Radboud University does not tolerate unacceptable behaviour such as discrimination, bullying, aggression, intimidation, or abuse of power. Fortunately, most students and staff experience the university as a safe environment. Still, undesirable behaviour does occur.
It is important that everyone at Radboud University feels safe, respected, and free to be themselves. Our academic community is a place where you can bring your expertise, engage in open dialogue, and speak up when needed. Mistakes are allowed – within reasonable boundaries. Our campus is a space where we learn from each other, trust one another, and are able to discuss unsafe situations in a safe way.
Where can you turn if you see or experience undesirable behaviour?
Know that you are not alone if you experience or see undesirable behaviour. Don't keep it to yourself, talk about it. See which people or helplines you can turn to as a student or empoyee. They are there to help you and will handle your story confidentially.
Support for students
Support for employees
Contribute to a positive culture
Creating a safe environment is something we do together. It starts with awareness and the willingness to have honest conversations. This takes involvement, courage to step in, and the ability to listen.
Undesirable and transgressive behaviour
Be aware that undesirable behaviour often starts with seemingly “minor” issues – like being constantly interrupted, belittling comments, or dismissing someone’s discomfort. Undesirable behaviour hinders you in your work or studies. What is undesirable is primarily up to you. What is undesirable for one person may not be for another.
Sometimes the behaviour is more serious and involves transgressive behaviour, such as bullying, gossiping, discrimination, (sexual) intimidation or abuse of power or dependence. This kind of behaviour violates human dignity and has a major impact on the well-being of those involved. Radboud University takes action against transgressive behaviour to ensure a safe environment for all.
Strengthen your knowledge and skills
Do you know what undiseble behaviour looks like? How to speak up, and how to respond? Build your knowledge and skills through training and other learning opportunities.
More information for employees
What are the rules and agreements?
Radboud University pursues a climate of academic freedom, in which open discussion, freedom of mind, thought and speech are paramount. This requires clear frameworks for integrity and professional conduct. There frameworks are set out in (behavioural) codes and regulations, with the regulations being legally binding. And in a code of conduct and rules and regulations for students.
Campaign: Room for Dialogue
The quotes used in this campaign reflect recognisable situations that may occur within a university setting. The individuals in this campaign were created with AI to ensure anonymity. The campaign is part of the Prevent Care Cure project, which is committed to structural improvements around social safety. These include organising training courses, setting up an independent reporting and advice point, and improving annual appraisal interviews between managers and employees.
Read more
The story of confidential advisor Katja
Confidential advisor Katja Laumans-Bakers explains why you don't have to wait until a situation escalates. A conversation is confidential, non-binding and focuses entirely on your story. It can make a big difference, even if you just want to talk things through briefly.
The story of students Louise & Paula
From study trips to workgroups: treating each other with respect is not always a given. Students Paula Heupel and Louise Stevens explain how the code of conduct provides guidance for students and contributes to social safety.
The story of team leader Frederique
How do you interact with each other as a team, even in difficult situations? With the course card “Should Be OK?”, team leader Frederique van Alfen-Las found an accessible way to strengthen safety and solidarity.
The story of trainer Roel
Almost everyone witnesses it from time to time: inappropriate comments or behaviour in the workplace, leading to tensions or a lack of social safety. How can you, as a bystander, best deal with that?
Questions or feedback
Do you have questions or comments about the campaign or the social safety project?
Please email: socialsafety [at] ru.nl (socialsafety[at]ru[dot]nl).