Harassment

UBU Harassment Policy

"Harassment may be defined as offensive or hostile acts or expressions, which include, but is not limited to, verbal abuse, insults, jokes, graffiti, vandalism, threats and physical assault. In particular it is when interference with another person's work or social life creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Any difficulty in defining harassment shall not prevent complaints being made."

University Harassment Policy

The University's policy on Harassment can be seen on the University Website. Grounds may include sex, race, religion, sexual preference, gender, political views, trade union membership, disability or age.

Practical Advice:

• You are advised to keep a written record of incidents , including time, date, place, a full description of what happened, the names of individuals concerned and witnesses to the incident (if applicable) Harassment Advisers: As a student may not initially wish to discuss harassment/bullying with his or her tutor, the University provides harassement advisers from whom individuals may seek help. All complaints will be taken seriously and progressed quickly with confidentiality, sensitivity and discretion, just contact a University Harassment Advisor.
• If you experience behaviour that upsets you or causes you offence, you are encouraged to make this clear at an early stage to the person concerned. This will give the person the opportunity to recognise the effect of his or her behaviour and to change it. Where possible, tell the person involved that the behaviour is upsetting and unwanted and that it must stop. This may be done face to face or in writing and may involve a third party as mediator.
• Where the above steps have failed, you may wish to refer the matter to your tutor where appropriate. It may be possible for him or her to speak informally to the other person. Where the person concerned is your supervisor, you should seek the advice of a harassment advisor or you can raise a formal complaint through the Grievance Procedure (for assistance, contact the University Secretary's Office)