New Guide to Inclusive Communication at ETH Zurich

How we communicate with each other shapes our shared daily work and studies. With the new "Guide to Inclusive Communication", ETH Zurich is now providing a concise orientation tool that shows how to achieve contemporary, respectful, and discrimination-sensitive communication practices. Developed by ETH Diversity, the guide is aimed at all members of ETH Zurich. It supports them in communicating consciously, inclusively, and with sensitivity to accessibility.  

Why a guide?  

Communication influences our thinking and actions¡ªit not only reflects societal values ??but also actively shapes them. Inclusive communication helps ensure that everyone feels included, reduces stereotypes, and counteracts discrimination. ETH Zurich has long considered equality, diversity, and inclusion integral parts of its university culture and has reaffirmed this commitment through its new Strategic Framework for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (EDI Strategy). The new guide supports the implementation of this strategy by showing how diversity and inclusion objectives can be reflected and strengthened in everyday communication practices. The guide makes it clear: Inclusive communication is an important contribution to respectful coexistence on campus.

An insight into the content  

Using several thematic dimensions, the new guide demonstrates how communication can be designed precisely and respectfully, for example, when it comes to gender diversity, queer perspectives, accessibility, or racially sensitive terminology. It offers practical examples, alternatives to problematic formulations, guidance on gender-neutral forms of address, and recommendations for respectful terms in different situations. At the same time, the guide emphasizes that inclusive communication is a process: There is no single right solution, because language is constantly evolving.  

Principles that provide guidance  

This guide outlines four principles designed to strengthen communication at ETH Zurich:  

• Our communication aims to create greater clarity and fewer misunderstandings.  
• At ETH Zurich, we treat each other with openness, listen attentively, and respond to individual needs.  
• When uncertain, we ask respectfully.  
• We are conscientious about when diversity aspects are important for our collaboration or communication.  

These principles should be consciously practiced in everyday life and considered in both internal and external communications.  

Where can I find the guide?  

This concise guide is available on the new Staffnet subpage Inclusive Communication. There you will find both a shorter PDF version and a more in-depth Q&A format that answers frequently asked questions and offers practical tips for everyday situations, such as emails, recruitment, scientific meetings, and presentations. The structure is designed so that users can quickly find the information they need.  

Supporting Services for the ETH Community  

ETH Diversity is planning several workshops and presentations throughout the year to provide in-depth information on the application, background, and content of the guide (see below). In addition, individual consultations are available for teams, units, or individual ETH members to address specific questions or concerns related to inclusive communication. Please contact ETH Diversity directly: