A key objective of the University of Lucerne is to achieve a balanced gender ratio among assistant, associate and full professors. This requires an increase in the proportion of women. The specific targets are formulated by the faculties for their respective subject areas. All faculties at the University of Lucerne are required to achieve a proportion of women that is higher than the average proportion of women at other Swiss faculties in the same subject area.

Appointment procedures are the key means of achieving this goal. The University of Lucerne’s Appointment Regulations stipulate that the gender balance must be assessed prior to any vacancy being advertised. Where there is a gender imbalance, a proactive search must be conducted for suitable candidates from the under-represented gender.

The University of Lucerne has also adopted guidelines for appointment procedures. These are advisory in nature and clarify certain principles and procedures to ensure equal opportunities in the appointment process.

An equal opportunities delegate sits on appointment committees, paying particular attention to ensuring equal opportunities in the appointment process. The delegates are selected from a list of suitably qualified individuals. The list is maintained by the Equality Commission. The faculties may propose equality delegates for the list and select a suitable candidate from this list during appointment procedures. Equality delegates are specifically prepared for their role through training and an accompanying information sheet.

The Office of Equal Opportunity supports and advises all members of appointment procedures by providing documentation and offers advice on equal opportunities in recruitment procedures.