What does the UG do?

The University of Groningen is committed to providing a study and working environment in which we engage with each other in an open, respectful and equal manner, so that everyone can be themselves, dare to establish boundaries, and have the space to develop talents. Based on this ambition, the Board of the University commissioned the Social Safety programme in 2023. The programme revolves around promoting inclusion and respect at the UG. Read more about the programme.

Vision of the Board of the University

Social safety needs continuous attention. A study and working environment where you are treated with dignity and respect contributes to the health of staff and students. It is important for everyone's work and study enjoyment and, above all, for the quality of our education and research. Prof Jouke de Vries, chairman of the Board of the University: ‘Social safety requires an ongoing commitment from all of us.’ Read more about the UG's vision.

Activities

Within this programme, we develop activities that contribute to a socially safe work and study environment. Examples of activities include:

• awareness-raising campaign ‘Just ask’;
• working conference as the start of a large series of dialogues and conversations;
• Active Bystander Trainings; 
• online training offer in New Heroes;
• dilemma game and conversation cards for teams;
• theatre performance at Safe Space.

An overview of all current activities can be found under agenda.

Priorities from 2025

From 2025, these are the programme's priorities:

• organising in-depth discussions in the form of dialogue tables and focus groups;
• supporting the development of (personal) leadership;

• organising an effective support structure.

These priorities have been translated into concrete projects. Read more about them on the projects and activities page.