«We cultivate a university culture that focuses on dialogue as well as on the ability to reflect and to deal with conflict.” We consider it essential to offer everyone at our university a good learning and working atmosphere. This is why respect and mindfulness are the focus of our activities. At the ZHAW, there is zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour such as discrimination, violence, bullying and sexual harassment.»
Prof. Dr. Regula Jöhl, President of ZHAW
Code of Conduct
Our culture - mindful, respectful and diverse
The ZHAW is one of the leading universities of applied sciences in Switzerland. We offer a broad spectrum of programmes that bring together experts from a wide variety of disciplines. The ZHAW employs just over 3,400 people, who are involved in research, service provision and the teaching of over 14,700 students. People with different sociocultural backgrounds and experiences come together at our university to learn and work together. The resulting variety of backgrounds and perspectives enrich us as individuals and as an organisation, making us more innovative and inclusive.
Personal integrity
At the ZHAW, we protect the personal integrity of all students and employees. There is zero tolerance of discrimination, threats and violence, bullying and sexual harassment. This is regulated in the ZHAW's “Regulations for Protection against Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Bullying”. Anyone who violates these regulations must expect consequences under personnel law or disciplinary action.
If conflicts arise, it is important to address them at an early stage and find constructive solutions. The ZHAW offers a wide range of counseling services to help in cases of conflict and to counteract inappropriate behavior and set boundaries at an early stage.
What can each individual do?
Everyone must do their part to ensure good relations at the ZHAW. This applies as much to professors, lecturers, research staff, assistants, administrative and technical staff as to students. Everyone at the university is a part of the organisation as a whole and contributes to creating a good working atmosphere. It is important to pay attention and help others.
If someone is affected by or observes harassment and can do so, they should immediately and clearly draw the inappropriateness of the behaviour to the attention of the perpetrator. If this is not possible or if there is no improvement once the inappropriate behaviour has been pointed out, they should speak to a person in charge or seek assistance from the relevant counselling centre.