About the week
Welcome to Diversity and Inclusion Week at Monash University!
From 13 to 17 September, you can experience a variety of fun and educational events for staff, students and our broader community to explore and celebrate the diversity of our community, and help foster inclusive practices in our workplaces and learning environments.
There's something for everyone to get involved in! So scroll down to the events section and start planning your week.
Message from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Senior Vice-President (Education)
Social justice and inclusion are integral to our goals and values at Monash University. We're proud to acknowledge the rich diversity of our staff and students, as well as the plethora of experiences it contributes to our classrooms, workplace, and global community.
At Monash, we're dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment where our differences are not only respected, but embraced. We strive to cultivate a strong sense of belonging in our university so that everyone can feel at home.
Wherever you are, whether onshore or offshore, on campus or in your homes, thank you for being a part of our community. By celebrating diversity, you're forging new connections, strengthening existing ones, and enhancing the Monash experience for all.
I encourage you to actively participate in Diversity and Inclusion Week at Monash. Together, we can ensure that every staff and student at our university is accepted, respected, and valued.
Professor Sharon Pickering
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Senior Vice-President (Education)
Events
There are plenty of online events running throughout the week for students, staff and the wider community.
If you attended an event throughout the week, complete our feedback form and go into the draw to win one of four $50 Coles/Myer vouchers.
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Barriers and Challenges To Succeeding In STEM: Panel Discussion
Day Monday
Time 11am–12pm
Location OnlineJoin us for a panel discussion exploring the barriers and challenges to succeeding in STEM, featuring Corey Tutt (a proud Kamilaroi man, Young Australian of the Year – NSW 2020 and CEO/Founder of DeadlyScience) and Associate Professor Natalie Trevaskis (Head of the Lymphatic Biology and Drug Delivery Laboratory, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences).
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Understanding Intersectionality in the Learning Environment
Day Monday
Time 1–2pm
Location OnlineUnderstanding intersectionality and how it works is vital to ensuring a fair and just society. In education, it offers a framework for creating equity-focussed learning spaces. Learn to build foundations of safety, support and solidarity into everyday practice with our presenter, Kristian Reyes. Presented by Access, Inclusion and Success.
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Workplace Diversity Online Panel
Day Monday
Time 5.30–6.30pm
Location OnlineFeaturing staff from Monash Peninsula's Management Department, this online interview panel will focus on how to manage workplace gender diversity, and inclusivity in management practices.
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Whadd'ya know? Kahoot Quiz
Day Monday
Time 5.30–8.30pm
Location OnlineWhaddya know about the different pride flags, cultures, languages, or Indigenous Australians? Join us online for a Kahoot quiz to test your knowledge on the six diversity and inclusion priority areas. Prizes will be awarded to the winners!
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Women in Leadership Panel (MONSU Peninsula)
Day Tuesday
Time 9.30–11am
Location OnlineJoin us for a Q&A panel of inspiring women from each of the faculties discussing their experiences in their field, how they got to where they are and the challenges they've faced. There will also be an opportunity for networking.
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Workshop: Inclusive Communities
Day Tuesday
Time 10am–1pm
Location OnlineJoin us for a free public lecture and workshop exploring conditions and practices that help to create an inclusive environment for online participation. We’ll use storytelling, visual mapping and reflective activities to provoke new perspectives and insights.
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Diversity in STEM with Her Research Matters
Day Tuesday
Time 11–12pm
Location OnlineHer Research Matters (HRM) promotes an inclusive and equitable leadership environment to enable women in research to reach their full potential. Join the HRM collective as they review, analyse, and discuss recently published journal articles focused on the week’s theme of diversity and inclusion.
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Spring Celebrations Across Cultures
Day Tuesday
Time 12–1pm
Location OnlineJoin Monash Business School to discover how different cultures celebrate the start of spring. In this interactive event, you’ll experience what it’s like to celebrate seasons across diverse cultures. Learn from diverse cultural experiences and reflect on your own experience as we take you on an exploration of spring celebrations.
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A Picture Says a Thousand Words
Day Tuesday
Time 4.30–6pm
Location OnlineWhat does inclusion mean to you? Join our collaborative photo exhibition gallery and share your visual representation of diversity and inclusion as it applies to you!
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Queer Industry Panel with MONSU Caulfield
Day Tuesday
Time 5.30–7pm
Location OnlineJoin Queer industry professionals in a panel discussion about their experience being Queer in the workplace, and incorporating their identity into their profession (as well as a Q&A session at the end). All attendees will receive a $30 Uber Eats voucher to enjoy a meal at home while attending.
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Cooking with PIES
Day Tuesday
Time 6–7pm
Location OnlineThe PIES Academic Support Group are holding a special Diversity and Inclusion Week zoom cooking class to make Spiced Moroccan Cake. The spices and fragrance will have you wanting to visit Morocco one day! Download the virtual shopping list and join us for some dynamic cultural conversations.
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Online Trivia with Della Katessen
Day Tuesday
Time 6–7pm
Location OnlineJoin the Monash Graduate Association for an evening of trivia hosted by the fun and sassy Melbourne Queen, Della Katessen! This online event is open to all staff and students! Prizes will be given out valued up to $100! There are limited spots, so book your place quickly!
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Women in Leadership Panel (MONSU Caulfield)
Day Tuesday
Time 6–8.30pm
Location OnlineYou can't be what you can't see – this is why representation of women in leadership is crucial in encouraging young women to aspire for greatness. This event will allow guests to learn from established professionals in a range of careers tailored to the studies at Caulfield campus.
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BRIGHT Training
Day Tuesday
Time 6.30–8.30pm
Location OnlineHighly recommended for aspiring and current student leaders who wish to foster an equitable community free from sexsim, discrimination and gender-based violence.
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Panel Discussion: Disability in the Legal Profession
Day Tuesday
Time 7–8.30pm
Location OnlineCelebrate the achievements of, and discuss the challenges faced by, lawyers and law graduates living with a disability, chronic illness or other impairment. Whilst specific to the legal profession, the topics covered will be relevant to people with a disability from all professions and study areas.
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Experts Explain: The Gender Pay Gap
Day Tuesday
Time 7–9pm
Location OnlineEver wondered what the gender pay gap is, or why it still exists? This online event will answer all of your questions and more, drawing on the expertise of some incredible experts!
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What Do You Know About Race & Racism 101?
Day Wednesday
Time 9.30am–1pm
Location OnlineHosted by Hue, this interactive session is designed to develop literacy, empathy, and understanding of race-related issues and identities, and improve safety and support for people of colour in our community. It’s for all knowledge levels and experiences, and creates a safe environment for real conversations about race and racism.
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The Anatomy of Inclusion and Diversity
Day Wednesday
Time 10am–11am
Location OnlineHear from students, academics and clinicians about the topic of human structure, and its relationship to diversity and inclusion. We’ll start with an overview and exploration of bias and exclusion in anatomy and the challenges faced in addressing them. Next, we’ll pose thought-provoking questions, and outline some evidence-based recommendations, to help “spark” researchers and educators to think differently about anatomy.
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50 Shades of Bias
Day Wednesday
Time 10am–12pm
Location OnlineJoin us for an interactive session delivered by a facilitator with lived experience of disability. Together we’ll explore our unconscious biases, how they can hold us back, how they play out in our own lives and the impact they have on the people around us. Creating a more equitable community, one conversation at a time.
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Workshop: LGBTIQ and Gender Safety
Day Wednesday
Time 10am–1pm
Location OnlineJoin us for a free public lecture and workshop on gender safety. By delving into the data made available through hypersextcity.com participants will determine how best to visualise the data to become more visible and effective to a broader public.
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Overcoming Barriers to Academic Promotions
Day Wednesday
Time 11am–12.30pm
Location OnlineAre you a BDI staff member seeking academic promotion? Join us for a forum providing information, support and capacity building for staff from diverse backgrounds. Learn to effectively craft promotions applications to maximise success from members of promotions panels and past successful applicants.
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Autism: A Personal Perspective
Day Wednesday
Time 12–1pm
Location OnlineJoin researcher, Penny Robinson as she graciously shares her personal experience living with Autism. Penny will give an introduction to neurodiversity and autism and share what autism means to her – including sensory processing challenges and what support she had as a student and now staff member at Monash.
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Intersectional Insights
Day Wednesday
Time 12–1.30pm
Location OnlineMSA warmly invites you to Intersectional Insights, a panel discussion and moderated Q&A focused on the intersection of Women's, Disabilities & Carers, People of Colour, Queer and Indigenous MSA Departments. Come celebrate our diversity and inclusion!
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Beyond Braille: Inclusive Tech for a Fairer World
Day Wednesday
Time 12.30–1.30pm
Location OnlineJoin a panel of specialists as we explore a new realm of inclusive tech. Together we'll discuss the current and emerging scope of assistive technologies, look to the future of inclusive tech and unpack modern-day needs of people living with disabilities.
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Diversity Through Architecture
Day Wednesday
Time 1–3.30pm
Location OnlineCan architecture, or discussion about the architecture around us, help us towards a more diverse and inclusive world? It sure can. Join this interactive workshop to find out how.
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Women on the Academic Frontiers: A Hybrid Film Festival
Day Monday to Wednesday
Time All day
Location OnlineThe Faculty of Engineering is pleased to offer access to two films exploring the experience of female academics: The Leadership and Picture a Scientist. After you register for this event, we’ll share the links to watch the two films online before a live-streamed forum to discuss the themes and perspectives raised in the films.
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Digital Scavenger Hunt
Day Wednesday
Time 7–8pm
Location OnlineWhile scavenger hunts are the most fun in person, we have got creative in these digital times! This event will test you on your diversity and cultural knowledge and speed, whilst increasing your cultural awareness and understanding! Come with your brain switched on and ready to win!
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Exploring Cultural Frames: Raising Cultural Awareness
Day Thursday
Time 11am–12pm
Location OnlineAre you keen to explore strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion in online environments? Do you wonder how to facilitate discussions to elicit diverse perspectives and foster respect? Join Dr Nadine Normand-Marconnet and Dr Zainurul Rahman in our online interactive workshop and gain insight into how to enhance cultural awareness in online interactions.
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Mentoring and Mental Health: Opening the Conversation
Day Thursday
Time 12–1pm
Location OnlineJoin Access, Inclusion and Success in an online panel to open up the conversation for student leaders and mentors surrounding mental health support training and how to support mentees, whilst taking care of their own wellbeing. Recommended for student leaders and mentors, and to staff members who support these leaders and programs.
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Understanding Autism
Day Thursday
Time 12–1pm
Location OnlineYou're invited to an online presentation by two Monash experts on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Learn all about Autism, its impacts on girls and young adults, and how we can best support people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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Active Allyship for Anti-Racism Training
Day Thursday
Time 2–4pm
Location OnlineThis new anti-racism training is highly recommended for student leaders who wish to understand race and racism, and develop their practical skills as anti-racist allies.
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Roundtable Discussion: LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Classrooms
Day Thursday
Time 3–4pm
Location OnlineBringing together staff from across the University, join Associate Professor Kirsten McLean to explore and discuss ideas and strategies that can be integrated in to teaching practices to make our classrooms more inclusive for students of diverse genders, sexes and sexualities.
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Business Research Panel: Equity, Diversity and Social Inclusion
Day Thursday
Time 4–5.30pm
Location OnlineHosted by Dr. Lisa Powell, join leading Monash Business School, Equity Diversity and Social Inclusion researchers as they discuss how their work is contributing to positive change that advances society. Find out what motivates them, learn from their insights and experiences and hear how they are changing the world, for good.
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Queer Virtual Trivia Night (MONSU Caulfield)
Day Thursday
Time 5.30–6.45pm
Location OnlineIt’s time for those brain training games to pay off as you join the MONSU Queer team in a trivia night like no other! All attendees will receive a $20 Uber Eats voucher to use for dinner. Win prizes and get crowned the trivia extraordinaire! Places are limited, so book early.
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Art Therapy: Connecting to the Present Moment
Day Thursday
Time 6–7pm
Location OnlineHit pause on the busy schedule and bring your attention back to the importance of mental health. Join us to explore how you can enhance your wellbeing using arts and creativity. Open to all MRS students to wind down and connect with others in your community.
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Speed Friending with PIES
Day Thursday
Time 6–7pm
Location OnlineWhether you’re a fresh first year just getting to know the ins and outs of uni life, or a senior student who wants to get social, join the PIES Academic Support Group and PPS Student Ambassadors for Speed Friending! Students from all faculties and backgrounds welcome!
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Queer Film Festival and Mocktails
Day Thursday
Time 7–9pm
Location OnlineJoin us for a special film festival celebrating diversity and inclusion, and appreciate and discuss the stories that unite us as a community. Enjoy making pride mocktails whilst watching a series of Queer short stories that bring the LGBTIQA+ community to the screen.
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Monash Financial Hardship Survey Launch Event
Day Friday
Time 10–11.30am
Location OnlineThe Monash Financial Hardship survey looked into student's financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact on our students’ mental health. MSA invite's everyone to join the discussion and to bring forward recommendations on how to support our student through these challenging and unprecedented times.
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Public Lecture and Workshop: Sustainability
Day Friday
Time 10am–3pm
Location OnlineJoin us for a free public lecture and design workshop that aims to create a space to sit with, make with, and understand our emotional responses to the climate emergency so that we can cultivate the agency required to face such complex challenges.
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Supporting Students with Disability
Day Friday
Time 12–1pm
Location OnlineDisability is broad. It can be physical and neurological, and include things like mental health, and underlying "hidden" disabilities. Learn more about how Disability Support Services can support and empower students and staff with disabilities in this eye-opening discussion with Tom Perry from Disability Support Services at Monash.
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Super Women
Day Friday
Time 12–1pm
Location OnlineJoin inspiring podcast creator and author of Unf*ck your Finances, Melissa Browne as she sits down with Associate Professor Carly Moulang to talk finance! Focussing on superannuation for women this event will change your relationship with money and provide you with relatable finance and money hacks you can implement today.
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Australian Music for Percussion and Piano: works by Australian Women Composers
Day Friday
Time 6.30–7pm
Location OnlineJoin us for a streaming program of piano and percussion music by Australian women, performed by Louise Devenish and Aura Go, from Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance. The program features music by Amanda Cole, Elena Kats-Chernin and Liza Lim.
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Around the World with PISA
Day Friday
Time 7–8pm
Location OnlineWant to know more about cultures around the world? From architectures to traditions, we have it all. PISA has prepared a fun game where you can learn more about our cultures. Come and join us!
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LGBTIQ+ Ally Training
Day Saturday
Time 11am–3pm
Location OnlineCome along to broaden your understanding of the LGBTIQA+ community and develop the skills needed to be an active ally at Monash.
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Movie Screening: The Sapphires
Day Saturday
Time 7–9pm
Location OnlineThe Sapphires tells the story of four young talented Indigenous Australian women who learn about love, friendship, and war when their all-girl group, The Sapphires, entertain troops in Vietnam. The film highlights racism and the Stolen Generation, which continue to affect the lives of Indigenous Australians.
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This event has been postponed. Register your interest through the event link.
Give Respect Art Exhibition
Day Monday to Friday
Time 11am–3pm
Location CaulfieldAcross 2021 students and staff have created paintings, drawing, sculptures, digital art and poetry to promote respect. Come and see the exhibition of pieces and be inspored as we call for respect for all. It's time to give respect to … myself, yourself, our needs, our diversity, our community.
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This event has been postponed. Register your interest through the event link.
Koorie Market
Day Tuesday
Time 10am–2pm
Location ClaytonThe event will bring Indigenous communities and Monash staff and students together to share in First Nations Australian Culture and provide economic stimulation for Indigenous businesses post-lockdown.
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This event has been postponed. Register your interest through the event link.
I Chalk Therefore I Am
Day Tuesday
Time 12–2pm
Location ParkvilleShare your identity with the Parkville Community! Drop past the Basketball Court and chalk up a representation of your identity. Both students and staff are welcome to contribute their identity through art or words, and discuss their experiences with others.
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This event has been postponed. Register your interest through the event link.
Come and Try: Wheelchair Basketball and AFL Football
Day Tuesday
Time 1–3pm
Location CaulfieldJoin us for 2 hours of wheelchair AFL football and basketball-related skills for staff and students to come and try. See what it's like to play sport from a wheelchair and gain a greater insight into the realm of disabilities and sport!
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This event has been postponed. Register your interest through the event link.
Parkville One World Festival
Day Wednesday
Time 12–2pm
Location ParkvilleJoin MPSU and the Parkville student clubs for the Parkville One World Festival. Participate in interactive activities from around the world which encourage knowledge, acceptance, and appreciation of the many cultural backgrounds at Monash University. Plus, get some free food while you're at it!
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This event has been postponed. Register your interest through the event link.
Aquila Charity Bake Off
Day Wednesday
Time 12–3pm
Location PeninsulaCome and enjoy baked goods made by students to raise funds for Community Support Frankston, who help unemployed persons, people from a culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people at risk or experiencing homelessness, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, the LQBTIQA+ community, financially disadvantaged people, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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This event has been postponed. Register your interest through the event link.
Djirra Djirra Dance Workshop
Day Wednesday
Time 1–2pm
Location ClaytonJoin The Djirri Djirri Wurundjeri women's dance group in a workshop at the Monash Pavilion. You'll hear Creation Narratives and learn how they're connected to each dance you learn.
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This event has been postponed. Register your interest through the event link.
A Fantastic Woman
Day Wednesday
Time 6–9pm
Location Victorian Pride Centre, St KildaLights! Camera! Action! Join Monash Business School and special guest Michelle Sheppard for an LGBTIQA+ movie night and interactive Q&A session. Facilitated by Dr. Laura Visser and Lindsay Ashdown this event will bring together students and educators for a screening of A Fantastic Woman followed by a panel session discussing resilience, diversity and inclusion.
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This event has been postponed. Register your interest through the event link.
Drag Queen Bingo
Day Thursday
Time 12.30–1.30pm
Location ClaytonIt's Bingo, but not like any Bingo event you've ever been to! You're in for some wicked jokes, clashing colours and as much glamour as you can possibly manage. So join us for games and up to $500 worth of voucher prizes.
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This event has been postponed. Register your interest through the event link.
But First We Eat: Queer Geology Exhibition
Day Thursday
Time 12.30–2pm
Location CaulfieldIn this age of digital hyper-connectivity and increasing social isolation, instead of looking toward future design and technology, our focus is the historic importance of feasting and communal eating for social connectivity. Experience the exhibition of locally sourced produce showcasing the ancient technique of baking food encased in clay.
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This event has been postponed. Register your interest through the event link.
Spin the Bottle on Diversity and Inclusion
Day Thursday
Time 1–3pm
Location CaulfieldJoin Monash Art, Design and Architecture and Monash Business School to Spin the bottle on Diversity. Engage Agatha Gothe-Snape’s provocations within ‘The Scheme Was a Blueprint for Future Development Programs’ (2015) to reimagine the language of inclusion and collectively construct a new artwork within the concourse of Building G.
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This event has been postponed. Register your interest through the event link.
MONSU Caulfield Cultural Clubs Day
Day Thursday
Time 4–6pm
Location CaulfieldClubs Cultural Day is all about showcasing MONSU Caulfield’s clubs and societies great range of diversity and rich culture! Join us for free food, performances and stalls from your cultural clubs at the Caulfield Campus.
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This event has been postponed. Register your interest through the event link.
Multi-Faith Space for Reflection
Day Friday
Time 2–4pm
Location ClaytonIn our Multi-Faith space, we'll respect and honour those lost from a distance and acknowledge hardships experienced through the pandemic. We'll share comforting multi-faith prayers, readings and cultural practices. We invite you to contribute stories about loved ones and be a part of this supportive program.
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Diversity and inclusion at Monash
Monash University is proud to be a leader in social justice and inclusion. As a progressive and socially responsible institution, we're continually working to better ourselves and ensure we provide an inclusive and safe environment for all students and staff.
Check out our diversity and inclusion at Monash page to learn more about our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, current successes and plans for the future. You can also take a look at a summary of our key achievements: 2018–2021 (pdf, 0.43 mb).