Responsibility Weeks: A wide range of activities will address diversity, sustainability, anti-discrimination, and health

TU Dresden is striving to become an excellent role model as a socially responsible, diverse and cosmopolitan institution that embraces equal opportunity and acts sustainably with a deep impact on society. As an employer and educational institution, the university bears responsibility not only for its members, but also sees itself as a driving force in the region to promote social cooperation.

Headed by the Directorate University Culture, the Responsibility Weeks will take place for the first time at TU Dresden in November. For the whole month, diverse and exciting events covering diversity, sustainability, health, and anti-discrimination will be held. In line with the “Dresden Spirit”, all members of the university will have the opportunity to take on responsibility, to get involved and engage in further training.

2022 Diversity Days: Making a difference together

The Responsibility Weeks will kick off with the 2022 Diversity Days, which will take place from November 8 through 11 under the motto “10 Years of Diversity Management - making a difference together.” TU Dresden sees itself as an inclusive university where being diverse is a matter of course. For a decade now, Diversity Management at TU Dresden has been committed to valuing the diversity of its members and ensuring that they have equal opportunities to participate. The “Success Stories of 10 Years of Diversity Management” exhibition will showcase the lighthouses of this work starting on November 8 in the foyer of the Auditorium Center. During the Diversity Days and as part of the “Shaping Diversity” audit, TUD employees will also be invited to participate in a variety of workshops aiming to make the university an even more inclusive place and to actively help shape it – be it in the areas of academic education, employment, research and teaching, or of communication and leadership culture.

Inspiration for more sustainability: The Green Office has a lot to offer

For TU Dresden, taking responsibility also means acting sustainably as an institution. To help achieve this goal, everyone who is interested in sustainability at Saxon universities can share their ideas and join forces at the networking meeting of TU Dresden and netzwerk n on November 5. Moreover, on the occasion of the Week for Waste Reduction, the “PLASTIK – und dann?!” exhibition (PLASTIC - and then?!) shows how plastic waste can be used sustainably. The exhibition will be on display at SLUB DrePunct starting on November 10. You can try out plastic recycling for yourself by visiting the plastics forge. Office furniture also enjoys a second life – take a tour of TU Dresden's furniture storage and explore the hidden gems for yourself. By the way, every third Tuesday of the month, you can repair broken household appliances and mend your clothing under supervision at the RepairCafé in the SLUB Makerspace. The next opportunity will be on November 15.

Courage and tolerance to promote democracy

Respectful and appreciative interaction with others is one of the cornerstones of TU Dresden. The University condemns all forms of discrimination and is actively committed to eliminating them. For this reason, the Responsibility Weeks include a focus on strengthening democratic action. The “Confronting everyday racism” courage workshop on November 10 will give participants an opportunity to explore what it means to act in a way that critically addresses racism in their day-to-day work. Based on the understanding of the different levels and forms of discrimination, the workshop will allow you to check your own actions and to reflect on any insecurities you may feel. The “Disagreement” workshop addresses opinion formation, prejudice and tolerance. Participants will learn how to deal with divergent opinions and refrain from making hasty judgments. The workshop will be offered on November 17 and 24.

Health Week: Fit and healthy through studies and job

Especially when the demands at university, at work or at home are high, everyone wants to stay healthy or improve their health. TU Dresden continuously offers its members a wide range of activities to ensure that their learning and working environment is as healthy as possible. Once a year, these are supplemented by a focus campaign. During Health Week from November 22 to 24, the University Health Management has a number of things on offer to support your health, both online and on campus. You can familiarize yourself with current topics on healthy work and personal health during the numerous presentations and workshops. You can also benefit from individual consultations, for example on nutrition and care. Moreover, there will be medical checks available, such as cardio or balance checks. The program is rounded off by taster courses on the topics of mindfulness, exercise and relaxation.

Orange the World: Standing firm against violence against women

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, TU Dresden wants to responsibly take a stand and mark the day by drawing attention to gender-based violence. Violence against women, non-binary and trans people as a universal phenomenon is certainly not limited to certain nations, religions, educational backgrounds or income levels. The university and its members are also not immune to this issue. From November 11 through 25, a variety of free events, such as workshops, film screening or lectures are intended to raise awareness in order to resolutely oppose any form of violence where ever it might occur.

All activities during the Responsibility Weeks are free of charge and are aimed at both TU Dresden employees and students. Some of the activities require prior registration. If you need assistance due to language or other difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact us via mail.