Diversity Fest 2025 will see Arden University host a range of events across a week from talks, learning opportunities and more. Come and join us for Diversity Fest 2025 both online or at your campus!
Diversity Fest
22 Sept - 25 Sept 2025, online
29 Sept - 2 Oct 2025, on campus
What can I expect from Diversity Fest 2025?
Across the week, there will be a range of events to bring students and staff together to embrace our differences and appreciate our uniqueness. You can expect fun activities, a series of insightful talks, and friendly competitions that are designed to celebrate unity and inclusion.
Diversity Fest is also a great opportunity for us to showcase aspects of Arden University's support services that are available to you. Talk to members of Arden’s Careers, Wellbeing, and Academic Skills teams who will be part of our events to answer your questions and help you to succeed in your studies.
There really is something for everyone! Whether you want to learn, share, or simply have some fun, you'll find it at Diversity Fest 2025.
Diversity Fest 2025 webinars
Monday 22nd September 2025
Wellbeing team
11:30 – 12:30
Basra Khan
Mental Health and Wellbeing
This webinar will be looking at the support that you can access for your Mental Health & Wellbeing as an Arden University Student.
Tuesday 23rd September 2025
Wellbeing team
12:00 – 13:00
Neurodiversity and Specific Learning Difference
This session explores neurodiversity and Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and autism. Learn more about what these conditions mean for studying, the strengths they bring, and the wide range of support available at university — from reasonable adjustments to specialist advice and Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA).
Wednesday 24th September 2025
Academic Skills
12:30 – 13:30
Kevin Myers
Navigating diverse voices within teaching and Learning
This session explores the theme of inclusive education built on neurodiversity, diversity of identity, and social, religious and ethnic background within both our teacher and student population. It will address how students and educators can navigate divergent viewpoints openly and inclusively. In doing so, it will address the student voice and how diverse positions, and difficult dialogues can be addressed compassionately within the educational context. The session aims to allow for a better understanding of divergent viewpoints holistically, drawing on the importance of language, kindness, belonging and respect. The session will also address the intrinsic links between these issues and public speaking. In doing so, this will bring an additional practice-based benefit to the discussion.
Thursday 25th September 2025
Careers and Alumni
13:30 – 14:15
Guest Panel Discussion: Building inclusive workplaces
Are you struggling to understand how to navigate the world of work with a disability or as an under-represented group? Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring Arden University Alumni, EDI recruitment experts, and diversity positive employers as they share real-world experiences, practical strategies, and advice on building truly inclusive workplaces. We'll explore how to positively navigate differences in background, culture and perspective and how organisations can champion diversity to help you achieve your full potential.
On campus
29th September 2025 – 2nd October 2025
10:30am – 4pm at all campuses except Berlin which will run from 10.30am - 3pm
Session details in the table below
Learning Success Hub - resources
As part of Diversity Fest 2025, the Learning Success Hub have created some helpful resources around the services and support that they offer to help you to get the most out of your studies.
Accessibility support – Did you know the Learning Success Hub now offers accessibility tools and support that empower you to use the Library Portal in formats that adapt to your learning needs? Find out more here!
One-to-one and Neurodiversity support – The Learning Success Hub can support your academic journey with tutoring, workshops and study resources. We also have a number of team members who specialise in Neurodiversity support. You can book a one-to-one appointment and find out about the support available here!
Book recommendations – Our experts in the Learning Success Hub have collated recommended reading materials to celebrate diversity and inclusion, you can read their recommendations here!
Learning modules
Diversity in Higher Education
The traits and characteristics that make each person unique are known as diversity elements. These aspects of diversity contribute to the complexity and richness of the human experience, influencing our thoughts, actions, and relationships with others.
Recognising and appreciating diversity is crucial for creating fair and inclusive environments, promoting respect, empathy, tolerance, understanding, and learning.
In this module, we will examine how Arden University supports diversity in various fields while exploring the meaning of diversity.
Inclusion in Higher Education
A culture of inclusivity in higher education benefits all individuals as it fosters learning, growth, and advancement for the entire community. It promotes a sense of value, respect, and the ability to reach one's full potential. Additionally, it creates a positive and supportive atmosphere.
In this module, you will learn about Arden University's commitment to inclusivity across various areas and explore the concept of inclusivity.
Access and Participation
To ensure that every student has the chance to achieve academic success, it's crucial to remove any barriers and implement policies and programs that promote inclusivity. It's a big task that requires a collaborative effort from educational institutions, policymakers, and local communities.
In this module, you will explore how Arden University is committed to providing equal opportunities for all students to learn and grow.
Disability Advice
Ensuring equal opportunities for all students, irrespective of any disabilities or learning difficulties they may have, is a crucial aspect of higher education.
To achieve this, it is essential to provide suitable facilities, advanced technology, customised curriculums, and specialised services that cater to the unique requirements of each student. By offering such personalised support, we can empower every student to realise their full potential and succeed in their academic pursuits.
In this module, you will discover Arden University's dedication to offering disability support and advice in different areas and explore the concept of disability.
Being an Inclusive Student
To truly promote inclusivity, it is important to act rather than just talk about it. You can start by joining a student organisation or attending events that prioritise acceptance and tolerance for all participants. It is crucial to speak up if you witness any discriminatory behaviour or language. Additionally, it is important to be open to learning and growing as an individual.
In this module, you will learn helpful tips and strategies for becoming a more inclusive student, supporting your peers, and contributing to the welcoming environment at Arden University.
Accessibility Top Tip Videos
Our Student Experience, Library and Learning Design, Teams have created some video guides on how we focus on accessibility at Arden University