Community wellbeing

The campuses of the University of Bordeaux, which together make up one of the largest university sites in Europe, provide a privileged setting that is particularly conducive to a rich and dynamic university life. The University of Bordeaux strives to create  an environment conducive to well-being, health, and fulfillment for all of its members, students, and staff, while at the same time taking into account the diversity and needs of its 37 sites spread across the Nouvelle Aquitaine
region. As the first signatory in France of the international Okanagan Charter on the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and environments, the University of Bordeaux is committed as an institution to promoting health. The Healthy Campus initiative addresses these issues by making well-being at work and study a priority of policy and a factor in collective success. The University of Bordeaux thus aspires to create a stimulating environment that promotes physical and mental health. In order to achieve this, it relies on a rich programme of events, modern infrastructure, competent services, high-quality social dialogue, and solid partnerships to drive and co-construct a community conducive to well-being.

Furthermore, the university is committed to preventing and remedying dysfunctional work environments through a tailored action plan and the strengthening of its Quality of Life and Health at Work (QVST, Qualité de vie et santé au travail) improvement scheme. Aware of existing disparities, it is launching a targeted scheme for identifying and dealing with critical situations, with the aim of providing a respectful, safe, and stimulating study and work environment for all.

The transformations being tested within its campuses, in particular the new solutions providing more ergonomic work spaces or limiting stressful situations, are intended to have an effect beyond university walls, as
in the case of the projects incubated within the Living Lab dedicated to health issues.

The University of Bordeaux pursues a 20- or 30-year property investment policy which aims to support the transformation of the university, enhance the appeal of its campuses, contribute to improving its living and working conditions, and make its property portfolio as energy efficient as possible. As part of its ongoing effort to improve study and work environments, the University of Bordeaux has embarked on a major transformation of its campuses and infrastructure through two key initiatives: the Bordeaux Campus Operation and the Multi-Year Property Strategy Scheme (SPSI, Schéma pluriannuel de stratégie immobilière).

For example, the campus hubs — spaces which are flexible and innovative — boost synergies between teaching, research, services, and student and community life. Designed to respond to community needs, they stimulate collaboration, creativity, and well-being, and thus represent essential mechanisms for success and a sign of unity with the urban community.

The University of Bordeaux thus positions itself as a living laboratory of social and societal innovation, where student and staff engagement becomes a driver of transformation. It thereby encourages the active participation of its communities in campus life, through a large variety of initiatives promoting the acquisition of citizenship skills and a critical outlook, which are essential for collective action in and for society.

The University of Bordeaux is committed to creating an inclusive learning and working environment, where all people feel welcome, integrated, respected, and supported, regardless of their origins, identity, and according to their specific needs. It fights actively against all forms of discrimination, while promoting equal opportunities and recognising the diversity of its communities, and fostering their cultural, social, and disciplinary differences. It encourages the accessibility of the full range of services and schemes available to all and offers personalised support tailored to the needs of individuals, with particular attention paid to people with disabilities, to those from more modest socio-economic backgrounds, and to all those who encounter difficulties during their university careers. By combatting various forms of vulnerability and enhancing solidarity, the university contributes to mutual respect and a culture of living and working together. In this way, it ensures that everyone can flourish within the university community.