Rules, Regulations, and Information for Students

This web page represents a sub-section of a larger document. As such it should be read in this context and not as a stand-alone document. Please visit the menu page to access the entire document, or download in Portable Document Format: Rules, Regulations, and Information for Students 2012-13.

Appendix 5: Guidelines for Dealing with Harassment or Bullying

  1. Guidlines for Dealing with Harassment or Bullying
    1. Aberystwyth University is committed to providing equality and diversity.  It endeavours to be inclusive, valuing the diverse nature of its staff, students and community.
    2. If you feel that you are being subjected to harassment or bullying in any form whether by a fellow student or a member of staff, do not feel that it is your fault or that you have to tolerate it, you can seek advice or redress in the following ways.
    3. Talk about the problem with your friends or any of the organisations or individuals named on the list below, all of whom are willing to discuss incidents or problems however large or small they may seem. Any of the people mentioned could advise you on a course of action or take the matter up on your behalf. They may suggest a way of resolving the problem which you have not thought of. Do not hesitate to contact someone even when an incident occurs only once, if you are concerned about it. Any discussions will be confidential and further action involving you will not normally be taken without your express permission; in particular the person about whom you are complaining will not be given your name as a complainant without your express permission.
    4. If you feel able to make it clear to the person causing you offence that such behaviour on that person's part is unacceptable to you this may in some instances be sufficient to stop it. If you feel unable to tackle the person concerned this does not constitute consent to the harassment or bullying nor will it prejudice any complaint you may wish to bring.
    5. If the harassment or bullying continues (or if the harassment or bullying is of a more serious nature than can be dealt with by the above means) you are advised to seek a confidential interview with your tutor, supervisor or other members of staff of the University or someone on the list below.
    6. You may wish to be accompanied at such an interview by a friend or adviser and this wish will be respected. The purpose of the interview will be to discuss the nature of the problem and to arrive at a solution which is acceptable to all parties.
    7. If the problem is serious or has not been resolved by the above means then you or someone acting on your behalf may make a formal complaint which will lead to initiation of the appropriate disciplinary procedures. It may be useful for you to have kept a note of details and dates of any relevant incidents which distress you, including a note of the ways in which the incidents cause you to change the pattern of your work or social life.
  2. Cases of Physical or Sexual Assult on Students
    1. If you have been attacked, seek help immediately. In particular you should report the attack to the police. Any of the suggested contacts named in the list below will willingly give you support and help you decide what to do. If you go to them further action involving you will not normally be taken without your express permission. You will be advised on what to do but you have the choice. For your own protection and for the protection of others it is important that the offender is dealt with. If you decide to go to the police you will not be asked to go alone, unless you so wish.
    2. If you have been sexually assaulted or raped seek medical help and advice immediately. Information on locally available advice and help for females and males who are the victims of sexual assault or rape is provided in the list below.
  3. Sources of Help Within the University for Students who may have been Harassed or Bullied
    • Head of Department
    • Tutor or Supervisor
    • Dean or Sub-Dean of Faculty
    • Dean of Postgraduate Studies
    • Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) (Tel 01970 622008)
    • Director of Student Support (Tel 01970 622955)
    • University Medical Officer (Tel 01970 622087)
    • Students Union Welfare Officer (Tel 01970 621741)
    • Halls:  Residential Tutor
    Other sources of help are available outside the University (e.g. the Samaritans or Victim Support).
  4. Sources of Additional Information