10.6 Measures Against Discrimination
10.6.1 Non-Discriminatory Admissions Policy
10.6.2 Track Underrepresented Groups Applications
10.6.3 Recruit Underrepresented Groups
10.6.4 Anti-discrimination Policies
10.6.5 Diversity and Equality Committee
10.6.6 Support for Underrepresented Groups
10.6.7 Accessible Facilities
10.6.8 Disability Support Services
10.6.9 Disability Access Schemes
10.6.10 Disability Accommodation Policy
10.6.11 Anti-Harassment Policy
Recruitment of Underrepresented Groups
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) actively promotes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in all recruitment and admissions processes. In alignment with SDG 10.6.3, the University takes deliberate and structured actions to recruit students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented groups, ensuring that its academic community reflects a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
Inclusive Faculty and Staff Recruitment
The Human Resources Department leads the implementation of inclusive recruitment practices that prioritize equity, fairness, and representation. All job postings, selection procedures, and hiring decisions are guided by the principles set out in GUST’s Equal Employment Opportunity Policy and Recruitment and Appointment Policy, which explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender, age, nationality, disability, or social status.
When recruiting faculty and staff, HR ensures:
- Diverse candidate pools through broad international advertising and outreach.
- Equal evaluation criteria, based solely on qualifications, experience, and professional merit.
- Compliance with Kuwait Labor Law and GUST’s internal employment standards.
- Encouragement of women and international professionals to apply for leadership and academic positions.
These measures ensure that both local and international talent are given fair opportunities to contribute to the university’s teaching, research, and administrative excellence.
Student Recruitment and Access
For student recruitment, GUST’s Admissions Department and the One-Stop Student Services Center (OSC) implement a range of initiatives designed to attract and support students from underrepresented backgrounds, including those from low-income families, students with disabilities, and women pursuing degrees in traditionally male-dominated fields such as STEM and business leadership.
To promote inclusion and access, the University offers several scholarship programs that provide full or partial financial support to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance or financial need. These scholarships help remove economic barriers that often prevent talented students from continuing their education, thereby widening access to quality higher education for groups that may otherwise be underrepresented.
In addition to financial assistance, GUST provides comprehensive academic advising and mentoring services through the One-Stop Student Services Center (OSC). These services ensure that every student—particularly those adjusting to higher education or facing social or financial challenges—receives personalized guidance and encouragement throughout their academic journey. Advisors assist students with course selection, career planning, and skill development, while also connecting them to tutoring and peer support programs.
By combining targeted outreach, scholarship opportunities, and tailored academic support, GUST creates meaningful pathways for underrepresented students to access, succeed, and graduate from the university. These efforts reflect GUST’s commitment to reducing inequalities, empowering diverse learners, and building a more inclusive academic community in alignment with SDG 10.6.3 and the broader goals of SDG 4: Quality Education.
