From the Board: Joint code of conduct for student organizations

The Board of the University of Groningen (UG) and the Executive Board of Hanze University of Applied Sciences (Hanze) consider an active and responsible student life to be very important. Studying in Groningen is not only about acquiring knowledge, but also about personal development, collaboration and a sense of community. This can only be achieved in an environment that is safe and respectful for all students.

To safeguard this level of social safety, the Boards have drawn up a code of conduct in collaboration with student organizations. This code sets out clear principles for safe interaction between members and prospective members. The administrators of the student organizations and the Boards of the UG and Hanze UAS will have signed the code of conduct.

Key points from the code of conduct

The code of conduct calls on the Boards to actively contribute to an open culture in which members treat each other with respect and where unacceptable behaviour has no place. This includes, among other things:

• a zero-tolerance drug policy;

• measures against discrimination, abuse of power, and unacceptable physical or psychological violence;

• appointing a confidential advisor;

• an independent and accessible complaints procedure;

• reporting and evaluating incidents to the the Advisory Committee for Introductory Periods and Incidents (ACII);

• careful preparation and implementation of introduction activities.

Support from the UG and Hanze UAS

The Boards of the UG and Hanze UAS provide support to student councils in carrying out their responsibilities. For example, they offer training courses and workshops on topics such as social safety, suicide prevention, and handling complaints. Student councils also receive guidance on drawing up safety plans and dealing with incidents.

Working together to ensure a safe student environment

By jointly signing the code of conduct, the UG and Hanze UAS highlight that a vibrant student life and social safety go hand in hand. It is only through collaboration and taking responsibility that Groningen can remain a city where students feel safe and can develop both intellectually and personally.