A new rectorate team heading the Université catholique de Louvain (UCL) since 1 September on Thursday announced several new developments, including the creation of a Prorectorate for Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
The team, led by Rector Françoise Smets, outlined its plans for its five-year mandate at its first press conference, painting a picture of an "open and committed" university.
It aims to continue the work of its predecessor, but also bring something new to the table, such as the establishment of the DEI Prorectorate, headed by Sébastien Van Drooghenbroeck.
Supporting students working to pay for their studies
Van Drooghenbroeck, a law professor who specialises in human rights and discrimination issues, said he viewed inclusion as a matter of individual justice and collective interest. The university can only continue to progress if it harnesses all talent, he remarked.
The goal is to make sure that any individual, particularly women, can access studies and research without fearing sexist or sexual violence.
“We also need to be attentive to discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability and even deprivation, which an increasing number of students are facing,” Van Drooghenbroeck said, highlighting plans to support students who work to finance their studies.
Time to turn talk into action
Discussions on equity, diversity, and inclusion already took place during the university's general assembly last year. According to Van Drooghenbroeck, it is now time to turn talk into action. His policy will be cross-cutting, affecting all staff and students, he said. He also stressed the importance of vigilance, zooming in on hidden and unconscious forms of exclusion.
Another innovation is an ‘advisory board’ featuring members of the university and representatives from the cultural, associative, economic, and trade union spheres. The board will act as a platform for dialogue, aligning the university with wider society and responding to societal questions through research.
Agnès Guiderdoni, Prorector for Research, emphasised the need to remain in tune with economic, political, associative, and cultural environments, all of which are key touchpoints for societal concerns and issues.
No 'groupthink,' new rector wants free, independent minds
The rectorate team also aims to continue stimulating the active participation of students and staff. All need to be recognised and encouraged for their commitments, it stresses.
Rector Françoise Smets is eager to “revitalise the culture of debate.” She wants to avoid “groupthink” and maintain “freedom of speech” for everyone in a respectful manner. In a nutshell, she looks forward to nurturing "free and independent minds," she stressed.
The academic year will be further highlighted by the celebration of the 600th anniversary of the institution, founded in 1425. The festivities, starting grandly with a visit from Pope Francis on 28 September, will continue throughout 2025.
