Roadmap for Inclusiveness

In a rapidly changing world, education must not only equip learners with knowledge and skills, but also reflect and uphold the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The ARTEMIS European University takes this responsibility seriously, committing through its “Roadmap for Inclusiveness” to build a higher education environment where everyone – regardless of their background or circumstances – has the opportunity to thrive.

The roadmap is more than a policy document; it is a collective commitment by all ARTEMIS partner universities to place inclusion at the heart of their education, research, and innovation ecosystems. Inclusion, as defined by the Alliance, is a continuous and dynamic process that ensures full participation of all individuals, embracing differences such as disability, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, age, culture, or geographic location. Rather than minimizing diversity, ARTEMIS celebrates it as a strength and a source of innovation.

The roadmap identifies a number of key groups whose needs must be considered in building inclusive universities. These include individuals with disabilities or neurodevelopmental conditions, students with special educational needs, those facing health challenges, people from ethnic or linguistic minorities, women balancing work and study, individuals from remote or underserved areas, refugees and migrants, and those facing economic hardship. ARTEMIS acknowledges that inclusion is not only about responding to challenges, but also about proactively designing systems that welcome all learners from the outset.

A series of structured steps underpins the roadmap. These begin with creating a shared definition of inclusion across the consortium, ensuring all members of the Alliance are aligned on what inclusion means, why it matters, and how it should be implemented. An inventory of current inclusion practices across universities is then conducted, covering both staff and student experiences, and paying attention to different institutional contexts such as urban or rural settings, digital access, and institutional histories.

The roadmap also proposes actions to strengthen and share best practices, such as organizing field visits and peer workshops, creating joint events like “Diversity Day,” and launching initiatives including diversity training, inclusive cultural events, accessible facilities, and mentorship schemes for students from underrepresented backgrounds. These actions are designed not only to address barriers but to build a university culture where every individual feels respected, supported, and empowered.

Oversight and implementation are entrusted to the ARTEMIS Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Board. This body plays a strategic role in both coordination and evaluation, ensuring that inclusion is not treated as a one-off effort, but embedded into the long-term vision of the Alliance. The Board is also responsible for developing annual action plans and a five-year vision for inclusiveness, supported by concrete indicators and sustainability measures.

Through this roadmap, ARTEMIS places inclusion at the core of its mission to shape a university alliance that reflects the richness and diversity of Europe itself. By ensuring access, representation, and opportunity for all, ARTEMIS aims to foster a learning community that is more just, more connected, and better prepared for the challenges and possibilities of tomorrow.

_{The ARTEMIS consortium is composed of 4 comprehensive universities [Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA), France – Panepistimio Ioanninon (UoI), Greece – Università degli Studi di Perugia (UniPG), Italy – Universitatea Ovidius din Constanța (UOC), Romania] and 4 universities of applied sciences [Hogeschool VIVES (VIVES), Belgium – Tallinna Tehnikakõrgkool (TTK), Estonia – Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg (OTH), Germany – Høgskulen på Vestlandet (HVL), Norway].}