Frequently asked questions about transgressive behaviour

If you cannot find the answer to your question in the FAQ below, please contact trustpunt@ugent.be.

Is what I have experienced or witnessed transgressive behaviour?

There are a number of hard limits: this concerns behavior that Belgian law states is transgressive and punishable. For example, think of physical violence, voyeurism, unwanted touching of intimate parts, rape, discrimination and so on.

In addition, there are boundaries that are rather subjective and personal. What may feel transgressive for your fellow student, may not be for you and vice versa. Know that every limit has a right to exist. If a certain comment, action, or touch doesn't feel right, then it goes beyond your limits. It is important to be aware of the fact that our personal limits are all different. At Ghent University, we expect everyone to respect each other's personal boundaries.

Within the study context, Ghent University distinguishes various forms of transgressive behavior that you can experience yourself or witness:

• Aggression: you are physically or verbally threatened, harassed, stalked, attacked, ....
• Bullying: You repeatedly experience hostile, hurtful, or insulting words, actions, or gestures (e.g., cyberbullying).
• Unwanted sexual behaviour: sexually suggestive gestures, jokes and comments, (invitations to) unwanted intimate touches, unwanted penetration (rape).
• Discrimination: you are treated unequally or are confronted with statements based on a personal characteristic such as sex, gender identity, gender expression, family composition, birth, marital status, skin colour, nationality, descent and national or ethnic origin, physical or genetic characteristic, disability, functional limitation , medical history, health status, age, sexual orientation or orientation, social origin, wealth, religion, philosophy or political opinion.

Are you in doubt or do you need help to determine whether something goes over your limit or not? Please contact Team Confidential Counselors.

What can Team Confidential Counselors do for me?

Are you confronted with transgressive behavior within Ghent University? Then know that Ghent University takes this seriously and that you are not alone. You can contact Trustpunt, a team of confidential counsellors, for:

• a listening ear,
• information or advice on possible next steps,
• support to tackle the problem yourself,
• restorative conversation with those who have crossed your limits,
• assistance in involving someone else within the organization,
• referral 

These conversations are free and held with total discretion. 

Can I speak confidentially about this?

Yes, you can discuss this with a confidential counsellor during a confidential meeting. The counsellor will ask you about your expectations and whether or not you wish to take action. From Trustpunt we only take action if you want to. During this meeting, we will also guide you through the possible options within the university.

Can I anonymously request action in case of transgressive behaviour?

You can file a report anonymously with the confidential counselor; in that case, your report will simply be recorded, without any further action.
If you would like steps to be taken, you cannot remain anonymous to the confidential counselor However, you may explicitly request that your identity is not shared with others.

What if I want to formally report inappropriate behaviour?

At Ghent University, you can file a formal complaint about inappropriate behaviour committed by a staff member or a student. There are two ways to do this:

1. You can ask a confidential advisor to forward your complaint to the rector.

2. You can also submit a complaint directly to the rector. There are no formal requirements. To do so, contact: juridischezaken@UGent.be.

In both cases, the reporter will receive a confirmation of receipt. The rector will carry out a preliminary investigation, which can take up to six months. The duration depends on the available information, any missing documents, and the need to hear additional people. As part of this investigation, the rector may hear the staff member or student involved, as well as the complainant and any witnesses, although this is not mandatory.

The rector then decides whether or not to refer the case to the Disciplinary Board (for staff) or the Disciplinary Committee (for students).
If no referral is made, the disciplinary procedure ends.
If there is a referral, the Disciplinary Board or Committee will thoroughly investigate the case and issue a disciplinary decision, determining whether a violation occurred and what sanction, if any, will be imposed.

In addition, the rector can impose an order measure (such as a ban on campus access or a no-contact order) on a staff member or student in case of unrest, disruption of university operations, or risks to safety or the psychosocial well-being of the university community.

Team Confidential Counselors can support you with your first steps. Afterwards, a case manager from the Legal Affairs Office will become your main point of contact.

The Disciplinary Guide provides further details about the procedure.

What if I experienced or witnessed transgressive behavior during my internship ?

If you are confronted with transgressive behavior in interaction with someone during your internship, then you can also contact Team Confidential Counselors.