At VU Amsterdam maintaining a safe and pleasant working environment is our shared responsibility. However, as a student, staff member, or PhD candidate, you may encounter inappropriate behavior. If you need support or advice in such situations, you can reach out to various services within VU Amsterdam. If you are unable to resolve the matter through these reporting and complaints procedures, or if you encounter obstacles, you can also turn to the ombudsman.
The ombudsman helps (PhD) students and employees with problems or complaints. The ombudsman has an independent position, is neutral and handles complaints in strict confidence: there is a duty of confidentiality. In the series 'In Conversation with...', ombudsman students Pelin Zenginoğlu and ombudsman personnel Jacqueline Schoone, share more about their work and its connection to social safety within VU Amsterdam.
The ombudsman has an independent position, is neutral and handles complaints in strict confidence: there is a duty of confidentiality. In the series 'In Conversation with...', ombudsman students Pelin Zenginoğlu and ombudsman personnel Jacqueline Schoone, share more about their work and its connection to social safety within VU Amsterdam.
Employees can turn to me with concerns or complaints about unfair or negligent treatment by VU Amsterdam
Jacqueline Schoone, ombudsman personnel: ‘I often act as a 'last resort,' meaning that I step in when the primary reporting and complaint facilities have not functioned effectively. Then it is crucial that an independent party assesses the situation objectively. That is my role. I also address procedural shortcomings and cases where policies are not implemented as intended.’ Read the interview with Jacqueline here.
When students approach me, we analyse the situation together: what options are available, what steps have already been taken, and how can I help clarify matters?
Pelin Zenginoğlu, ombudsman students: ‘I encourage students to reach out if they feel that procedures have not been followed correctly or that certain policies are disadvantaging them. Speaking with me does not automatically mean filing a formal complaint, but it can provide clarity on what is possible. Accessibility is key in this regard.’ Read the interview with Pelin here.