Respect, fairness and solidarity GUIDE – procedure for professional handling of conflicts and misconduct
In order to ensure respectful and fair interaction in a consistently positive working and educational climate at Heidelberg University GUIDE was conceptually developed in a long-term participatory process and is currently being put into practice. GUIDE's vision is to ensure that all people at the university are treated with respect in their studies, teaching and work.
A comprehensive concept for the sustainable professional handling of conflicts and misconduct (sexual harassment, bullying, stalking and discrimination) and for transparency of procedures was developed in a participative process in 2023 and adopted by the Rectorate: GUIDE.
GUIDE offers information and clear contact structures for affected persons as well as confidential contact points. This improves orientation in the internal and external support system of Heidelberg University. The independent Central Contact Point in GUIDE is engaged not only in providing advice and setting up monitoring processes, but also in offering trainings for university members, intervision/supervision of the confidential contact persons and reporting figures to the Rectorate.
The basis for counselling is the subjective perception of those seeking advice with regard to the discrimination they have experienced - for example in the form of sexist, racist, antisemitic, anti-Muslim, ableist, trans- or cross-discriminatory actions or statements -, sexual harassment, bullying, stalking and work or study conflicts.
From November 15, 2024, GUIDE will have almost 70 volunteer confidential guides as direct, low-threshold points of contact for support in the university system. Further information can be found in the concept and on the website.