Instructions for investigating suspected cases of misconduct and disruptions of student learning
Instructions for investigating suspected cases of misconduct and disruptions of student learning
Have you encountered harassment or inappropriate conduct in the university environment? Support is available. See the following guidelines and information:
Notify the perpetrator.
If possible, immediately notify the other party that you find their actions unacceptable and demand that they stop it. It may be that the other party was not aware of the impact of their behaviour.
Document the incident.
Write down what occurred, including for example the time of the incident, and who witnessed it. Also save all correspondence.
How can I further pursue the matter?
If the harassment or inappropriate conduct continues, you can pursue the matter further even if you did not take Step 1 above.
If the harassment or inappropriate conduct occurs in a teaching context or is committed by a staff member, contact for example: The head of Learning Services for your school, or the teacher in charge of the course.
If the harassment or inappropriate conduct occurs between students outside of an academic or teaching context, contact the harassment contact person for the Aalto University Student Union (AYY).
AYY harassment contact persons:
equity@ayy.fi
If pursuing the matter further feels challenging or frightening, you can go first to the Starting Point of Wellbeing for a confidential talk with a counsellor.
How does the handling of such matters usually proceed?
The handling follows Aalto’s process for dealing with matters of harassment or inappropriate conduct. The process includes discussions with the parties involved, taking the necessary actions, and follow-up monitoring of the situation. If the matter involves a course, the teacher in charge of the course may request the assistance of an investigator, if necessary. The investigator is the manager of academic affairs or another individual assigned to investigate matters involving inappropriate conduct by a student or inappropriate conduct experienced by a student.
When necessary, the investigator will hear from the different parties to the incident and inform them about the proceedings and the outcome of the investigation. The investigator may also arrange meetings between the parties. A university psychologist, student health care (FSHS) representative, legal counsel, wellbeing specialist or campus chaplain may assist in the investigation as necessary.
Suspicions directed at staff: If the suspicion is directed at staff, the investigator informs the HR manager and coordinates the necessary investigation with HR.
Who is informed about the matter?
The matter will be communicated only to those persons who deal with the matter as part of their duties or who may provide information on the matter. The privacy of students is protected by not disclosing their identity unless necessary. The contacting person may be required to disclose their identity to those involved in handling the matter. Such disclosure may be required in order to investigate the matter and also in order to safeguard the legal protection of other persons.
If the contacting person is a student who requests their identity not be disclosed to a particular person, the student will be informed if such disclosure is nevertheless necessary in order to carry out the investigation. It may be impossible to investigate a complaint notification if it is submitted anonymously.
The following disciplinary measures are a part of the continuation proceedings if neither discussions nor other agreed measures result in an end to the inappropriate conduct or if the case is particularly serious:
In the case of inappropriate conduct by a student:
In the case of inappropriate conduct by an employee:
Incidents constituting a criminal offence are reported to the police.
If you are accused of inappropriate conduct:
Fraudulent accusations are taken as seriously as actual incidents of inappropriate conduct or harassment and may lead to the same kinds of disciplinary action.
Inappropriate conduct or harassment may appear in a number of ways at Aalto University, and intervention is done in accordance with rules and laws. The university encourages all members of the community to understand what constitutes inappropriate conduct and to act responsibly and respectfully. Inappropriate conduct can take various forms, including:
Additionally, inappropriate conduct may take the form of:
What is not considered harassment:
With regard to students at university, the following situations are not considered harassment or inappropriate treatment.
Students can view these as a natural part of the university experience with its opportunities to learn, develop and engage in critical discussion. It is important that students also recognise cases in which they feel they have been subjected to conduct so beyond the normal limits as to constitute harassment; in such cases, they have the right to seek help and support. One source to turn to for help is the Aalto University Student Union (AYY).
Instructions for investigating suspected cases of misconduct and disruptions of student learning
Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)
The Code of Conduct is one way of putting our values and way of working - the foundation of our community culture - into practice.