New operating models on how to provide early support and act in consequence to inappropriate behavior at UEF

New operating models have been developed to help teachers and other staff members: one for early support when concerns arise about student’s behavior and another to identify and act in consequence to student’s inappropriate behavior. In addition, the previous operating model of inappropriate treatment and harassment in studies will be updated this year.

The new operating models are based on the Universities Act, according to which all university students have the right to a safe and pleasant learning environment. Appropriate behavior includes, among other things, valuing and taking other people into account, accepting diversity, appropriate language in speaking and writing, taking care of the common learning environment and compliance with common agreements and rules.

The operating model for early support is aimed at teachers and other staff members. Concerns about a student’s behavior and the need for help often arise in teaching, guidance and counselling. Raising the issue when concerns arise as well as other forms of early support are part of the measures in attempts to promote students’ well-being. The operating model provides practical tools for interaction between teachers and students, and there are examples on how to identify worrying, disruptive and threatening behavior, how to raise the issue with the student, and how to proceed. In addition, the processing of sensitive information, confidentiality as well as finding out about involuntary treatment have been included in the operating model.

The other operating model provides tools to act in situations where a student’s behavior is disruptive, violent or threatening, and how to act in consequence to such inappropriate behavior. Disruptive behavior includes, for example, inappropriate language in speaking and writing, participation in practical training or teaching while intoxicated, bullying in teaching, inappropriate behavior during a lecture or in a teaching group, or unauthorized recording of teaching and unauthorized redistribution of the recording.

A student who disrupts teaching, behaves violently of threateningly or endangers the life or health of another person, may be ordered to leave the premises where teaching is given or from an event organised by the university. Consequences of a student’s inappropriate behavior may include a ban from attending teaching for a maximum of three days, a written warning and temporary suspension from university or a restraining order, all depending on the severity of the violation.

These operating models will be presented to the university staff, units and university services at several events during 2022.

For more information, please contact:

Tuija Pasanen, Head of Student Services, University of Eastern Finland, tuija.pasanen@uef.fi
Jonna Kosonen, Legal Specialist, University of Eastern Finland, jonna.kosonen@uef.fi