Equal Opportunities
At Downing
Apart from the Equal Opportunities Officer, other useful contacts at Downing are your graduate tutor , the nurse, the Chaplain and the MCR Welfare and International Officers. The Welfare pages on the College and MCR websites also have lots of resources that can be of help.
External resources
Disclaimer: whilst we have been careful to check the suitability of these organisations as contact points, we cannot be held responsible for the work or advice of any external organisation. This list should also not be treated as exhaustive. If you would like to suggest any changes or additions, please drop a line to the Equal Opportunities Officer.
General
Gender
LGBT
Black and minority ethnic
Faith
Physical and mental health
General
University of Cambridge Equal Opportunities Policy. This document outlines the University's commitment to equality and diversity.
Dignity@Work. The Dignity@Work policy statement explains the University's commitment to protecting the dignity of all its members and what action can be taken in cases of harassment, bullying or other inappropriate behaviour.
Open Out Cambridgeshire. A third-party reporting scheme where you can report any prejudice incident or hate crime confidentially and, if you so wish, anonymously. If you choose to report the incident to the police, Open Out can act as an intermediary and help you through the process.
Cambridge & Diversity. This project celebrates and explores eight hundred years of University of Cambridge history by highlighting the stories of its past and current staff and students.
Equality and Diversity Events at the University of Cambridge
Gender
CUSU Women's Campaign. The CUSU Women's Campaign works to eliminate all forms of gender disadvantage within the University. All students who self-define as women are automatically members and can benefit from their representation and support.
Cambridge Graduate Women's Network. A meeting place for graduate students in Cambridge to discuss issues of interest to all. It holds one meeting per term where one academic speaker and one industry speaker share their views on the chosen topic through their own life stories.
Cambridge AWiSE. The network for women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine in Cambridge. It provides support, information and regular networking opportunities to help women stay in their chosen field and make the most of their careers.
WiSETI: Women in Science, Engineering and Technology Initiative. A positive action initiative that promotes and supports women at all levels of science at the University of Cambridge, from undergraduates to professors. It aims to redress the under-representation of women in employment and career progression.
Women@cl provides local, national and international activities for women engaged in computing research in Cambridge and supports them in their careers (only one in four computing PhDs, one in eight computing academic staff and one in twenty computing professors are female).
Women in Biology. Resources for women at any stage of their studies or career in the biological, medical and veterinary sciences.
Cambridge Feminist Society. The society aims to dispel myths about what feminism represents and attempts to enable more men and women to self-define as feminist. It holds socials, provides a safe space where feminists may come together, invites speakers, puts on arts and music events and promotes other feminist happenings around the Cambridge area.
Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment Campaign at CUSU.
Cambridge Rape Crisis provides a confidential and non-judgemental listening, support and information service to any woman who has suffered sexual assault. Its lines are staffed by women who have been trained to understand the needs of survivors of sexual assault.
Cambridge Domestic Violence Action Group. The port of call for anyone seeking information on dealing with domestic violence, including details of the various support services available in Cambridge.
LGBT
CUSU LGBT is the sub-division of the Cambridge University Students' Union that represents LGBT (lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender) students across the university. The campaign is very active and has lots of regular events - you can sign up to the mailing list for more information.
Thinking Globally. A leaflet with information about the safety and wellbeing of LGBT students who are considering work, study or research overseas.
Trans Students in Higher Education is a resource on transgender equality with lots of information on terminology, the process of gender reassignment, practical issues (from accommodation to sports) and the general support of transgender students.
Black and minority ethnic
CUSU Anti-Racism Campaign
Black and Minority Ethnic Campaign. A representative body of CUSU that voices the concerns of ethnic minority students in Cambridge at both undergraduate and graduate level.
Faith
Cambridge University Faiths Forum. The University's inter-faith society. It aims to promote understanding between the different faith societies and be a point of contact for faith-related issues in the University.
The Fisher Society. The University's Roman Catholic society.
CU Jewish Society
CU Islamic Society
CU Hindu Cultural Society
CU Sikh Society
CU Buddhist Society
Physical and mental health
University of Cambridge Disability Resource Centre. It provides information and advice about disability issues and promotes disability awareness. Of special interest is the Disability Access Guide, a practical resource about access facilities around the University.
Disabled Students Campaign
Mental Health Network. The network runs fortnightly throughout term and it provides a space for students who are or have ever been affected by mental health issues to come together. It also campaigns on mental health issues.
University Counseling Service
