“Don’t deal with it alone” campaign reminds us to bring up difficult matters
You may have spotted marketing material with the slogan “Don’t deal with it alone – We can resolve conflicts together” on our campus. This material is part of a joint campaign run by the university and the Student Union with the goal of increasing our community’s awareness of themes relating to inappropriate treatment, psychologically safe spaces and responsible behaviour. We want to remind the community that everyone has the responsibility to foster a positive work and learning environment and also the right to be treated appropriately. Uniarts Helsinki does not tolerate any sort of inappropriate behaviour.
If you face inappropriate treatment from another member of our university community, you can find the guidelines for dealing with conflicts on the Students’ Uniarts website. The guidelines are shared by both students and staff.
Bring up difficult matters
It is human for occasional differences to occur between people within a workplace and learning community. Often, situations that feel inappropriate involve inadequate communication. That said, nobody needs to tolerate inappropriate behaviour. The best way to deal with the situation is to bring up the experience of inappropriate behaviour immediately with the person in question. This way, the experience does not remain unaddressed, and usually the issue is solved quickly and does not get the chance to turn into a heavier problem.
When the situation is of a more serious nature or when the inappropriate behaviour continues despite discussions about it, take the matter forward. Students can be in contact either with the heads of academic affairs or with the heads of departments/degree programmes. Staff members can contact their supervisor or the HR managers.
If you want easy-access conversational support, you can also contact harassment contact persons, equality contact persons, study psychologists or the university chaplain. Students also have their designated contact persons in cases of harassment. You can find the contact information in the guidelines for dealing with conflicts.
It may feel difficult to address the situation, but by doing so, you will contribute to promoting the culture of proper and respectful conduct, which is very brave and valuable.