 2pm: Stalls at the Duhig Lawns [in front of Sir Llew Edwards Building]
- UQ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Network
- UQ Union Disability Collective
- Australian Network on Disability
- The Queensland Commitment
- Indigenous Literacy Foundation Book Sale
- 9am – 3.30pm: Poster Presentations at the Terrace Room [Sir Llew Edwards Building]
Zoom Information
The EDI UnConference will host a number of sessions via hybrid delivery. You can find further information about which sessions will be streamed online here in the About column of the program above. There will be a Zoom moderator to assist all those on Zoom.
If you are participating on Zoom, please practice good “Netiquette”: Virtual Classroom (Zoom) - Library - University of Queensland
- Please have your preferred name and pronouns in your zoom name.
- Ensure that your microphone is on mute if you are not talking.
- We encourage the use of the zoom “Hand-raise” function to ask questions without interrupting speakers and also using the chat function.
- Please turn on your cameras if you are in a space which allows that or if you feel comfortable to do so. We’d love to see all your faces!
- Photos (via screenshot) may be taken on the day – if you do not wish to be in these photos please feel free to turn your camera off.
Expected Behaviour: Participating safely at the EDI UnConference
Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion UnConference is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, race, ethnicity, religion or technology choices.
All attendees, presenters, panel members, and organisers at our EDI UnConference are required to abide by the following guidelines for safe participation1:
Respect the physical and emotional boundaries of others
Respect everyone’s identities and backgrounds, including pronouns and names.
Respect everyone’s right to privacy and ensure personal information and stories remain confidential unless provided permission otherwise.
Do not pressure anyone to answer questions they do not want to answer.
Do not assume or make judgments on anyone’s gender identity, sexuality, disability, health, cultural background, survivor status, religion, etc.
Do not invalidate other’s experiences/stories/identities and be aware of the unintended effects of your words and actions.
Be conscious of how much space you are occupying / how much you are participating — make sure everyone has the space and opportunity to speak.
Do not raise your voice and avoid interrupting or talking over other attendees.
Organisers will remind participants of these guidelines throughout the event. We expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe and respectful environment for everyone to learn and share.
If you would like to add guidelines for participation, you will have an opportunity on the day of the EDI UnConference. You are also welcome to contact the EDI UnConference team to share your guidelines before the event.
Important Information
- This event might be photographed. If you would prefer not to be photographed, please let the organising team know.
- Due to safety reasons and in line with current guidelines, registration is essential for this event.
- Stay at home if you are unwell or have a cough, fever or sore throat, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
- If you become unwell during the event, please let the event organiser know as soon as possible.
- Maintaining physical distancing is your responsibility.
- Sessions will not be recorded to protect the privacy of all attendees
Student Services — Student Support (Mon – Fri)
- Email Student Services
- Phone: 1300 275 870 (Option 2), 8.30am – 5pm
- Live chat (8.30am – 4.30pm)
- Location:
- St Lucia: Student Central (Building 42), 8am – 5pm
- Gatton: Level 1, N.W. Briton Admin Annexe, 8.30am – 4.30pm
- Herston: Oral Health Centre, 8.30am – 4.30pm
Emergency Services (Immediate Risk)
If you, or someone you're with, is in need of urgent assistance, please contact emergency services immediately:
- Triple Zero (000) for off-campus emergencies
- Campus Security (07 3365 3333) for on-campus emergencies
Crisis Support (Immediate Risk)
If you or someone you are with needs urgent help, contact the UQ Counselling and Crisis Line (24/7 service):
- Call 1300 851 998 (Mon to Fri, 8am – 4.30pm)
- After hours — You call or text the Crisis Line to talk to a trained crisis counsellor for immediate support
- Call 1300 851 998
- Text a Crisis Counsellor 0488 884 115 (4.30pm to 8am)
Sexual Misconduct Support Unit (SMSU)
If you’ve experienced sexual assault or misconduct, there are specialist counselling services to offer support and talk you through your reporting options. Learn more about the SMSU here.
- Book an appointment online on StudentHub,
- Call the support line (07) 3443 1000 (open Mon to Fri, 8am – 5pm),
- Email sexualmisconductsupport@uq.edu.au, or
- submitting a confidential disclosure online.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
UQ staff and their immediate family members can access a free and confidential wellbeing, coaching and counselling service through the EAP. The program is provided by PeopleSense, UQ's wellbeing and employee assistance provider, through qualified practitioners.
To access the EAP:
- call 1300 307 912 to make an appointment
If you are calling due to an urgent crisis and you have concerns for the welfare of yourself or a family member, tell the booking service and they can connect you with a crisis professional.
Confidential phone counselling, manager assist and critical incident services are available 24/7.
UQ Union Student Advocacy and Support
You can visit the UQ Union Student Advocacy and Support here, or refer to the following contact details below for the different campuses.
St Lucia
- Phone: (07) 3377 2200
- Level 4, Union Building (Bldg 21) University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072
- Mon to Fri, 8am – 4pm
Gatton
- Phone: (07) 5460 1791
- Room 223, Morrison Hall
- Mon to Thurs, 8am – 4pm