Social background has a significant influence on educational pathways. This refers to parents' financial circumstances and level of education. National figures show, for example, that children of parents without a university degree are significantly under-represented in higher education. The decision of whether to pursue a university education is often shaped long before a person sets foot on campus. Moreover, social selectivity based on background continues to operate during academic careers as well.

The University of Lucerne recognises these inequalities among its students. It is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces the diversity of its students and staff, and actively works to promote it. The term first-generation students - referring to students whose parents do not hold a university degree - has become increasingly common in recent years.

The Office of Equal Opportunity is a partner in the First Gen+ project, a national collaborative initiative led by the University of Fribourg to address social selectivity at Swiss universities. 

Advice and support 

The Office of Equal Opportunity at the University of Lucerne offers support and guidance to first-generation students and staff, as well as to anyone in the university community and committees with questions relating to social background.

Contact: Matthias Luterbach, matthias.luterbach@unilu.ch