At VU ensuring a safe and pleasant study and work environment is a shared responsibility. However, as an employee, student, or PhD candidate, you may encounter inappropriate behaviour such as (sexual) harassment, discrimination, bullying, or threats.
If you need support or advice in such situations, there are various places within at VU where you can turn to for assistence.
If you experience inappropriate behaviour, it is, of course, advisable to address the individuals involved directly, or to discuss it with an HR advisor, academic advisor or PhD candidate advisor. However, that is not always possible or feasible. In such cases, you can also reach out to one of the confidential counsellors. This could involve something you have personally experienced or something you have witnessed. The confidential counsellor is there to listen and provide a safe space for you to share your story in confidence. They will work with you to assess possible next steps, ensuring that you remain in charge of the process.
Effective mutual communication can often resolve many issues
Sandjai Bhulai, Professor of Business Analytics, is one of the central confidential counsellors for staff, alongside Mariëlle Rozemond. Sandjai: “Confidential counsellors are not mediators who resolve problems, but they do support those who report issues by offering them tools and options to address the problem themselves. This often provides the reporter with new insights and possibilities and they often apply these to see if they work.” Sandjai highlights the importance of effective communication, as it can resolve many issues. “I believe we need to develop stronger conversational skills and be more aware of sensitivities—especially since we are a highly diverse university.” Read the full interview with Sandjai.