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Belonging is the feeling of being accepted, valued, and respected for who you are. It’s not just about being physically present in a space; it’s about feeling emotionally connected and supported within that space.

A sense of belonging influences students’ wellbeing, academic success, and sense of community. When we belong, we are able to express ourselves fully, take risks, and engage with others without fear of judgment. It's the foundation for building an inclusive, thriving environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.

The You Belong campaign centers on the idea that every student deserves to feel like they belong, on campus and in their community. It aims to create an environment where all students feel seen and reflected through the campaign.

Intersectionality

Intersectionality acknowledges that our identities are shaped by multiple, interconnected factors, such as race, gender, ability, sexuality, and more. These overlapping identities influence how we experience the world and relate to others. Understanding intersectionality helps us recognise that belonging and exclusion are experienced in unique ways by different individuals. The You Belong campaign embraces this complexity by highlighting diverse, non-stereotypical representations, helping to challenge oversimplified portrayals and celebrate the richness of each person’s identity.

Allyship

Allyship involves actively supporting and advocating for marginalised groups, challenging inequity and discrimination. Allies listen, learn, and take action to support change. Practising allyship is about more than just being non-discriminatory; it’s about proactively ensuring that others feel valued and included. The You Belong campaign encourages all students and staff to engage as allies.

Inclusivity

Inclusion is the active, ongoing effort to ensure that everyone is treated with fairness, respect, and dignity. It goes beyond simply being present; it’s about creating spaces where everyone, inclusive of all diversities, can fully participate and thrive. The You Belong campaign contributes to inclusion by ensuring that diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives are recognised and represented.

Equitable access

Equitable access ensures that all students have the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background or identity. This involves identifying and removing barriers that prevent certain groups from participating fully in academic, social, and professional opportunities. The You Belong highlights the importance of fair treatment and ensuring that all students feel empowered to succeed.

Celebrating diversity

Celebrating diversity means recognising and uplifting all the elements that make us different. It’s about creating a space where all diversity is acknowledged and valued. The You Belong campaign brings attention to the strength and richness that diverse voices bring to the university, encouraging students to embrace and celebrate the variety of experiences and perspectives that make up their community. 

Stereotypes

Stereotypes are oversimplified ideas about people based on their identity, such as race, gender, or culture. These assumptions often lead to exclusion, discrimination, and misrepresentation. The You Belong campaign challenges stereotypes by recognising the uniqueness of individuals and engaging without bias. By seeing people as multifaceted, we foster a more inclusive campus where everyone is valued for who they are.

Microaggressions

Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional comments or actions that can harm others, typically reflecting underlying biases. Though seemingly small, these interactions can erode a person’s sense of belonging over time. The You Belong campaign encourages mindfulness of language and actions, confronting microaggressions when they occur to create a safe and supportive space for all students.

Discrimination

Discrimination is the unfair treatment of individuals based on their identity, such as race, gender, or disability. Discrimination leads to exclusion, creating an environment where certain students feel marginalised. The You Belong campaign encourages actively working against discrimination by recognising its forms and ensuring that all students are treated fairly, with dignity and respect.

Bias

Bias refers to unconscious or conscious judgments that affect how we interact with others. These biases can result in unfair decisions that disadvantage certain groups. The You Belong campaign emphasises the importance of being aware of our biases and challenging them in order to build a campus environment where everyone feels seen and respected, regardless of their background.

Systemic inequality

Systemic inequality refers to the ways in which societal ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥, like laws, policies, and practices, create and sustain disparities between different groups, often based on race, class, gender, or ability. These inequalities lead to unequal access to opportunities and resources, hindering the full participation of marginalised groups in academic, social, and professional spaces. The You Belong campaign seeks to raise awareness of systemic barriers and to challenge them when possible.

Our overall wellbeing comprises many aspects of our life. Explore, question, and consider how you might help someone else and yourself with the wealth of information and resources available on our Wellbeing Hub.

Wellbeing Hub

The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ provides a range of services and responses to assist in the safety and wellbeing of staff and students. Find information on support and reporting options if you have witnessed or experienced any form of unacceptable behaviour, or access further training and information to increase awareness and capacity to actively shape a culture of inclusion and respect.

Safer Campus Community