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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Athena Swan

Our School recently received an Athena Swan Bronze award for undertaking an evidence-based, transparent self-assessment process to direct our priorities and interventions for gender equality. Our actions aim to eliminate obstacles to success that may arise because of a student or a staff member’s gender. Our EDI committee is working to improve work and study in this school for all, regardless of race, disability, nationality, or contract type.

Meet the Athena Swan Self Assessment Team

Athena Swan SAT Team for SLLC

The Athena Swan Self Assessment Team submitted a 10,000-word document to apply for the Athena Swan Ireland Bronze Award under the leadership of Dr. Catherine Emerson in November 2024. The SAT gathered critical information and collaborated on creating a meaningful action plan going forward. They received the Award in April 2025 and were commended for their plans to run workshops on managing accommodations for neurodivergent and dyslexic students and for funding training for staff who wished to develop a specialism in this area.

The School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures was overjoyed at this outcome and celebrated the Athena Swan Bronze Award in style after their Board meeting in June 2025.

Staff Spotlight

Take a look at our current featured staff

Dr Ornaith Rodgers - Lecturer in French

About Ornaith - Research Profile

Interests: Reading, walking, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

What do you like about your work? I am very fortunate to have a job that I love. What I enjoy most is my time in the classroom with my students and helping them to cultivate a love of the French language and an awareness of the extraordinary power of language to promote, sustain and challenge ideologies. I love to hear them express their thoughts and ideas and we like to have a little bit of fun in class too!

An open sentence related to EDI: For me equality, diversity and inclusion is about making every student feel welcome and included in the classroom. Positive communication, respect and compassion are core values for an inclusive teaching and learning environment for me.

Manuel Zamora - Teaching Assistant (Spanish Language)

He/Him

Interests: Reading, cinema, video games and travelling.

What do you like about your work? I had never taught professionally, so it has all been a new and exciting experience. What I enjoy most is the close relationship I have built with my students. As a young teacher, I find they feel at ease with me, and our classes are full of good vibes, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Students are not shy about speaking up, which is exactly what you want in your class. I always tell them not to be afraid of speaking Spanish because I have been studying English my whole life and I still make mistakes. It is completely normal. We are only human, and mistakes are an essential part of learning.

An open sentence related to EDI: Equality and inclusion are essential for my classes. I always try to make sure everyone feels comfortable in a safe, welcoming space where they can share their opinions freely, without ever fearing judgement or criticism. Every student brings their own background, perspective, and way of learning, and I see that diversity is something that enriches the class for all of us. I want students to feel that they belong and that their voice matters.

An Dr Colm Ó Cuaig – Léachtóir le Gaeilge

About Colm - Research Profile

Interests: Léamh is léann, spórt is scléip, foinn is fonnadóirí.

What do you like about your work? Níl lá ar bith nach mbíonn rud le foghlaim. Meabhraíonn mo chuid léitheoireachta agus na mic léinn dhom a bhfuil le foghlaim agus le feiceáil fós agam den domhan.

An open sentence related to EDI: Chuile dhuine agus a bhealach féin.