EDIA - Equity, Diversity, Inclusion und Accessibility

UniDistance Suisse undertakes to promote an equitable, diversified, inclusive and accessible study and work environment in which each person can participate fully in academic and institutional life. This commitment covers teaching, research, services and the running of the institution and is embedded in the Valais regulatory regime.

Through its model of part-time studies and distance learning, UniDistance Suisse helps broaden access to university studies and facilitates the combination of study with professional work, family responsibilities or other life situations. The institution pursues in parallel the development of practices, environments and technologies which take account of diverse needs.

Our priorities

The 2026-2030 EDIA strategy is based on seven fundamental pillars.

Guaranteeing equitable access and equal opportunities without compromising on quality or academic requirements
Anchoring flexibility in education at an institutional level
Using technology responsibly to reduce the digital divide
Offering targeted support to specific groups (allophones, senior citizens, people with a handicap)
Actively promoting gender equality and cultural diversity
Continuously improving our inclusive practices
Anchoring inclusion in the institutional culture and using solid data to guide our actions.

These pillars provide a shared framework to progressively advance EDIA in the different operational areas at UniDistance Suisse.

Learn more about Compensation for disabilities

Gender Equality Plan

UniDistance Suisse is actively committed to gender equality and favours an inclusive, equitable and non-discriminatory academic environment. Its Gender Equality Plan (2026-2030), elaborated in compliance with the requirements of Horizon Europe, is available via this link: consult.

Adopted by the Rectorate on 2 June 2026, the Gender Equality Plan is one of the EDIA implementing instruments at UniDistance Suisse. It defines an strategic framework and action areas notably relating to institutional culture, participation in decision making, recruitment and career development, the consideration of gender in research and teaching plus the prevention of gender-related discrimination and violence.

The EDIA group

The EDIA group helps sustainably anchor the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in the institutional development of UniDistance Suisse. Grouping together representatives of different stakeholders in the institution, it contributes to elaborating the vision, strategy and action plans of EDIA while assisting the ongoing development of institutional practices in these fields.

Contact : edia@unidistance.ch.

EDIA Members