Bullying, harassment and discrimination are unacceptable behaviours, and the University expects all members of the University community to treat each other with respect, courtesy and consideration. If someone has failed to treat you in this way, then we'd encourage you to report this behaviour.
Examples of incidents you may report include (but are not limited to):
- Ableism
- Anti-Semitism
- Ageism
- Classism
- Faith Based Discrimination
- Islamophobia
- Misogynoir
- Queerphobia
- Racism
- Sexism
- Transphobia
- Xenophobia
We can help you decide whether you'd like to report what's happened to the University or College, guide you through that process and help you to access support. Reporting remains your choice and you can access support whether you report what's happened or not. These include:
- Harassment Adviser Network: Choose from a Harassment Adviser either from your college, department, or who have a shared identity with you. You can find out more about Harassment Advisers here.
- Counselling: Access free, confidential counselling from Student Health and Welfare Services. Find out more here.
- College Support: Contact your college's Welfare Lead/Dean for college level support.
- Equality Advisory Service: External to the university support for those who have experienced discrimination. Find out more here.
There are different processes depending on where the behaviour happened and by whom. If the behaviour occured purely in a college setting (by either a staff or student), then you should complain to your college. If it happened outside of your college by a student or staff member, then you should complain using the University procedures.
Reporting a student (to the University) Reporting a member of University staff Reporting to college
We know reporting can be daunting when this behaviour comes from your a staff member, especially if they are a supervisor to you because of the power imbalance in your relationship. Please know you aren't alone in this, and there is a multitude of support available. Your Head of Department should help you resolve the situation in a way which does not negatively impact your studies.
Oxford SU has worked with the University of Oxford to collate an single source of information to guide you through:
- Support available for you
- How to report instances involving other students and/or University staff members
- How the university will respond to a disclosure or formal report
- Confidentiality around reports
- What to expect through the processes
- Relevant policies
We'd therefore encourage you to review this webpage to get an understanding of the support available and reporting mechanisms.
If you'd like support reporting or would like to discuss your options and support available, read our Advice Agreement then Contact Us and we'd be happy to help. Our team of advisers have recieved specialist training on all forms of discrimination, and help you to retain control of your situation.