Everyone at Chalmers has a responsibility to contribute to a safe and respectful study environment. As a student, you also have a responsibility. Small everyday actions make a difference – everything from saying hello, including others in group work, being mindful of your language, to speaking up when something doesn't feel right. It is about showing respect in both words and actions and being aware of how your behavior affects those around you. Together, we can prevent harassment, discrimination, and offensive behavior.
If you notice that something does not feel right, it is important that you speak up or seek support.
If you experience something yourself
- Speak up immediately if you can. Often, the person behaving badly is not aware of the effect of their behavior.
- Talk to someone you trust. This could be a friend, someone in your student division, or a counselor.
- Write down what happened. Having examples of the time, place, and situation makes it easier to explain to others.
- You choose the way forward. You can decide for yourself whether you want to deal with it directly, seek support, or report it to the university.
If you see someone else being harmed
- Show support. Ask how the person is doing and if you can help.
- Act as a bystander. If you feel safe, you can intervene immediately, for example by changing the subject or saying that the behavior is not okay.
- Tell someone else. If you are unsure how to handle the situation, you can contact a counselor, Safe at Chalmers, or a student work environment representative (SAMO).
If you happen to do something inappropriate
- Reflect. Ask yourself: could what I said or did be perceived as condescending or unpleasant? It may help to discuss it with others, seek help from a friend, your student guidance counselor, or counselor.
- Apologize. If you think you have hurt someone, take responsibility and apologize. This is an important part of creating a safe environment.
- Learn more. We can all make mistakes, but we can also grow. Learn more about harassment and discrimination to understand how you can prevent future situations.
Victimisation and bullying
Read more about victimisation and bullying at the homepage of the Swedish Work Environment Authority.