Personal support

If you have any personal issues, problems, questions, complaints or conflicts during your programme, there are various people to take these up with.

First point of contact, if you have personal or health-related issues, problems, questions, complaints or conflicts during your work

(Co-)Supervisor (DEPT)

Second point of contact, in case you do not want to discuss these matters with your supervisor.

Departmental PhD mentor
Each department has its own PhD mentor. You can go to them (in confidence) for independent advice, tips, support, reference to other counsellors or services. (DEPT)

Third point of contact, in case of problems in the relation with your supervisor or other colleagues

Confidential PhD advisor (faculty)
The counsellor listens to you. You can examine the problem together and discuss possible follow-up steps.You can go to them in confidence for advice or reference to other counsellors or services. (GEO)    
 

Fourth point of contact, if you have reasons not to approach the supervisor, departmental PhD mentor or faculty counsellor

Human Resources department
HR refers to other counsellors and services only (no advisory role). (GEO)

If the nature of the problem is such that it is beyond the remit of the point of contact, their formal role will end. If possible, they will then refer you to other confidential counsellors or services, including the ones listed below. Please note that you can also contact the university confidential counsellors and services directly (without reference of a faculty point of contact). The Utrecht University website Talk in confidence, report or file a complaint gives you additional information, including a selection guide. The Utrecht University confidential advisors for Inappropriate Behaviour and Research Integrity may advise to file a formal complaint and refer to the relevant committees (as included in the overview below).

Psychological problems caused by the PhD trajectory or that have a direct effect on it

PhD Psychologist (UU)

Staff welfare (a.o. psycho-social and mediation)

Staff welfare service (Bedrijfsmaatschappelijk Werk)
PhD candidates with employment contract and scholarship PhDs only (UU)

Work-related health issues (mental and physical)

Occupational Health and Safety Service (Arbo-dienst)
PhD candidates with employment contract only (UU)

Complaints about conditions or events at work (e.g., related to supervisors, colleagues, the working environment)

UU Confidential Advisor for Staff (University Ombudsperson - UU)

Misconduct (encountering undesirable or indecent behavior, for example sexually intimidation or aggression, violence, threats or bullying).
Research Integrity