UNNES Policy No. 996/UN37/KP.06.05/2024 declares UNNES an inclusive and anti-discrimination university committed to providing equal access, services, resources, courses, events, training, educational programs, facilities, and opportunities to its academic community and the general public, regardless of ethnicity, religion, race, gender, orientation, disability, immigration status, social or economic status, background, or political views. Rector’s Regulation No. 116/2024 reinforces the provision of educational services for all with Disabilities with integrity. Professors, staff, students, and the general public must maintain a learning and working environment free from discrimination, violence, abuse, and bullying. All units are required to implement inclusive programs, ensure accessibility, and promote tolerance, diversity, and equality for all. Enforcing units include Disability Services Unit, the UNNES Counseling Service Center, and the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence.
In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) has taken firm institutional steps to guarantee that education is accessible to everyone. As a conservation and inclusive university, UNNES recognizes diversity as a source of strength and ensures that every individual—regardless of personal background or identity—has equal opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute. This commitment is embedded in university-wide policies that integrate inclusivity, non-discrimination, and accessibility into every aspect of academic and community life.
Institutional Commitment to Inclusion and Non-Discrimination
UNNES’s dedication to inclusivity is formalized in University Policy No. 996/UN37/KP.06.05/2024, which declares UNNES an inclusive and anti-discrimination institution. The policy mandates equal access, services, and opportunities for all members of the academic community regardless of ethnicity, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, immigration status, social or economic status, background, or political views. This comprehensive framework ensures that every student, lecturer, staff member, and member of the general public can participate fully and fairly in academic and professional activities. It reflects UNNES’s commitment to fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, and equal rights are protected. To further strengthen its inclusive education initiatives, UNNES has also collaborated with an international inclusive education specialist to review its inclusivity policy and implementation.
Creating a Safe and Respectful Academic Environment
UNNES upholds strong ethical standards that require all members of its community—professors, staff, students, and members of the general public—to maintain a learning and working environment free from discrimination, violence, abuse, and bullying. The policy establishes clear behavioral expectations and promotes mutual respect as a cornerstone of university culture. Through preventive measures, educational campaigns, and responsive mechanisms, UNNES ensures that its academic and social environment supports the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of everyone. This approach aligns with SDG 4’s emphasis on inclusive, safe, and effective learning environments.
Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) reaffirms its strong commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful academic environment through the implementation of the Anti-Harassment Policy as outlined in Rector’s Regulation Number 115 of 2024. The regulation establishes a comprehensive framework for preventing and addressing harassment and violence throughout the entire university community. This policy applies to students, educators, administrative staff, and members of the general public, setting clear guidelines for preventing misconduct, handling complaints, and enforcing disciplinary measures. It aims to promote a zero-tolerance culture toward harassment and violence, ensuring that UNNES remains a campus where every individual feels protected and respected.
Implementation of Inclusive Programs Across All Units
To ensure inclusivity is not only a principle but also a practice, UNNES requires all university units to actively implement inclusive programs, ensure accessibility, and promote tolerance, diversity, and equality. This policy translates into concrete actions such as inclusive teaching approaches, accessibility improvements for all with disabilities, and the integration of diversity education into curricula. Each faculty, department, and administrative unit plays an active role in translating institutional policy into daily practices that strengthen community cohesion and educational equity.
One concrete example of strengthening community inclusivity is a community service initiative led by the faculty. UNNES faculty helped local teachers develop adaptive teaching skills to accommodate all students with special needs. UNNES also held educational events, including an educational outing class with students from inclusive schools.
Another inclusive program had UNNES students design learning media for children with various disabilities — from the visually impaired to autistic children — aiming to realize equal learning rights for all. The initiative demonstrated UNNES’s genuine attention to improving access to mathematics education for people with disabilities. UNNES also held conferences and workshops on inclusive education.
Support Structures for Accessibility and Protection
UNNES reinforces its inclusive ecosystem through dedicated support units that provide direct assistance and safeguard equal participation. These include the UNNES Counseling Service Center, which offers mental health and academic guidance; the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence, which protects the rights and safety of all individuals on campus; and the Disability Services Unit, which ensures that all with physical or sensory challenges receive appropriate accommodations.
Together, these units form a coordinated support system that upholds human dignity and guarantees that no one is left behind in pursuing education. To ensure the effective implementation of the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence, UNNES has formally established the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (PPKS). The task force serves as the university’s official unit responsible for receiving reports, conducting assessments, and taking follow-up action in cases of harassment or sexual violence within the university environment.
Regulatory Reinforcement and Inclusive Implementation
UNNES’s inclusivity framework is further strengthened by Rector’s Regulation No. 116/2024 on Educational Services for All with Disabilities, which guarantees equal access to both academic and non-academic facilities and programs. This regulation ensures that all with special needs receive equitable support and opportunities for participation. Additionally, UNNES’s inclusive policies are guided by the principles of fairness, accountability, transparency, and integrity, ensuring that entry into the university is based solely on merit and opportunity, without discrimination. Through these comprehensive policies, UNNES reinforces its dedication to equity at every stage of the educational journey—from admission to graduation.
The Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) implements its new student admission process in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia Number 62 of 2023, which amends the Academic Guidelines of UNNES 2024 and refers to Ministerial Regulation Number 48 of 2022 on the educational service for all.
UNNES ensures that the educational service for all is carried out based on the following principles:
- Fairness — The process must not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of religion, ethnicity, race, gender, age, social status, physical condition, or economic background, while still taking into account the applicant’s academic potential, achievements, and the specific characteristics of each study program.
- Accountability — The process is conducted in accordance with clear procedures and criteria, ensuring the integrity and reliability of every stage of implementation.
- Flexibility — Registration is held multiple times, allowing each prospective participant to take part in the selection process up to two times, thereby widening access and opportunity.
- Efficiency — The implementation of selection utilizes information and communication technology (ICT) to optimize resources, streamline processes, and ensure time flexibility.
- Transparency — Every stage of the registration process is carried out openly, and the results are made easily accessible to the public to maintain trust and credibility.
- Commitment to Educational Integrity — The process upholds the principle that the status of a State University with Legal Entity (PTNBH) must not become a gateway to the liberalization of higher education. Instead, it reinforces the spirit of inclusivity and the values of national education.
Through a robust combination of institutional policies, regulatory frameworks, and active support systems, Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) embodies its role as an inclusive and anti-discrimination university. By translating policy into practice, UNNES ensures that access to education, facilities, and opportunities is truly open to all—regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, or socioeconomic background. These ongoing efforts demonstrate the university’s unwavering commitment to SDG 4, affirming that quality education must be both inclusive and equitable. At UNNES, diversity is not merely acknowledged but embraced as a foundation for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development.
