The confidential counsellors for students provide support and assistance when students encounter inappropriate behaviour.
What does a confidential advisor do when you encounter inappropriate behaviour?
At VU, we strive for a pleasant and safe study and work environment, and unwanted behaviour has no place in it, such as (sexual) harassment, discrimination, bullying, threats, aggression, violence, or stalking. Unfortunately, these things can still occur. If possible, it is, of course, good to address this behaviour directly, or talk about it with a lecturer or study advisor. However, sometimes that is not feasible or possible. In those cases, students can always turn to me or my colleagues.
When students reach out to us, we schedule a meeting. In these confidential conversations, we primarily offer a listening ear. They can share their story about what is happening. After that, we explore together with the student the options for potential follow-up actions. The student always remains in control of the process. We never take that control away from them, but we do remain by their side.
What kind of reports does a confidential advisor receive?
The common thread between the reports is unwanted behaviour, but the severity varies. Some of the inappropriate behaviour involves fellow students, but it can also concern interactions with lecturers or other staff members.
What can you do to prevent unwanted behaviour?
When it comes to the prevention of unwanted behaviour, the VU Code of Conduct is very important. It’s very clear, and we expect everyone who studies or works here to be aware of it and adhere to it. During orientation days, my colleagues and I regularly join to let students know who we are, what we can do for them, and also what we expect from them. What are the codes of conduct and (social) rules we want to follow together?
How would you assess the social safety of students at VU?
The tricky part with unwanted behaviour is that no one intends for it to happen in the first place. I don’t think many people come to VU with the intention of saying, ‘I’m going to do things that are unacceptable.’ But still, it happens sometimes. We certainly do a lot to create a good safety net for students when their (social) safety is at risk. We can truly be there for students when they need it the most.