The meeting with Dr Jan Gałkowski from the University of Rzeszów was a great opportunity to discuss how to effectively counteract mobbing and other undesirable behaviours in the academic environment.
During his lecture, Dr Jan Gałkowski emphasised that contemporary universities needed not only effective mechanisms for responding to difficult situations, but above all a comprehensive system of prevention, the building of a culture of respect and shared responsibility, as well as easily accessible forms of support for the entire academic community.
This approach is also close to us. For several years, we have consistently developed solutions aimed at creating a safe, open and inclusive environment for work and study. At the University of Lodz, there is a system that includes both preventive measures as well as formal and informal response pathways.
The most important solutions we offer to our academic community include:
- a new anti-discrimination and anti-mobbing procedure, also covering other undesirable behaviours and clearly defining the rules for reporting and handling cases;
- the Ombudsman for Academic Rights, providing a confidential and independent support pathway and helping to find the best way to resolve a problem;
- the Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Mobbing and Other Undesirable Behaviours Coordinator, supporting individuals seeking assistance and the development of systemic measures;
- academic mediation, enabling amicable conflict resolution, with its principles recently regulated by the Rector’s Regulation;
- the University of Lodz Support and Accessibility Centre, offering psychological and advisory support as well as activities dedicated to accessibility and the well-being of the entire academic community;
- training sessions, e-learning courses and educational activities concerning counteracting discrimination, mobbing and building a culture of mutual respect and inclusivity, including the project “UniLodz – a Discrimination-Free Zone”.
More information about available forms of support can be found on the UniLodz Unified website.
The development of these solutions is in line with global standards and recommendations of European institutions, which emphasise the importance not only of responding to undesirable behaviours, but above all of effectively preventing them through education, accessible support and the building of a conscious organisational culture.
Edit: Eliza Gaust, Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University of Lodz
Photo report by: Dorota Kudlicka, Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University of Lodz
