U.S.E. Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct provides the framework for behaviour and reflection for students and employees of the Utrecht University School of Economics. 

Values

As a student at Utrecht University you are preparing for a career and responsible positions in society. This requires, among other things, intellectual curiosity and active participation in the study programme. Mutual respect is a key concept in the contacts between students and staff of the University. This is evident in, for example, the style, tone and form of address in e-mails and direct contacts. We also expect students to be prepared to help each other without risking the other’s independence and fair assessment. They refrain from behaviour that may harm their fellow-students or the quality of their education. They respect each other’s possessions and refrain from verbal, physical and sexual violence, discrimination, harassment and intimidation

Academic integrity

Utrecht University’s mission is to provide an academic education to young people and carry out ground-breaking research. At USE we want to provide education that enables students to contribute to a world where people flourish. An organisational culture of diligence and integrity is crucial here. Utrecht University expects each student to be familiar with and to observe the norms and values that ensure academic integrity. The most serious forms of deception that can impair this integrity are fraud and plagiarism. 

• Are you a bachelor student? Consult the EER bachelor for further information on fraud and plagiarism.
• Are you a master's student? Consult the EER master on your student's webpage via: Study programme | My Study | Policies and procedures | Education and Examination Regulations (EER). 

Do you have questions about collaborating with integrity and transparency with (fellow) researchers and (fellow) students, you can contact the LEG faculty academic integrity counsellor

Language policy

The language of instruction for all programmes at USE is English. We believe that the international classroom environment promotes a stimulating academic and intellectual climate and an open attitude among students and staff. Students and staff are therefore expected to communicate in English when in class; students and staff should be conscientious about communicating in languages other than English on campus, as this may generate perceptions of exclusion among students and staff. 

See the general UU Language Policy for more information on this subject. In case teaching staff do not follow the language policy, please raise this with the teacher or course coordinator.  Alternatively, you can raise the matter with another staff member (for instance the Programme Coordinator) or a student representative (for instance a student representative in your programme, a student member of the Degree Programme Committee or the USE EDI Committee).

Inappropriate behaviour

We want everyone at Utrecht University, both employees and students, to treat each other with respect and integrity, and to be able to work and study in a safe and comfortable environment. Interactions within a healthy and stimulating work and study environment are based on collegiality, respect and mutual understanding. Violations of interpersonal integrity (inappropriate behaviour) require a prompt response. A climate of this nature is only possible if everyone who works or studies at the university is actively committed to its realisation: not only in relation to their own behaviour, but also by being vigilant to any form of inappropriate behaviour that they identify in the environment. Inappropriate behaviour should always be raised for discussion: by directly addressing those involved, either oneself or as a bystander, and/or by involving third parties. This requires an open culture, in which everybody feels free to report violations of interpersonal integrity. 

Violation of Interpersonal Integrity includes behaviour, actions, or omissions thereof that are experienced as negative and have physical, psychological or social consequences. This concept includes, but is not limited to: intimidation, harassment, sexual intimidation, discrimination, aggression, violence, bullying, and abuse of power in the workplace or study contexts. Inappropriate behaviour includes, but is not limited to: deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following; harassing photography or recording; verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, nationality. Note that inappropriate behaviour is defined by you. So, do not hesitate to find support or report because someone else thinks the behaviour is “reasonable”. 

(Former) students and (former) employees can contact the confidential advisors for inappropriate behaviour for advice and support. The confidential advisor for inappropriate behaviour will be on your side when you make contact, will help you to think about the possibilities and will help you to file a formal complaint if applicable. The confidential advisor will also help you decide whether you need further aftercare or support from experts. 

Would you like to read more about the UU Code of conduct for preventing and combating violations of interpersonal integrity (inappropriate behaviour)?

Would like to learn more about what you can do in undesirable situations or how you can ensure a socially safe environment? Please consider participating in the Active Bystander training for students.

U.S.E. EDI

The U.S.E. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (U.S.E. EDI) aims to advance equality, diversity and inclusion at USE in the work environment, research and teaching. The committee consists of a diverse group of U.S.E. staff and student representatives  

U.S.E. EDI actively advocates for EDI at U.S.E.., develops U.S.E. EDI policy, is committed to increase diversity and inclusion in the U.S.E. curriculum and organizes EDI-related events, seminars and workshops.

If you have any questions, concerns or feedback related to EDI, please contact the task force via use.edi.committee@uu.nl; or contact a member directly if you would prefer to speak to a specific person.