Cultural and linguistic diversity
Western Australia is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse states in Australia, with around 32% of Western Australians born overseas and 18% speaking a language other than English at home. 55% of Western Australians have one or both parents born overseas. Reflecting this, the UWA Cultural and Linguistic Diversity (‘CALD’) Working Group aims to raise awareness of cultural diversity and racial equality among staff and students at UWA. We aim to increase the visibility of, and support, the University’s multicultural and multilinguistic student and staff community, and to promote matters related to multiculturalism and tackling racism.
- We aim to encourage students to develop personal, social and ethical awareness in a multicultural and global context, to respect and celebrate diverse cultures, and to foster cultural humility, inclusivity and respect – the cultural intelligence they need to be globally literate.
- We aim to support and celebrate our culturally and linguistically diverse staff, embed cultural literacy as part of an inclusive leadership framework and engage effectively with new and emerging CALD communities.
Policies
Recognising the racial, religious and cultural diversity of our community, UWA offers entitlements to assist staff in managing their work and cultural/religious commitments. UWA has an inclusive definition of family that encompasses a wide range of relationships; family responsibilities include responsibilities associated with extended families and religious or community structures.
Initiatives
We support cultural and linguistic diversity through initiatives such as:
- Workshops for new international students and for staff on supporting, connecting and teaching multilingual, multicultural and international students.
- Organising cultural awareness workshops for students, academic and professional staff.
- Contributing to celebrating days of significance.
- Seeking opportunities to influence policies, strategies and initiatives on multiculturalism and anti-racism relating to higher education broadly, and UWA specifically.
- Strategic advocacy for culturally and linguistically diverse staff and students, including international students, and referrals to relevant university supports for individual advocacy.
Useful contacts
The International Student Office provides comprehensive support for international students at UWA, and Student Guild’s International Students’ Department also supports the welfare of international students at UWA.
