NLD

PhD Candidates

For all PhD Candidates

Are you a PhD candidate at UMC Utrecht and experiencing inappropriate behaviour? Here you will find practical information that can help you—whether you are personally experiencing inappropriate behaviour, someone approaches you with a problem, or you are being addressed about your own behaviour.

Who is this information for?
For all PhD candidates with an (internal or guest) appointment at UMC Utrecht.

What is inappropriate behaviour?
Inappropriate behaviour refers to anything in communication or interaction that people experience as unpleasant, unwanted, or hurtful, causing someone to feel unsafe or uncomfortable in their work, education, research, or private life. This behaviour can be physical, (non-)verbal, or even online. It’s about your experience as the person affected—not about general norms or what others may think.

Inappropriate behaviour can take different forms:

Verbal – Someone makes unpleasant comments, talks behind your back, gives you nicknames that make you uncomfortable, or intimidates you as your supervisor.

Behavioural – Someone stares at you, excludes you, winks at you, or deliberately ignores you.

Physical – Someone puts an arm around your shoulder when you don’t want it, or touches you in other unwanted ways.

Online/Media – Someone sends you sexually suggestive messages, insults you online, or contacts you privately outside of working hours.

Talking makes a difference
Inappropriate behaviour is never acceptable. Always report or discuss it—it is never “just okay.” It doesn’t matter whether it was accidental; it’s about how it makes you and others feel. Every report matters, no matter how big or small you think it is. All reports are taken seriously.

On this website, you’ll find information and a toolkit with tips on what you can do, how to do it, and who you can turn to for help. You can contact a confidential advisor for a listening ear, to discuss your needs, what actions you can take, and who can support you.

We are here to support you.

UMC Utrecht has a confidential advisor specifically for PhD candidates (Michèle Huisman). To schedule an appointment, you can contact the Ombuds and Confidential Matters Office.


Ombuds and Confidential Matters Office

In addition to the confidential advisor, multiple layers of support and supervision are available for PhD candidates, depending on what you need. At the website of the Graduate School of Life Sciences, you can see the types of support that are available to you when you encounter a problem.

Is anything missing or unclear?
Let us know via ditzijnwij@umcutrecht.nl.

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Do you want to make a report?

Every report, every unsafe feeling matters. By reporting, we gain insight and we can do something about it.

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Toolkit voor promovendi 

Here, you’ll find an overview of tools that help you deal with inappropriate behavior. There are training sessions, workshops, and tools that can collectively contribute to creating a pleasant and safe learning environment for all PHD candidates at UMC Utrecht.

Download

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gewenste-uitingen

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LSD Techniek (NL)

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Dialoog Werkvorm

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09012024 - Toolkit medewerkers - Zelf aan de slag

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Gids voor gewenst taalgebruik
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Frequently asked questions

About this is us
About inapropriate behavior

Where can I go if I feel threatened online?

Ask support from someone you trust. Discuss it with your manager. If this does not feel right or does not help, you can always contact the UMC Utrecht counselor. Even if you are in doubt. It can keep a situation from getting worse. All conversations between staff members and these helplines are confidential. Especially for
UMC Utrecht staff members, there is also a reporting line for everyone who experiences online or in-person harassment. Various experts can offer advice, support or help to improve the situation. Click here for more information and the ‘online threat’ reporting form.

What happens to my report?

We take every report seriously and handle it according to official procedures: either through the Misconduct Guideline (UMC Utrecht) or through the guidelines of the Committee on Interpersonal Integrity (UU). You can find more information here. All reports will be handled. If you make an anonymous report, we will refer you, but we will not be able to contact you and help you personally.

How can I file a report?

If you yourself or as a bystander are confronted with inappropriate behavior, you can contact your manager. Together you can try to find a solution. If this does not feel right or does not help, you can contact a counselor at the Office for Ombuds and Confidential Matters. You can also make an official report via other dedicated channels, but this cannot be done anonymously and only in writing. Do you have a complaint about a UMC Utrecht staff member? Then the report will be handled by the Misconduct Complaints Committee. You can also report a complaint about someone affiliated with Utrecht University to the counselors of the relevant field of study or to the Committee on Interpersonal Integrity of Utrecht University.

What can I do if I have been challenged about my behaviour?

Click here for information

What can I do when someone has confided in me?

Click here for information

Where can I go if I want to share something?

Click here for information

How do I reinforce undesirable behavior or how can I discuss it?

First of all, start with yourself. What is going on? What do I think of it? How does it make me feel? What can I do? What should I stop doing? How do people respond? When you are aware of your boundaries and those of others, you contribute to a pleasant and safe environment for everyone. We all have a role to play in this.

The toolkit  helps you with this, so that you can set the right example and inspire others.

What is undesirable behavior?

Behavior may be undesirable in different ways. And there are many different types of undesirable behavior. From merely unpleasant to deeply hurtful. It may be a one-off thing, you may doubt whether you should do anything about it. In short, it concerns all words and actions that people experience as unpleasant, hurtful or unsafe, and that make someone feel uncomfortable within UMC Utrecht or privately. This includes (sexual) harassment, aggression, violence, bullying or discrimination, but also ridiculing, gossiping, exclusion, intrusiveness, leering or staring. This can be done with or without words, through actions, but also online. Remember that unwanted behavior is about your experience, your boundaries, and not about what someone else thinks or what just seems to be the way things are. Every report, every uncomfortable feeling counts, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you. The more people discuss it or report it, the greater the chance that we can do something about it. For more information, read the Ombuds and Confidential Matters guideline of UMC Utrecht.

 

What does UMC Utrecht consider undesirable behavior?

At UMC Utrecht, everything stands or falls with our behavior. Patients, students, colleagues and society must be able to trust our commitment and goodwill. Together, we create an environment in which we make this happen. We are building a place that is about being honest, clear and attentive so that we can learn from each other and take each other to great heights. Lecturers, managers and supervisors can lead by example by being honest, reliable and committed. And by creating an environment that invites people to ask questions, challenge each other and provide feedback.

What does UMC Utrecht do in terms of social safety?

We think it is important that everyone who works or learns at UMC Utrecht feels comfortable and safe. We therefore regularly conduct a work perception survey to study how people perceive us. We also test this with other targeted studies, such as the social safety audit among senior house officers/postgraduate students. UMC Utrecht has laid down the agreements on how we treat each other in an Integrity Code of Conduct. When we welcome new employees and also in our training programs, we pay attention to social safety and in particular to being inclusive.

 

With This is who we are we discuss important topics, so that we know about each other and learn together what behavior is and is not appropriate within a pleasant and safe environment. In addition, we collect all the information that is already available within UMC Utrecht in one central location and explain in simple steps where you can go to discuss or report undesirable behavior. Counselors  and information lines are also clearly indicated.

Load more questions

What is undesirable behavior?

Behavior may be undesirable in different ways. And there are many different types of undesirable behavior. From merely unpleasant to deeply hurtful. It may be a one-off thing, you may doubt whether you should do anything about it. In short, it concerns all words and actions that people experience as unpleasant, hurtful or unsafe, and that make someone feel uncomfortable within UMC Utrecht or privately. This includes (sexual) harassment, aggression, violence, bullying or discrimination, but also ridiculing, gossiping, exclusion, intrusiveness, leering or staring. This can be done with or without words, through actions, but also online. Remember that unwanted behavior is about your experience, your boundaries, and not about what someone else thinks or what just seems to be the way things are. Every report, every uncomfortable feeling counts, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you. The more people discuss it or report it, the greater the chance that we can do something about it.

How do I reinforce undesirable behavior or how can I discuss it?

First of all, start with yourself. What is going on? What do I think of it? How does it make me feel? What can I do? What should I stop doing? How do people respond? When you are aware of your boundaries and those of others, you contribute to a pleasant and safe environment for everyone. We all have a role to play in this.

The toolkit helps you with this, so that you can set the right example and inspire others.

Where can I go if I feel threatened online?

Ask support from someone you trust. Discuss it with your study adviser. If this does not feel right or does not help, you can always contact one of the counselors. They will help you further, even if it seems to be something insignificant at first.

What happens to my report?

We take every report seriously and handle it according to official procedures: either through the Misconduct Guideline (UMC Utrecht) or through the guidelines of the Committee on Interpersonal Integrity (UU). You can find more information here. All reports will be handled. If you make an anonymous report, we will refer you, but we will not be able to contact you and help you personally.

How can I file a report?

If you are confronted with undesirable behavior, you can contact your study adviser. They can help you find a solution. If this does not feel right or does not help, you can contact a counselor of your study program or of the Office for Ombuds and Confidential Matters. You can also contact the UU’s counselors. You can also make an official report via other dedicated channels, but this cannot be done anonymously and only in writing.

Do you have a complaint about a UMC Utrecht staff member? Then the report will be handled by the Misconduct Complaints Committee. You can also report a complaint about someone affiliated with Utrecht University to the counselors of the relevant field of study or to the Committee on Interpersonal Integrity of Utrecht University.

What can I do if I have been challenged about my behavior?

Click here for information

What can I do when someone has confided in me?

Click here for information

Where can I go if I want to share something?

Click here for information

What does UMC Utrecht do in terms of social safety?

We think it is important that everyone who works or learns at UMC Utrecht feels comfortable and safe. We therefore regularly conduct a work perception survey to study how people perceive us. We also test this with other targeted studies, such as the social safety audit among senior house officers/postgraduate students. UMC Utrecht has laid down the agreements on how we treat each other in an Integrity Code of Conduct. When we welcome new employees and also in our training programs, we pay attention to social safety and in particular to being inclusive.

 

With This is us we discuss important topics, so that we know about each other and learn together what behavior is and is not appropriate within a pleasant and safe environment. In addition, we collect all the information that is already available within UMC Utrecht in one central location and explain in simple steps where you can go to discuss or report undesirable behavior. Counselors and information lines are also clearly indicated.

What does UMC Utrecht consider undesirable behavior?

At UMC Utrecht, everything stands or falls with our behavior. Patients, students, colleagues and society must be able to trust our commitment and goodwill. Together, we create an environment in which we make this happen. We are building a place that is about being honest, clear and attentive so that we can learn from each other and take each other to great heights. Lecturers, managers and supervisors can lead by example by being honest, reliable and committed. And by creating an environment that invites people to ask questions, challenge each other and provide feedback.

Load more questions

What does This is us mean?

This is us seeks to help us understand what is going well and to improve what is not going well. Together we put important topics on the agenda to discuss with each other and discover what we are proud of and what we want to get better at.

We invite everyone to become the best version of themselves, to help each other and to raise issues that we cannot tolerate. By asking each other questions and listening to experiences, wishes and needs, we learn from each other. That will help us make new or different choices. We offer different tools to get started with this. We have combined these in a toolkit for students, staff members and people with role models.

We don’t just look at ourselves, but also at other organizations. We look at where knowledge and solutions are lacking, so that we can add these. In addition, we explain in simple steps where you can go to discuss or report inappropriate behavior, where you can go if someone has confided in you and where you can go if you are accused of something. We also tell you who or what can help you.

Email any questions you may have to ditzijnwij@umcutrecht.nl

Why does This is us exist?

This is us belongs to all of us and is for all of us. To create the healthcare of the future, we must continue to learn, reimagine ourselves and adjust to a changing world. That requires a flexible attitude: we must be open to new ideas, have the courage to try things, continue to ask questions, challenge each other and provide feedback. We can only do this if the environment we create is conducive to this, as a place where everyone is valued and feels free to speak up. Together, we are actively working on an open, socially safe, encouraging and inclusive working and learning environment. An environment where everyone feels comfortable and safe. With This is us we are building a place that is about being honest, clear and attentive so that we can learn from each other and make sure we can elevate each other to great heights.

Who can I contact if I have questions about This is us?

We would appreciate your contributions. Email your questions and suggestions to ditzijnwij@umcutrecht.nl. We will respond as soon as possible, but always within a week.

How did This is us come about, and at whose initiative?

This is us started from students and became a collaboration of the Education Center, Marketing and Communication and Human Resources departments, supported by consultative boards, advisory boards and focus groups.

From 2019, these departments carried out extensive research into how people perceive us, at work and during their training.
Although most of us consider UMC Utrecht a nice place to work and learn, it also became clear that this is not the case for everyone. We must and can do better. With This is us we take a critical look at ourselves and together ensure that UMC Utrecht is a pleasant and safe place for everyone.

Who can I contact if I have questions about This is us?
We would appreciate your contributions. Email your questions and suggestions to ditzijnwij@umcutrecht.nl. We will respond as soon as possible, but always within a week. 

For how long will This is us run?

We must continue to work together to create a pleasant and safe working and learning environment. This is us sets the tone. This is us and this is how we do things here. We will focus on important topics that we want to discuss in order to improve what is currently going wrong. We will continue until we decide it is no longer necessary.

How can I contribute to This is us?

Everyone who works and learns at UMC Utrecht contributes to a pleasant and safe environment. That is us is counting on you! This is how you can help us: 

 

  1. Contribute to This is us
  • Familiarize yourself with the topics at hand
  • Give your opinion (online and anonymously) on the statements on the website and talk about them with your fellow students, supervisors, lecturers, colleagues or your team
  • Get started with the toolkit that is right for you; students, staff members, role models

 

  1. Give your input
  • Do you have any questions, would you like to make a suggestion or share something else? Then let us know at ditzijnwij@umcutrecht.nl
  • The This is us project team will set to work on all the input and see if we can use it and, if so, how and when.

 

  1. Participate in the work perception survey and/or the relevant questionnaires for your study program.
    This helps us learn more about what is going well and what needs to be improved still.

 

Are you a lecturer or supervisor?

You have received an introduction about This is us to get started. There is a toolkit  that helps to discuss what matters. It tells you how to do this and how to facilitate it. In positions such as yours, you are a role model, with a vital contribution to make. Because when you set the right example, you inspire others to follow your lead. Moreover, you are often the first point of contact and your accessibility, awareness and attention are important for the people you work with.

For who is This is us intended?

This is us is for everyone who works and learns at UMC Utrecht. Together we create a pleasant and safe working and learning environment.

Is there a safe working and learning environment at UMC Utrecht?

UMC Utrecht should be a pleasant and safe place for everyone. From 2019, extensive research has been carried out by various departments into how people perceive us, at work and during their training. Although most of us consider UMC Utrecht a nice place to work and learn, it also became clear that this is not the case for everyone. We must and can do better. That is why we launched This is us.

Load more questions

What does This is us mean?

This is us seeks to help us understand what is going well and to improve what is not going well. Together we put important topics on the agenda to discuss with each other and discover what we are proud of and what we want to get better at.

We invite everyone to become the best version of themselves, to help each other and to raise issues that we cannot tolerate. By asking each other questions and listening to experiences, wishes and needs, we learn from each other. That will help us make new or different choices. We offer different tools to get started with this. We have combined these in a toolkit for students, staff members and people with role models.

We don’t just look at ourselves, but also at other organizations. We look at where knowledge and solutions are lacking, so that we can add these. In addition, we explain in simple steps where you can go to discuss or report inappropriate behavior, where you can go if someone has confided in you and where you can go if you are accused of something. We also tell you who or what can help you.

Email any questions you may have to ditzijnwij@umcutrecht.nl

Why does This is us exist?

This is us belongs to all of us and is for all of us. To create the healthcare of the future, we must continue to learn, reimagine ourselves and adjust to a changing world. That requires a flexible attitude: we must be open to new ideas, have the courage to try things, continue to ask questions, challenge each other and provide feedback. We can only do this if the environment we create is conducive to this, as a place where everyone is valued and feels free to speak up. Together, we are actively working on an open, socially safe, encouraging and inclusive working and learning environment. An environment where everyone feels comfortable and safe. With This is us we are building a place that is about being honest, clear and attentive so that we can learn from each other and make sure we can elevate each other to great heights.

How do I reinforce undesirable behavior or how can I discuss it?

First of all, start with yourself. What is going on? What do I think of it? How does it make me feel? What can I do? What should I stop doing? How do people respond? When you are aware of your boundaries and those of others, you contribute to a pleasant and safe environment for everyone. We all have a role to play in this.

The toolkit helps you with this, so that you can set the right example and inspire others.

What can I do if I have been challenged about my behavior?

Click here for information

What can I do when someone has confided in me?

Click here for information

Who can I contact if I have questions about This is us?

We would appreciate your contributions. Email your questions and suggestions to ditzijnwij@umcutrecht.nl. We will respond as soon as possible, but always within a week.

How did This is us come about, and at whose initiative?

This is us started from students and became a collaboration of the Education Center, Marketing and Communication and Human Resources departments, supported by consultative boards, advisory boards and focus groups.

From 2019, these departments carried out extensive research into how people perceive us, at work and during their training.
Although most of us consider UMC Utrecht a nice place to work and learn, it also became clear that this is not the case for everyone. We must and can do better. With This is us we take a critical look at ourselves and together ensure that UMC Utrecht is a pleasant and safe place for everyone.

Who can I contact if I have questions about This is us?
We would appreciate your contributions. Email your questions and suggestions to ditzijnwij@umcutrecht.nl. We will respond as soon as possible, but always within a week. 

For how long will This is us run?

We must continue to work together to create a pleasant and safe working and learning environment. This is us sets the tone. This is us and this is how we do things here. We will focus on important topics that we want to discuss in order to improve what is currently going wrong. We will continue until we decide it is no longer necessary.

How can I contribute to This is us?

Everyone who works and learns at UMC Utrecht contributes to a pleasant and safe environment. That is us is counting on you! This is how you can help us: 

 

  1. Contribute to This is us
  • Familiarize yourself with the topics at hand
  • Give your opinion (online and anonymously) on the statements on the website and talk about them with your fellow students, supervisors, lecturers, colleagues or your team
  • Get started with the toolkit that is right for you; students, staff members, role models

 

  1. Give your input
  • Do you have any questions, would you like to make a suggestion or share something else? Then let us know at ditzijnwij@umcutrecht.nl
  • The This is us project team will set to work on all the input and see if we can use it and, if so, how and when.

 

  1. Participate in the work perception survey and/or the relevant questionnaires for your study program.
    This helps us learn more about what is going well and what needs to be improved still.

 

Are you a lecturer or supervisor?

You have received an introduction about This is us to get started. There is a toolkit  that helps to discuss what matters. It tells you how to do this and how to facilitate it. In positions such as yours, you are a role model, with a vital contribution to make. Because when you set the right example, you inspire others to follow your lead. Moreover, you are often the first point of contact and your accessibility, awareness and attention are important for the people you work with.

For who is This is us intended?

This is us is for everyone who works and learns at UMC Utrecht. Together we create a pleasant and safe working and learning environment.

Is there a safe working and learning environment at UMC Utrecht?

UMC Utrecht should be a pleasant and safe place for everyone. From 2019, extensive research has been carried out by various departments into how people perceive us, at work and during their training. Although most of us consider UMC Utrecht a nice place to work and learn, it also became clear that this is not the case for everyone. We must and can do better. That is why we launched This is us.

Load more questions