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Confidential counsellor students

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Last updated on 15 May 2025
The confidential counsellors are there for you in case you encounter undesirable behaviour, such as bullying, discrimination, racism or (sexual) harassment.

VU Amsterdam is committed to fostering a study and work environment where social safety is a central priority, allowing students, staff, and PhD candidates to grow and thrive. 

That’s why we are collectively working towards an open and inclusive culture—one that embraces diverse perspectives. By addressing each other respectfully, listening actively, and contributing to mutual understanding, we ensure that our community leaves no room for bullying, discrimination, racism, or (sexual) harassment. 

Unfortunately, inappropriate behaviour still occurs. If you are confronted with inappropriate behaviour it often helps to talk about it. Take a look at this guide to find out what actions you can take and where to go for support within the VU. You can always contact a confidential counsellor if you wish to discuss the matter in confidence.

The confidential counsellors are there to: 

  • to provide you with assistance and support; 
  • to support you in exploring possible solutions to the issue and weighing their pros and cons with you, or to assist you in filing a formal complaint;"
  • to assist you in case you want to have the matter mediated or if you want to submit a complaint to an independent committee;
  • and, if needed, to provide appropriate aftercare.

You can contact a confidential counselor via the general email address vertrouwenspersonen-studenten@vu.nl. We aim to respond to your email as quickly as possible and schedule an appointment. If you prefer to speak with the confidential counselors by phone, please email requesting a call back.

What can you contact the confidential counsellor for?

  • Offering a listening ear

    You might want to be able to tell your story to an independent person within VU Amsterdam. In the first instance, the confidential counsellor offers a listening ear. It is possible to tell your story in confidence. It may concern something you have experienced yourself or something you witnessed, both within and outside VU Amsterdam.

  • Inappropiate behaviour

    Inappropiate behaviour is behaviour that is perceived as threatening, humiliating or intimidating. Examples of undesirable behaviour are (sexual) harassment, discrimination, racism, bullying, aggression and violence. Take a look at this guide to find out what actions you can take and where to go for support within the VU. The Inappropriate Conduct Regulation outlines how VU Amsterdam handles reports and complaints concerning inappropriate conduct.

  • (Sexual) harassment

    Sexual harassment is a form of unwelcome behaviour in the area of sex, such as sexist remarks, annoying behaviour or the unwelcome touching of someone, whereby the boundaries of manners are exceeded.

  • Discrimination

    Discrimination is any expression that involves the unequal treatment or disadvantage of people with regard to religion, gender, origin, race, philosophy of life, political opinion or sexual orientation.

  • Aggression

    Aggression and violence are incidents where a person is mentally or physically harassed, threatened or attacked.

  • Bullying

    Bullying is the systematic infliction of physical, verbal or psychological damage. This can take the form of social isolation (ignoring or excluding someone), making studying impossible (withholding information, deleting files, etc.), mockery and gossip.

  • Solution process

    As a reporter, you remain in control. The confidential counsellor will search for a solution together with you. If necessary, the confidential counsellor can refer you to another department, either inside or outside VU Amsterdam.

  • Information and education

    Do you have questions about the work of the confidential counsellor or do you have doubts about the limits of undesirable behaviour? Then please do not hesitate to contact us. In addition to providing a listening ear and searching for the desired solution together with the person reporting, the confidential counsellors also have an informative and advisory role.

  • File a complaint

    You can file a formal complaint to the Inappropriate Conduct Complaints Committee. The confidential counsellor can tell you more about this and, if necessary, assist you in filing a complaint. Your complaint will always be handled in confidence.

Do you have any questions or would you like to talk with someone?

Don't hesitate to contact the confidential counsellors.

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