Services

How to intervene to harassment and inappropriate conduct

The Code of Conduct is one way of putting our values and way of working - the foundation of our community culture - into practice. Our responsibility for people is the first pillar in Aalto University’s Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct touches all of us at Aalto University. That means everyone, from students to employees need to abide by the Code.

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We are a diverse and inclusive culture; we want every community member to feel welcome and safe. We aim to provide a non-discriminatory, equal and accessible environment in which employees and students with diverse backgrounds and duties receive equal treatment and are free to study and work for fulfilling professional, educational and other aspirations, without discrimination.

Every member of the Aalto community has the right to be treated with respect regardless of their gender, gender identity or expression thereof, age, ethnic or national origin, nationality, language, religion, beliefs, opinion, political or trade union engagement, family relations, health, disability, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics.

We behave in a responsible manner and respect the rights of the other members of our community to enjoy a safe and pleasant university environment that allows unhindered progress in study and work. We do not accept any kind of inappropriate conduct, bullying or harassment.

What to do when you experience inappropriate behavior?

If possible, start by explaining the person that their behavior does not seem appropriate and ask them to stop.

It’s important to bring up challenges once noticed, even if challenging others' behavior might feel uneasy. It might be that the person does not understand that their behavior feels inappropriate to others. Discussing the matter helps us to see situations from other perspectives.

Sometimes the situation might continue or there might be reasons why it isn’t possible to bring up challenges with the person behaving inappropriately. In this cases do not hesitate to ask for help: support is available for you.

If you experience harassment or inappropriate conduct, do not hesitate to take action and ask for help: support is available, and Aalto has clear shared principles and processes for handling these situations. All members of the Aalto community are for their part responsible for the atmosphere and wellbeing in their workplace and studying community.

If you are an employee you can contact for example your own supervisors, HR services, occupational health support, union representatives or harassment and inappropriate conduct contact persons.

If you are a student you can contact one of the following: the manager of academic affairs at your school or the harassment contact person of AYY (contact details below). You can also contact the Aalto study psychologists (student counsellors). More information here.

In all cases and with all questions you can contact Aalto's harassment and inappropriate contact persons. They can be contacted confidentially and they do not proceed your case without your permission.

Their role is to support the person who has experienced or noticed harassment or inappropriate behavior, and to help to proceed if the person so wishes.

Contact information:

Aalto University’s harassment and inappropriate conduct contact persons [email protected]
AYY's harassment and inappropriate conduct contact [email protected]

Clarification of the situation: it helps if you have documented what happened, when, between whom, who witnessed it.
Discussions with parties
Conclusions & decisions on necessary actions
Follow-up of the actions taken
In case the actions taken will not end inappropriate behaviour - or if the case is serious - disciplinary measures will be taken.

Occupational Safety and Health Act

Harassment and inappropriate behavior can be defined as irresponsible and illegal repeated conduct that is against good manners and, if continuous, may endanger an employee's mental or physical health. It is the employer's duty to ensure healthy and safe working conditions for its employees and to take immediate action in case harassment or inappropriate conduct occurs (Occupational Safety and Health Act).

Contact information

Aalto University’s harassment contact persons: [email protected]
Support for students in cases of harrassment
HR Services
Learning Services
Occupational Safety and Health representatives
Occupational Safety Manager: [email protected]
Trade union representatives
Occupational Health Care

Code of Conduct - Values into practice

The Aalto University Code of Conduct is one way of putting our values and way of working — the foundation of our community culture — into practice

Equality, diversity and inclusion at Aalto

We aim to be a diverse and inclusive community where all students, faculty, staff and stakeholders feel a sense of belonging and can fulfill their professional, educational and social aspirations fully.