Dialogue sessions & focus groups

How do we talk about the things that feel hard to speak about? How do we stay open to different perspectives, even when we don’t agree? How do we create an environment where everyone feels they matter? We believe that one of the most powerful tools we have is dialogue. Real, human, open-hearted dialogue. 

As part of the university’s commitment to social safety, we’re inviting students and staff to join a series of monthly dialogues. Spaces where we slow down, reflect, and talk honestly about what it means to feel safe, respected, and part of a community.

Work conference

In dialogue on social safety

During this interactive working conference for students and staff, we will discuss what a socially safe environment looks like at the UG. We will also explore how to create a culture of resilience, connectedness, and inclusiveness within our university community. We will do this with a broad representation of staff and students. Together, we will explore what improvements lie ahead. The next working conference will be in autumn 2025. Would you like to express your interest in participating in advance? Then send an email to socialsafety@rug.nl.

Social safety dialogues

Interactive theme meetings

During these thematic meetings, we will encourage ongoing conversation about social safety within the UG on a specific theme. Based on the ambition to promote a culture of resilience, inclusion, and shared responsibility, the programme team organises these dialogues with employees, students, administrators, and other key people. Dates for these thematic meetings will be announced via the online calendar.

Provide input on code of conduct

Focus groups for employees

Together with employees, we are developing a code of conduct that contributes to an inclusive and socially safe working environment. In doing so, we will talk to employees - both support and academic staff - about what shared values they think are important. What does a socially safe and inclusive working environment look like? What desired behaviour is included ? How should we interact with each other? During the focus groups, we listen to a diverse range of suggestions and ideas, and discuss the content of the employee code of conduct. The first series of discussions has already taken place. New dates will be announced via the online agenda.

Wanting to hear all voices

Focus groups for employees

One of the goals of the dialogue tables is that a variety of voices are heard and together we work towards a culture of inclusion and respect. That is why, among other things, we are organising a number of special focus groups to conduct the dialogues. For the first set, we are looking for employees of colour, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and international women. In the coming years, we will continue with focus groups that represent other diverse groups and identities. Do you identify with any of the above groups and want to participate? Send an email to socialsafety@rug.nl.