1. For whom
The Student Code of Conduct applies to all students affiliated with Radboud University through their studies, further training, exchanges, internships, student organisation participation or facility usage.
The Student Organisations Code of Conduct also applies to student organisations recognised by Radboud University.
2. When applicable
The Student Code of Conduct applies to all physical and digital environments, for all activities and in all contact associated with Radboud University.
Examples within the academic context include: interacting with fellow students in learning contexts, and interacting with lecturers when attending classes or anonymously through a course evaluation form.
Examples outside the academic context include: interaction during a study trip or at a student organisation party, on social media or in app groups with fellow students.
3. Desirable behaviour
Respect, equality and integrity are our common values. You should treat all parties involved with Radboud University with respect and equality, behave with integrity and observe the applicable rules and guidelines. This is the norm. Listed below are our guiding principles to put this into practice.
3.1 Be mindful of each other
It is important that everyone feels safe, heard and seen.
We expect you to:
- adopt an open attitude towards others;
- respect each other's personal space and boundaries;
- be aware that everyone's starting point or situation may differ.
We encourage you to:
- show interest in each other;
- see and appreciate each other's talents;
- intellectually challenge and inspire each other;
- support one another when necessary;
- ask for support if you need it.
3.2 Treat each other equally
Treating each other equally is a prerequisite for an inclusive community.
We expect you to:
- act on the basis of equality rather than prejudice and assumptions;
- contribute to an open intellectual climate.
We encourage you to:
- approach other perspectives with curiosity.
3.3 Act with integrity
Integrity is essential not only in academia but also for mutual trust.
We expect you to:
- not abuse a situation, position or (dependency) relationship;
- carefully handle facilities, information, research and other data and resources and other people's property;
- act with academic integrity and not commit fraud or plagiarism;
- comply with the applicable rules and guidelines.
3.4 Talk about behaviour
Reflecting on our own and each other's behaviour and engaging in conversation about it is important for a healthy culture in which everyone can be themselves. That takes courage and vulnerability.
We expect you to:
- be aware that your own behaviour affects others;
- discuss desirable and undesirable behaviour in a respectful manner.
We encourage you to:
- speak out if you have concerns about compliance with or violation of agreements on behaviour;
- try to resolve irritations and discomfort where they arise;
- talk to each other, not about each other.
4. Dealing with substance use
As a student, you may encounter situations involving substances such as alcohol or drugs.
We expect you to:
- not pressure each other to use substances.
We encourage you to:
- question norms, including unspoken ones, about substance use;
- speak out if you have concerns about your own or someone else’s substance use.
5. Student-staff relationship
A professional relationship exists between students and staff members in the educational context. Within this relationship, students have a degree of dependence on staff members if they have a role in, for example, advising, supporting, assessing or guiding students. At the same time, a private relationship may also exist or arise between a student and a staff member. For example, because you are family, become friends or have a romantic relationship.
Overlap between a professional and private relationship can lead to integrity issues: it may cause (the appearance of) a conflict of interest, a disadvantage, favouritism or the abuse of the hierarchical relationship. Staff members are subject to agreements on how to handle this risk: if a private student-staff relationship exists or arises, the staff member concerned is obliged to report this. The staff member and their supervisor will assess the potential risks and solutions. For the duration of the professional relationship, staff members may not have private relationships with a student that could compromise the impartiality or objectivity of the professional relationship, could lead to socially unsafe situations, or that could lead to favouritism or disadvantaging students.
Do you have questions or concerns about a private relationship between you and a staff member? Please consult one of our confidential advisors. You can also do so as a bystander.
6. Undesirable and transgressive behaviour
6.1 Undesirable behaviour
Undesirable behaviour is behaviour that hinders you. Examples include being constantly interrupted, gossiping or encountering nasty comments. The definition of ‘undesirable’ is subjective. What is undesirable for one person may not be so for another.
The person displaying the undesired behaviour may not be aware of its impact. Providing constructive feedback can help to change undesirable behaviour. You can also do this as a bystander.
6.2 Transgressive behaviour
Transgressive behaviour is all behaviour that affects someone's dignity. This is behaviour that you can and shouldknow is unacceptable, regardless of how it is perceived.
Transgressive behaviour includes (but is not limited to):
- behaviour that is discriminatory in nature;
- behaviour involving bullying or threatening;
- behaviour of a sexual nature for which consent has not been granted;
- behaviour that is intimidating, aggressive or violent;
- behaviour involving the abuse of a hierarchical or dependency relationship;
- behaviour that remains unchanged even after someone has declared that it is undesirable.
Examples include shouting, name calling, grabbing someone, and disadvantaging or excluding someone because of personal characteristics, such as origin, beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, disability, role or position.
7. Help and support
Radboud University offers support in the event of undesirable or transgressive behaviour. On the website of Radboud University, you can find information on where to go (possibly confidentially) to share your story, find help or support, give a signal or report a concern or incident. This also applies if you wish to share your concerns as a bystander. You are not alone.
8. Consequences
The Student Code of Conduct is not legally binding. However, regulations referred to in the Code of Conduct may be legally binding. In addition, the Dutch Higher Education and Scientific Research Act stipulates that measures may be taken if order is disrupted within an educational institution.
