What to do in case of undesirable behaviour
The UvA aims to be an open and socially safe environment where everyone feels seen, heard and respected. Nevertheless, situations may arise in which someone experiences undesirable behaviour. Read here what options are available to staff members, students and PhD candidates.
When to speak up
Undesirable behaviour includes any behaviour experienced as hurtful, threatening or inappropriate, such as:
- Bullying;
- Discrimination;
- Sexually transgressive behaviour;
- Aggression, intimidation or stalking;
- Breaches of integrity.
In all cases, no one has to face the situation alone. Does something not feel right? It may help to seek advice, even if you are not yet entirely sure what exactly is going on.
Support for staff
- Discuss the situation with your supervisor.
- Contact a confidential adviser for a confidential conversation.
- Is it a structural problem and do you need a confidential conversation? You can contact the ombudsperson.
- You can also submit a formal complaint to the Complaints Committee. A confidential adviser can support you during this process.
- In cases of serious societal misconduct, you can report it via the Whistleblower Reporting Point.
- More information is available on the staff website
Support for students
- Depending on the situation, a student counsellor or study adviser can help you.
- Contact a confidential adviser for a confidential conversation.
- Is it a structural problem and do you need a confidential conversation? You can contact the ombudsperson.
- You can also submit a formal complaint to the Complaints Committee. The confidential adviser can support you in this.
- In cases of serious societal misconduct, you can report it via the Whistleblower Reporting Point.
- More information is available on the student website.
Support for PhD candidates
- Discuss the situation with your supervisor.
- Contact a confidential adviser for a confidential conversation.
- Is it a structural problem and do you need a confidential conversation? You can consult the ombudsperson.
- You can also submit a formal complaint to the Complaints Committee. A confidential adviser can support you during this process.
- In cases of serious societal misconduct, you can report it via the Whistleblower Reporting Point.
- More information is available on the page Social safety: support for PhD candidates.
Preventing and naming undesirable behaviour
What may seem harmless to one person can feel transgressive to another. The UvA Code of Conduct describes how we wish to interact with each other.
We offer training courses and workshops on recognising and addressing undesirable behaviour – both in yourself and in others. There are training programmes available for both staff and students.