Students lead increased focus on equal treatment

The University of Tartu is launching university-wide awareness activities to improve understanding of the principles of equal treatment and the support options available in cases of workplace bullying, unequal treatment and harassment. This forms part of the university’s ongoing work to create a safe and respectful learning and working environment.

Image

The central keyword of the activities is the Estonian “eksmatt”, a colloquial term for exmatriculation, which expresses a clear stance that workplace bullying, unequal treatment and harassment have no place in the university’s value system and are not acceptable at the university. In the English‑language designs, this idea is conveyed through the verb “expel”. The University of Tartu Student Union is taking an active role in raising awareness of equal treatment, contributing to the communicationactivities and helping the message reach students.

The materials to be displayed on information screens and noticeboards in university buildings highlight that maintaining a safe and respectful environment is the shared responsibility of the entire university community. They also introduce the available support options, the process for seeking help, and the relevant resources, directing members of the university community to the equal treatment webpage, where all necessary information and contacts can be found. As part of the initiative, stickers with the keyword “eksmatt” will be placed on the staircases in university buildings and distributed to students and staff to make the message more visible throughout the university.

The University of Tartu development fund also contributes to raising awareness of equal treatment by supporting the equal treatment survey, training sessions and other awareness-raising activities.

If you experience or witness unequal treatment, you can find support resources and contact information on the equal treatment webpage: https://ut.ee/en/equaluniversity.

The designs of the awareness initiative were created by the creative agency VAAS.

Image

Image