How do structural power dynamics shape everyday life at universities – and what role does “whiteness” play as a system of privilege? These questions are at the heart of the first Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) hosted by the University of Münster as part of the European University Alliance Ulysseus. Titled "Critical Whiteness: Reflecting on Power and Taking Action in the University Context," the programme invites participants to engage with anti-racist perspectives through a combination of theoretical input and practical training.
Coordinated by the Future Lab, the BIP is aimed at both academic and administrative university staff. It offers a space to explore foundational concepts from Critical Whiteness Studies and reflect on participants’ own institutional practices. Interactive workshops, group reflections, and hands-on sessions help participants develop strategies to promote inclusive and equitable environments – in their day-to-day work and beyond.
The programme consists of a virtual preparation phase followed by a five-day in-person training in Münster. The online sessions in October 2025 introduce key theoretical frameworks, such as whiteness as a social construct, systemic power, and intersectionality. During the on-site component from 24–28 November 2025, participants will deepen their understanding through practice-oriented workshops and real-world case studies – including sessions on handling potentially racist materials in museums and on fostering diversity in start-up cultures.
Led by scholars and professional trainers, the programme encourages participants to critically reflect on their own positions within existing power structures. No prior knowledge is required – just a willingness to engage with complex questions and an openness to self-reflection. The working language is English, and a minimum proficiency level of B2 (according to CEFR) is expected.
Registration is open from 15 April to 31 August 2025. Interested participants should contact Dr. Agnes Laba.
Further information:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/Ulysseus/en/Ulysseus/index.html