
New UvA house rules and code of conduct: (socially) safe studying and working
New UvA house rules and code of conduct: (socially) safe studying and working
They also set out what we, as students, staff or visitors, do to ensure that the campus is a (socially) safe place for everyone.
What is the purpose of house rules?
The campus should be as attractive a place as possible to come to study and work. You can study and conduct research here. An open and inquisitive attitude is part of that. So it is important that you feel free to ask questions and engage in debate with one another—always with respect for the opinions, backgrounds and fundamental rights of every student or staff member. In short: the campus is a place where you can be yourself, and where others are welcome too.
To help with this, the new house rules and code of conduct set out a number of concrete agreements, practical pointers and guidelines. For example, that you use buildings for their intended purpose and that work and study spaces are left clean, and that you do not film or photograph one another without permission. Want to put up a flyer or poster? Use the noticeboards provided for that purpose. On UvA.nl/huisregels describes these and other agreements in detail.
What about demonstrations on campus?
There was a need among students, staff, services and the Executive Board for more clarity about demonstrating on campus. The starting point is that demonstrating is allowed, but you must also be able to study and work. This has now been translated into a number of agreements with roles and tasks. An administrator (for example, a dean) will always try to consult with participants to ensure the demonstration runs as smoothly and safely as possible. Demonstrators are asked to appoint a contact person and to register the demonstration in advance. You can find more information about demonstrations on campus on this page.
You can find more information about demonstrations on campus on this page.
Feeling unsafe on campus? Call the emergency room.
Rector Magnificus, Peter-Paul Verbeek:
‘You can study and conduct research here. That comes first. That also means being able to engage in debate with one another and feeling free to ask questions. The right to demonstrate applies on campus as well. With the perspective of the students and colleagues who helped to draw up this document, we now have agreements that clearly set out what you yourself can do to give one another space, and what you can expect from others when you come to the campus.’
CSR Chair, Francesco Bruseghini:
'The CSR productively collaborated with the administration to develop and improve the House Rules, protecting students' and demonstration rights. It was a long and constructive process, and we finally look forward to the implementation of this policy to ensure UvA campuses are welcoming and inclusive.'