You have the right to a safe learning environment. No form of bullying, harassment or discrimination is acceptable – whether in teaching, supervision or any other interaction related to your studies.
On this page, you will find information on how to recognise inappropriate treatment, what to do if you experience it, and where to get help.
What does inappropriate treatment mean?
Inappropriate treatment is repeated negative behaviour that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile or humiliating atmosphere. It can take many forms, for example:
- Bullying – repeated humiliation, exclusion, ridicule or spreading false information about someone
- Harassment – systematic intimidation, offensive behaviour or racist or discriminatory comments, for example
- Sexual harassment – unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
- Gender-based harassment – offensive behaviour related to a person’s gender, gender identity or gender expression
- Discrimination – treating someone differently without justification on the basis of age, origin, gender, language, disability, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics
- Targeted harassment – inciting mass harassment, for example on social media, through means such as spreading false information, making threats or sending hate messages
Inappropriate treatment can occur between a student and a staff member or between students. It can also take place in a person’s absence. It may happen in on-site teaching, distance learning, online learning environments or on social media.
If you suspect that the behaviour may constitute a criminal offence (e.g. sexual assault, stalking or defamation), contact the police.
What is not inappropriate treatment?
- Academic disagreement or debate
- Conflicts arising from decisions or interpretations related to studies
- Constructive feedback on coursework
- Requiring compliance with academic instructions and regulations
What to do if you experience inappropriate treatment
- Tell the person to stop. Tell the person clearly that their behaviour is not acceptable and ask them to stop. If you do not feel safe or able to do this yourself, you can go directly to the next step.
- Document what happened. Write down the times and places of each incident. Also save any messages, emails and other material related to the situation. Documentation is important so that the events can be properly investigated.
- Make a report. Contact the university’s or Student Union’s anti-harassment contact person, equality contact person or the head of unit. You can submit a report in free form or by filling in the harassment report form (UEF login required, opens in a new tab).
- Take part in the process. Once you have made a report, your participation in the process is essential. If you do not participate, the case will be closed.
What happens after a report is made?
You have the right to have a support person present at all stages of the process described below. The support person can be, for example, an anti-harassment contact person or an equality contact person at the university or Student Union (ISYY).
- Investigation – The head of unit investigates what has happened, gathers the views of all parties involved and records them.
- Mediation – A meeting is arranged for the parties to discuss the situation and agree on further actions.
- Follow-up – A memorandum is drawn up from the meeting and an agreement is made on how the situation will be monitored.
- Disciplinary action, if necessary – If the inappropriate behaviour is serious or continues, the university may take disciplinary action.
If you are accused of inappropriate treatment
- Do not dismiss the experience of the person who made the report – if you recognise the behaviour described, stop it immediately.
- You have the right to present your own perspective at all stages of the process.
- Your behaviour will not be deemed inappropriate until the matter has been investigated.
- You also have the right to have a support person present.
Who should you contact?
| Contact | How can they help? |
|---|---|
| Anti-harassment contact person at UEF | Advises and supports students who have experienced harassment, and guides them through the process |
| Anti-harassment contact person at Student Union (ISYY) (opens in a new tab) | Low-threshold advice and support, can act as a support person |
| Gender equality contact person (opens in a new tab) | Advises particularly on gender-based discrimination and harassment |
| Head of unit | Responsible for processing and investigating harassment reports |
| Crisis centre (opens in a new tab) | Provides counselling and support for dealing with crisis situations |
| Campus chaplains | Offer confidential conversation support to all members of the university community |