Equality, non-discrimination and accessibility

Our multicultural and international community, which respects each individual, is our richness and a source of inspiration.

Our multicultural and international community, which values every individual, is a source of richness and inspiration.

Equality, non-discrimination and accessibility are important fundamental principles that underpin all of the University’s activities.

The University and its members are committed to treating every individual and group with respect and dignity.

The goal is to offer equal opportunities for all. The JYU strategy and development programmes, the Equality, Non-discrimination and Accessibility Plan, and all operators promoting equality within the community encourage cohesion, equality and non-discrimination in daily work and study.

Principles guiding equality, non-discrimination and accessibility

The University of Jyväskylä’s Equality, Non-discrimination and Accessibility Plan provides guidance on equality matters for the entire university community. The current plan is valid until the end of 2026. The equality and non-discrimination goals of our university community stem from equality legislation, the JYU strategy, and strategic development programmes.

The vice rector for education has made the decision entitled “Accessibility of education at the University of Jyväskylä”. The principles of this vice rector’s decision apply to the entire university community, including students, staff and stakeholders. The decision aims to ensure that all JYU’s activities comply with the stipulations and the spirit of the Non-Discrimination Act.

The University’s work on equality, non-discrimination and accessibility takes into account the requirements of legislation and other national and international requirements.

The Equality, Non-discrimination and Accessibility Plan 2025– 2026

Accessibility of education at the University of Jyväskylä (in Finnish)

Where can I get support with non-discrimination and accessibility issues?

The links below provide more information on topics such as accessibility and individual arrangements, as well as what to do if you encounter inappropriate behaviour.

All members of our university community have the right to openly express any issues they have noticed. It is important to address problems in order to implement corrective measures.

For students: What should I do if I witness inappropriate behaviour?

For students: Accessibility of studies and individual services

For staff: Occupational safety and equality

Accessibility at the University of Jyväskylä

The University of Jyväskylä is committed to promoting accessibility in higher education and providing a safe environment for research and teaching. We strive to create an accessible operating culture, with the contribution of every member of our community being valued.

The results and objectives of accessibility work are promoted at university level as well as within individual units and areas of responsibility. Accessibility work is a constantly evolving process.

Activities related to the accessibility of education are presented to faculties, departments and student welfare advisors (Goodies). These activities are the responsibility of Student and Academic Services and Student Life.

Individual arrangements in entrance examinations and individual arrangements in studies are common practices at the University. The process for individual study arrangements is described on the accessibility and individual services page.

The University of Jyväskylä is committed to improving accessibility for students and offers individual support services. Individual arrangements are solutions related to teaching, guidance, examinations, and/or progress of studies.

Faculties and independent institutes have appointed accessibility contact persons who work within their respective departments. Individual arrangements are also offered at the Open University of the University of Jyväskylä. New accessibility contact persons are appointed and trained as needed.

The University of Jyväskylä’s goal is to guarantee that all members of its community, along with its partners, can make the most of JYU’s physical and digital spaces for study, work and engagement.

The University’s built environment is constantly changing. New facilities are being completed, and old buildings are being made more accessible during renovations.

The accessibility of buildings and facilities is detailed in the room descriptions on the facility reservation website. All student cafeterias are accessible (excluding the cafeteria in Lozzi, which is not fully accessible).

Facility Services ensures that improving the accessibility of facilities is considered in the planning of new projects. Where possible, the accessibility of other locations is improved by removing identified obstacles from passageways.

The University of Jyväskylä and University Properties of Finland Ltd are responsible for ensuring that JYU facilities are safe and healthy. Further information on the accessibility of premises and environments at JYU.

The different parts of the JYU campus are located close to the city centre and can be easily reached on foot, by bike, or by public transport. Read more about the history of the University and its campus.

There are excellent Cycling routes to the campus.

Linkki, the local public transport service, runs bus routes to the campus. Long-distance trains and buses arrive at the Matkakeskus Travel Centre. From there, the different JYU units are reasonably accessible on foot or by wheelchair.

There are accessible parking spaces in several locations around the campus. A permit card entitling the holder to disabled parking can be obtained from the police.

A map of the campus and its facilities is available on the Navi service.

The Act on the Provision of Digital Services and the EU directive on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies require equal opportunities for everyone to use digital services.

Digital Services takes these requirements into account when developing systems and procuring software and equipment. Moniviestin offers automatic speech recognition and subtitling in Finnish and English. Accessibility, possible alternatives, instructions and the provision of information are all ensured.

Accessibility is a cross-cutting principle in the digital pedagogy training provided by Digital Services. Digital Services also offers customisable accessibility training in the form of online courses, webinars and online tutorials.

The accessibility of the University of Jyväskylä’s website, mobile applications and related online services encompasses content accessibility and technical accessibility. Content should be clear and easy to understand. Technical features must allow assistive devices to be used.

All members of the university community must consider digital accessibility in their activities, for example, when preparing teaching materials, theses, or documents.

Feedback on accessibility can be provided through the following channels:

The branding and recognisability elements used in the University of Jyväskylä’s communications and marketing are accessible and free from barriers.

The University’s jyu.fi publishing system and website templates largely meets the A and AA accessibility criteria. The website is maintained to ensure that its content distribution methods and types remain accessible. Administrators are trained in the production of accessible content and its underlying principles. Accessibility testing, quality monitoring and corrections are systematic and continuous. New websites and website sections are tested, and accessibility reports are prepared for them.

Content produced by the University for third-party services and/or social media channels is made accessible to the greatest extent possible. Content obtained from external suppliers must also be accessible.

Open science communication promotes the impact and accessibility of research data. Active science communication and the popularisation of research data take into account target groups, audiences, communication channels, languages and conventions.

Events organised by the University of Jyväskylä are, in principle, accessible to all participants. For important events or webcasts, JYU aims to provide real-time sign language interpretation, live captioning, or interpretation for international participants. For online events, accessibility is considered in the arrangements, depending on the requirements of the interpretation and recording. The event organiser is responsible for interpreting arrangements.

Accessibility statements are produced and updated as necessary. Any accessibility deficiencies listed in these statements are corrected according to the schedule presented. Some of the accessibility statements are available only in Finnish.

The Social Sustainability and Responsibility Development Group

JYU's the Social Sustainability and Responsibility Development Group aims to promote the preconditions of social sustainability and responsibility at the University, supporting the implementation of the measures outlined in the Equality, Non-discrimination and Accessibility Plan. The group contributes to the development of a socially and culturally sustainable and responsible culture at the University.

• promote the goals of the Non-Discrimination Act and the Act on Equality Between Women and Men
• monitor the development of equality, non-discrimination and accessibility at the University
• support the implementation of the measures outlined in the Equality, Non-discrimination and Accessibility Plan.
• monitor the implementation of the Equality, Non-discrimination and Accessibility Plan
• support the development of accessibility models, policies and practices at the University
• make development proposals concerning social sustainability and responsibility.