Policy Statement

At, International Business Academy of Switzerland, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable learning and working environment. As an educational institution operating in Switzerland, we are proud to uphold the principles enshrined in Swiss law, including the Federal Act on Gender Equality (GEA) and Article 8 of the Swiss Federal Constitution, which protect against discrimination and guarantee equal treatment.

We believe diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is central to our mission to deliver academic excellence, attract and retain top talent, and prepare our students for a globalised and interconnected world.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• All students, faculty, researchers, administrative staff, partners and visiting personnel.
• All aspects of institutional life, including admissions, hiring, promotion, teaching, curriculum development, campus life, and research activity.

Legal Framework

This policy is underpinned by:

• Swiss Federal Constitution (Art. 8 para. 2): Prohibits discrimination and mandates equality before the law.
• Federal Act on Gender Equality (GEA, RS 151.1): Prohibits gender-based discrimination in the workplace and promotes equal pay.
• Swiss Disability Discrimination Act (DDA): Seeks to eliminate disadvantages encountered by persons with disabilities.
• International Human Rights Standards ratified by Switzerland, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Our Commitments

We pledge to:

• Promote equal opportunity in education, recruitment, advancement, and compensation.
• Eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation on the basis of gender, age, race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, or socio-economic status.
• Cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone feels respected, heard, and valued.
• Provide training for staff and faculty on unconscious bias, inclusive pedagogy, and intercultural sensitivity.
• Support flexible work arrangements to accommodate personal and family needs and promote work-life balance.
• Ensure accessibility of our campus, learning materials, and digital resources to all individuals, including those with disabilities.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Management: Leads by example, ensures EDI values are embedded in strategic planning and institutional decision-making.
• Administration Department: Oversees implementation, training, recruitment fairness, and data monitoring.
• EDI Committee/QA Office: Coordinates EDI initiatives, collects feedback, advises on best practices, and reports annually.
• All Stakeholders (Staff, Faculty, Students and Partners, etc): Are responsible for upholding the principles of this policy and treating others with dignity and respect.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Annual Review: This policy will be reviewed and updated annually to ensure ongoing relevance and compliance.
• Data Collection: We will collect and analyse anonymised demographic and engagement data to monitor progress and identify barriers.
• Complaints and Reporting: Any concerns about discrimination or exclusion should be reported to the Administration Department. Complaints will be handled confidentially, fairly, and in accordance with institutional procedures.

Accountability

Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary action in line with institutional policies and Swiss employment law. Discrimination and harassment are treated as serious misconduct.

Contact

For more information, questions, or to report a concern, please contact:
Administration Department: admin @ibas.edu.eu

Conclusion

By embracing diversity and promoting equality and inclusion, International Business Academy of Switzerland aims to be a beacon of respect, dignity, and excellence in the Swiss and global education community.

We invite all members of our institution to actively contribute to an inclusive and equitable academic environment.