Diversity at University

Welcome to our Diversity at University Seminar Series

Click here for information on our next Seminars

These informal seminars are usually held on the  third Friday of each month, from 12.00-1.00 in the Seminar Room at the School of Anatomy and Human Biology (please check this website for confirmation). 

At each seminar, two short talks are given by staff or students about their country of origin.  The talks may feature history, geography, food, music, religion or whatever the speaker chooses.   Discussion (socialisation) follows with ethnic refreshments provided.

The series are organised by the School of Anatomy and Human Biology,  Integrated Human Studies and the Postgraduate Students Association.  They are supported by a grant from the UWA Diversity Initiative Fund through the Equity & Diversity Office.

The objectives of the seminar series are to:

• Share experiences, ideas, values and emotions on what it is like to live in Australia and elsewhere in the world
• Encourage communication amongst students and staff members by creating an informal forum of discussion
• Provide students and staff from non-English speaking backgrounds with a supportive environment where they can improve their public speaking skills
• Promote social integration of students and staff by removing barriers caused by misunderstandings based on culture, lifestyles or language
• Establish a social network for newcomers, either students or staff, in order to minimise the risks of social isolation and maximise inclusiveness
• Explore the differences that make each culture unique and the similarities that allow people to connect with each other. 

Above all, the Seminars aim to celebrate diversity and promote friendship.

Previous Seminars:

February 2007:  Mats Hellstrom talked about Sweden and the PSA’s International Students Officer Alexander Kapranov told us all about Ukraine.

March 2007:  Hu Ying’s talked about China (and no, the Great Wall was not built to keep out the rabbits) and Professor Paul McMenamin explained ‘How the Scots invented the Modern World’.

April 2007:  Dr. Avinash Bharadwaj spoke about Indian food and the PSA Secretary Lloyd White informed us about growing up in Country WA.

May 2007:  Richard Maganga gave us a fascinating insight into the culture and customs of Malawi and Siew-Moon Lim discussed the differences between Malaysia and Australia and talked about her experiences of growing up in Australia as an Asian.

Ethnic Refreshments:  In addition to the talks, we have also been treated to refreshments from places as diverse as Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Canada, India and a rural NSW town named Trangie (famous for their mutton and Cornflake rissoles).