Diversity Quiz

Diversity at the Lucerne School of Business

Respect and mutual appreciation are fundamental tenets of the Lucerne School of Business.

Diversity Quiz

Learn how it's done:

The Diversity Officer of the Lucerne Schoolg of Business is Sabine Witt. She:
  • ist part of the Diversity Office at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and works to ensure that the principles of respectful interaction are formally established and actively practiced.
  • serves as a contact person for students, staff, and lecturers regarding questions related to diversity and inclusion—for example, issues of equality, balancing work, studies and family, or matters concerning disabilities.
  • carries out projects on equal opportunities and inclusion within the Lucerne School of Business. In addition, she organizes the network and the diversity platform for research and services.
Fünf junge Männer und Frauen im Gespräch vor einer blauen Wand

Successful first-generation students: a collaborative project

First-generation students are those who are the first in their family to pursue a university degree. They are strongly represented at the Lucerne School of Business as well as at Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences in general. They make up 64% of students, compared to only 44% at traditional universities. However, first-generation students often receive lower grades, are more likely to drop out, and face greater difficulties entering the job market.

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Seizing opportunities, unlocking potential

These differences not only affect the students concerned, but also place a burden on higher education institutions. They also represent missed opportunities for the economy and society. Therefore, universities need to take action to provide targeted support for first-generation students so they can fully realize their potential.

Empowerment and raising awareness

As part of a call for proposals by swissuniversities, the umbrella organization of Swiss higher education institutions, HSLU – together with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) – has been awarded funding for a collaborative project (2025–27).

At the core of the project, «First-generation students at universities of applied sciences – measures to promote academic success» is a needs analysis that systematically identifies the specific challenges and requirements of first-generation students at the participating institutions. In collaboration with key stakeholders – including students, alumni, university management, and relevant services – measures will be developed, documented, and implemented as pilot projects. These include initiatives to empower first-generation students and to raise awareness among lecturers and other university staff.

Several students from the Lucerne School of Business are actively contributing to the project as part of their bachelor’s theses.

Frau und Mann im Gespräch im Büro

Everyday discrimination: be more mindful

In a recent anonymous survey on everyday discrimination among HSLU employees, the majority of respondents reported to not having experienced discrimination themselves. However, some described having witnessed others behaving in a derogatory manner. Preventing such instances from occurring requires being mindful towards others, and the path to more mindfulness includes reflecting on one’s own behaviour. To illustrate the underlying dynamics, the Swiss national broadcaster SRF has produced two engaging videos on microaggressions and everyday sexism in the workplace. Take our own diversity quiz to recognize and be mindful of some possible  unconscious biases.