Summary

Your contact in case of undesired or transgressive behaviour.

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Onscherp beeld van twee personen in - vertrouwelijk - gesprek

If you, as a student, are faced with undesirable or transgressive behaviour, you can contact the confidential counsellor for students, even - or especially - if you are in doubt.

The confidential counsellor advises and guides you in the possible steps you can take. For example, they can help you to talk about your experience with the 'other party'. In any case, you remain in control! They work independently and everything you discuss is confidential.

What is unacceptable behaviour?

Unacceptable behaviour is behaviour that you find such a hindrance that it has a harmful effect on your studies. Nobody but you defines what you regard as unacceptable!

Discrimination, bullying, (sexual) harassment, threats, stalking and gossiping, both online and offline, are all types of unacceptable behaviour. Even if very subtle, it can still have a great impact on your feeling of safety and your pleasure in studying. It can even cause stress and psychological or physical complaints. Please don’t keep it to yourself but talk about it.

Some examples of undesirable or transgressive behaviour

You receive intrusive messages from a fellow student
You experience racism or discrimination
A lecturer pays you more than average attention
You pick up sexual innuendos or 'jokes', people touch you without reason, put their hands on you, or block your path
Your fellow students ignore you, or you are always given the most unpleasant tasks in a group assignment
You feel uncomfortable about being involved in gossip about a fellow student, a teacher, an adviser or other people you are in contact with during your study
You feel that fellow students or other people are not taking you seriously.

You can also contact the confidential counsellor if you have witnessed unwanted behaviour directed at someone else.

What can the confidential counsellor do for you?

Sabah Nhass and Klaartje Thierry are confidential counsellors for students at WUR. How can they support you?

They offer a sympathetic ear
Support if you experience unwanted or transgressive behaviour
Searching for solutions together in dialogue
Discussing possible steps
Guiding when you wish
Referring to (in- and external) support agencies
The confidential counsellor works and in strict confidence.
Important to know: You are always in control!

What can you do yourself?

It is allways a good idea to first discuss undesirable behavior with the other person. They may not be aware of the effect their behavior is having on you. You can tell them that you experience their behavior as unwanted, hurtful, or even threatening.

You can also discuss it with someone you trust, a teacher, study advisor or friend. If this does not solve anything, or if it is not possible, for example because the behavior is too serious, please contact a confidential counsellor.

Who are the confidential counsellors for students?

As independent confidants, we help you look at the situation from a distance. We listen to your story, think along and explore your options with their pros and cons. We look at how you can improve the situation or what other actions you can take. This offers you the freedom to decide for yourself whether, and if so which steps you want to take. We guide you on your way to a solution.

> Sabah Nhass
> E-mail
> Tel/WhatsApp | 06-81596005

> Klaartje Thierry
> E-mail
> Tel/WhatsApp | 06-36463811

Silence holds a situation captive, talking liberates

I create a confidential atmosphere - without judgment - where you can freely share your story. I am ready to support students, with the primary goal of creating a safe and inclusive study environment.

I have over twenty years of experience in mental health care, which is valuable baggage in my role as a confidential advisor. I approach issues from a broad perspective and quickly get to the core. With empathy, I establish a deeper connection.

Due to my ethnic-cultural background, I can work with sensitivity to diversity. I pay close attention to the needs, desires, and possibilities of students from various backgrounds.

Important to me is cherishing my family, expressing my creativity, and enjoying nature. I have a wonderful son who comes from two different cultures.

You can't always influence what happens to you, but you can decide how you deal with it

You can't always influence what happens to you, but you can decide how you deal with it.

You can come to me if you do not know what to do in situations that you find uncomfortable, or if there is a complex situation, and you want to discuss how to deal with it. I can help you find the right way within the WUR.

As a confidential counsellor, I am used to having frequent conversations with others, being a good listener, working solution-oriented and, seeing the bigger picture within organisations.

During intake interviews, I will offer you a listening ear without judgement and help you look at the different options/solutions to help you make the right decisions. Unfortunately, you are not always in control of what happens to you, but I will help you take control of how you deal with what has happened to you. You are in control, we do it at your pace and I guide you through it.

My family, friends and sports are important to me. I have a degree in Occupational and Organisational Psychology from the University of Utrecht and have extensive experience as an organisational consultant, coach, trainer and selection psychologist. I have student children and know the challenges students can face. I am happy to think along with you in confidence!

File a formal complaint

If you have tried to change the situation without success, you can submit a complaint to the board of directors. The confidential advisor will inform you about the Complaints Procedure in case of undesirable behaviour and guide you through the process. They will help you to formulate and submit a complaint, and support you throughout the process.