Social safety

Utrecht University (UU) aims to provide a pleasant and safe study and working environment for all students and staff. We treat each other with respect. Social safety is a theme that requires constant attention, from all of us. If we work together to create a socially safe UU, we can prevent the continuation and normalisation of inappropriate behaviour. 

    • I want to talk to someone about inappropriate behaviour

      As a student or employee, it may happen that you are approached in an unwanted and inappropriate way. For example, in the event of (sexual) harassment, discrimination, aggression, violence or bullying. You can always contact someone to talk about this in confidence, make a report, look at the possibilities together and file a complaint if necessary. If you think that inappropriate behaviour is taking place, discuss it, also as a witness.

    • I would like to contribute to social safety

      We create a socially safe university together. It is therefore important to discuss it and take action when inappropriate behaviour occurs. Would you like to know how you can ensure a socially safe study and working environment? Or do you, as a manager, want to get started with your team? Check out the possibilities.

    Staff Symposium Student Wellbeing

    Do you work with students, as a teacher or student supervisor, for example? Then come to the Staff Symposium on Student Wellbeing on 15 April. We will engage with students and each other. There will be speakers and workshops, such as the Active Bystander workshop. Twenty per cent of students have experienced bullying, discrimination, blackmail and sexually transgressive behaviour, the Interstedelijk Studenten Overleg (ISO) reports. When do you intervene and how do you do it? The workshop will provide you with tools to address inappropriate behaviour. This way, you contribute to a safe learning and working environment. Find out more and sign up!

    Rules and agreements

    UU has several regulations that contain rules, guidelines and agreements on (in)appropriate behaviour. In the Code of Conduct you can read which guidelines for behaviour and reflection we maintain for students and staff. In the Code of Conduct for Preventing and Combating Inappropriate Behaviour, you can read about the specific agreements we have made on (in)appropriate behaviour, and in the Procedural Policy for Notifications and Complaints Regarding Violations of Interpersonal Integrity you can read about what we do if things go wrong. These regulations will be updated soon after approval by the representative councils.