Arcada has a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment

The campaign #dammenbrister focuses on the fact that sexual harassment also affects Swedish-speaking women in Finland. The campaign has gathered more than 6 111 signatures and was officially announced on 29 November 2017. This campaign concerns all of us and shows that discussions and measures are needed regarding sexual harassment and assaults.

Arcada University of Applied Sciences has a zero-tolerance policy regarding all forms of harassment. The aim is for everyone to have a safe study and work environment. This is pointed out e.g. in Arcada’s plan for equality and equal treatment.

“We encourage both students and personnel to report any situation in which they experience indecent treatment, and every situation will be looked into confidentially, says rector Henrik Wolff, head of student services Annika Stadius and administrative and HR director Susanne Homén-Lindberg.

Every situation of this kind is taken seriously and looked into immediately.

“It’s also important that anyone who witnesses harassment or assaults stands up for the one subjected to it and speaks out,” head of student services Annika Stadius says. “I encourage everyone to get in contact if situations arise that don’t feel right. You never have to question whether it is serious enough or not.”

Arcada Student Union – ASK, also take harassment seriously and work with pre-emptive measures.  The union has two harassment contact persons.

This autumn Arcada has also introduced a digital tool for reporting security incidents, which can also be used by students and personnel to report harassment.