Equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, or EDIA, are essential to UniDistance Suisse’s mission as a university institution offering flexible and high-quality distance education. UniDistance Suisse is committed to creating an academic environment in which all eligible students can participate fully and have equitable opportunities to succeed, irrespective of their individual backgrounds or circumstances.
Read our EDIA Strategy 2026–2030
The EDIA Strategy 2026–2030 establishes a common institutional framework for progressively identifying and removing structural, digital and social barriers to higher education. It combines academic excellence with equitable access and recognises that different students may require different forms of support to participate fully in university life. The strategy is informed by scientific research, applicable legal and policy frameworks, UniDistance Suisse’s institutional values and feedback from its students.
UniDistance Suisse’s vision is that of a barrier-free and inclusive university in which all eligible students can participate fully in academic life.
Guided by its values of responsibility, integrity, innovation and enthusiasm, UniDistance Suisse works to continuously reduce barriers to education and foster an environment that values the contribution of every individual. Equity and equal opportunities are pursued without compromising academic quality. They require transparent structures, accessible learning environments and support that responds appropriately to different needs.
As a distance-learning institution, UniDistance Suisse is particularly well placed to facilitate access to university education for people whose professional, family, geographical, health-related or personal circumstances may make participation in a conventional study model difficult. Flexibility, however, is only one dimension of inclusion. The EDIA Strategy therefore also addresses the accessibility of digital environments, teaching materials, assessments, institutional procedures and support services.
The EDIA Strategy is based on the following principles.
Equitable access and equal opportunities: Structural barriers should be identified and reduced so that students have equitable opportunities to access, pursue and complete their studies.
An inclusive and flexible academic environment: Teaching, learning and assessment should take account of diverse circumstances and enable students to participate and contribute in different ways.
Responsible and accessible use of technology: Digital technologies should support participation rather than create new barriers. Platforms, tools and learning materials should therefore be designed and used with accessibility, usability and data protection in mind.
Targeted support: Students with disabilities, health conditions, neurodivergent students, allophone students, older students and others with specific needs may require adapted information, services or learning conditions.
Gender equality and cultural diversity: Inclusive and gender-sensitive practices contribute to an environment in which diversity is respected and different perspectives are valued.
Continuous improvement: Inclusion is an ongoing institutional responsibility. Policies and practices should evolve in response to evidence, experience and feedback from the university community.
Evidence-based decision-making: Data, evaluation and stakeholder input should inform the development of measures and the allocation of resources.