A good academic environment for all is a shared responsibility

Safe, inclusive learning environments are important, both academically and socially, and everyone at AU has a responsibility to do their part
So we treat each other with respect, consideration and decency.
We prioritise creating good academic, professional and social communities and collaborations

Offensive behaviour

Staff and students at Aarhus University have a duty to treat each other with consideration and respect, and offensive behaviour will not be tolerated. Offensive behaviour can range from bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination to physical violence or threats of violence. We all have a responsibility to speak out against offensive behaviour and to help other students and staff who experience abusive behaviour.

Aarhus University’s rules of conduct

As a student at Aarhus University, you are expected to follow the university’s rules of conduct. The rules of conduct set out a code for how students should conduct themselves in relation to other students, staff and the university’s property, among other guidelines.

As a student, you are expected to:

Conduct yourself with consideration and decency
Show consideration for the university’s property, buildings, equipment and furnishings
Refrain from threatening or harassing others
Comply with the university’s additional rules and guidelines, for example for the use of rooms and IT systems

Aarhus University’s staff policy

Aarhus University’s staff policy sets out guidelines for how staff are expected to conduct themselves in relation to students and co-workers. In regard to offensive conduct, one important rule in the staff policy is:

“Managers, supervisors, teaching staff and others in a mentor role or similar role have a particular responsibility to act professionally and objectively in situations in which they are part of an asymmetrical (unequal) collaboration, relationship and power balance.”

Read about Aarhus University’s staff policy here

Policies and guidelines at the faculties

There may be local policies or codes of conduct at your faculty or department/school that supplement AU’s general code of conduct:

Freedom of expression at Aarhus University

While ensuring a good learning environment is a shared responsibility for students and teaching staff, this but this does not mean that everyone must always agree.
Academic discussions and disagreements are a central part of research and teaching, and both staff and students have freedom of speech at Aarhus University. So there must be room for different points of view in the classroom. At the same time, both employees and students are expected to communicate respectfully and constructively, make an effort to understand others' views and attitudes and collaborate despite any disagreements.

Advice on managing conflict in study groups and in the classroom

On the AU Studypedia website, you’ll find good advice and tools to help your study group function smoothly, including on how to manage conflict.
If there are conflicts or disagreements in teaching situations or your study group that are affecting your learning and well-being negatively, we encourage you to discuss the issue with your lecturer and/or your fellow students, so you can work together to promote a positive learning environment for all.

Get good advice from AU Studypedia here

Room for everyone at Aarhus University

At Aarhus University, we are committed to creating inclusive learning and teaching environments in which all students thrive and learn, regardless of gender, age, religious affiliation, disability, ethnicity or other personal circumstances. The university does not tolerate harassment of or discrimination against staff or students.

If you as a student are subject to harassment, for example due to your religion, nationality or gender, the university encourages you to reach out to our on-staff student counsellors to discuss your experiences and get help in clarifying whether you want to report the incident.

Special educational support
Some students may have special needs due to physical or mental disabilities, and in many cases will be eligible for SPS (special educational support). If you need ( or think you might need) SPS, contact AU’s SPS counsellors.

Student associations
If you are looking for a community where you can meet other students with the same interests as yourself, or where you can get involved in student politics together, you can take a closer look at all the many different student-run associations that exist at AU.

Find out more about student associations at AU (Danish)

Influence your degree programme

Student Council
The Student Council at Aarhus University helps put students' views on the agenda and has a say in issues related to the academic environment and the students' conditions. The Student Council also often contributes the students' perspective in various working groups at AU. You can contact the Student Council if you would like to contribute your perspective to their work on the academic environment.