To promote an inclusive, equitable and diversity-friendly environment in higher education institutions, the IGE Self-Assessment Tool (Inclusive Gender Equality Self-Assessment Tool) has been developed within the framework of the OpenEU project. It is a digital self-assessment tool designed to help academic and administrative staff in higher education institutions assess their competences and identify areas for further professional development.

The IGE Self-Assessment Tool is a practical instrument that encourages users to reflect on their professional experience and knowledge related to gender equality, diversity and inclusion in higher education.

The tool has been developed with the realities of today’s higher education environment in mind, where students come from diverse social, cultural and personal backgrounds. It also focuses on student groups that may face additional barriers in higher education, including students with disabilities, migrants, refugees, people from rural areas, and women in STEAM fields.

Users first select their professional profile – academic or administrative staff – and then answer a series of questions and scenarios tailored to their professional role.

After completing the self-assessment, users can review their answers and receive an individualised assessment report with recommendations for further professional development.

Who is the tool for?

The IGE Self-Assessment Tool is designed for academic and administrative staff in higher education institutions – anyone whose daily work involves students, the learning and teaching process, or university life.

The tool can help users to:

• identify their knowledge and competences related to inclusive education;
• identify areas where further professional development may be beneficial;
• better understand the needs of different student groups;
• reflect on their professional approach to diversity, inclusion and gender equality;
• receive practical recommendations for further professional growth.

It is important to emphasise that the IGE Self-Assessment Tool is not an exam and is not intended to evaluate an employee’s professional performance. Its purpose is not to determine whether a user has provided “right” or “wrong” answers.

Instead, it provides an opportunity for users to assess their own competences, recognise their strengths and identify areas where acquiring additional knowledge and skills could be beneficial.

The development of the tool is based on a structured, evidence-based methodology combining a literature review, survey results from academic and administrative staff at OpenEU partner higher education institutions, and interviews with representatives of local civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations. The findings will also contribute to the further development of the OpenEU IGE training programme, with the aim of providing higher education staff with targeted and practical learning modules in the future.

Try the IGE Self-Assessment Tool!

Academic and administrative staff in higher education institutions are invited to explore the tool, select their professional profile and complete the self-assessment.

IGE Self-Assessment Tool: https://ige-tool.indep.lv/

Choose your professional profile and complete the self-assessment. Take a few minutes to invest in your professional development and learn more about the competences that can contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable higher education environment!

OpenEU is a European project that brings together universities to develop digital, accessible and inclusive higher education. Its aim is to expand educational opportunities for different groups in society and promote lifelong learning across Europe. Daugavpils University is a member of the alliance and actively participates in OpenEU initiatives, contributing to cooperation within the European Higher Education Area and the development of digital solutions, inclusive education and academic mobility.

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