The University of Warsaw implements measures to counteract sexual harassment, discrimination, mobbing, and other forms of undesirable behavior. These measures include support for individuals affected by such behavior, procedures for reviewing complaints, training, and educational materials. Students, doctoral candidates, and staff at the University of Warsaw can benefit from the available forms of assistance.

The university’s actions are based on the Ordinance No. 21 of the Rector of the University of Warsaw of 28 February 2024 on the policy for counteracting unequal treatment, discrimination, mobbing and other undesirable behaviour at the University of Warsaw.

 

The document sets out the rules for preventing these incidents and the procedure for reviewing complaints.

 

Support and Counseling – Where to Find Help?

Individuals who have experienced sexual harassment or other undesirable behavior can seek counseling and support and obtain information about possible courses of action.

  • The Academic Ombuds provides informal support based on confidentiality, independence, neutrality, and impartiality. The Ombuds helps identify the problem and explore available solutions. Contacting the Ombuds is voluntary and does not trigger a formal complaint procedure.
  • Equality Plenipotentiaries working in the faculties, doctoral schools, and other units of the University of Warsaw serve as the first point of contact. They provide information about available forms of assistance and procedures and help individuals connect with the appropriate support services.
  • Team of Coordinators for Counteracting Unequal Treatment, Discrimination, Mobbing and Other Undesirable Behaviour receive complaints regarding unequal treatment, discrimination (including harassment and sexual harassment), mobbing, and other undesirable behaviour. Depending on the type of case and the outcome of this assessment, the Team may refer the complaint to the Commission on Unequal Treatment and Discrimination and the Commission on Harassment and Other Undesirable Behavior.
  • The UW Psychological Support Centre offers free psychological support to the academic community.
  • Office for Security Affairs provides support in matters related to the protection of people and property and to responding to threats on campus.

A detailed description of the support services and contact information, including a link to the list of equality officers, can be found on the UW Community Support website >>

 

Informal Process – Consultation and Supportive-Remedial Measures

The University of Warsaw also offers an informal support process administered by the Academic Ombudsman’s Office. It provides assistance in matters involving conflicts among faculty, doctoral candidates, and students; procedural and legal irregularities; unfair and unequal treatment, and situations involving undesirable behavior, including harassment and sexual harassment. Its goal is to provide prompt assistance to the affected person and to mitigate the negative effects of undesirable behavior; in appropriate cases, it is also possible to report concerning situations to university authorities or refer the matter to mediation.

 

The Team’s activities are based on confidentiality, impartiality, independence, and informality. Contacting the Ombudsman is voluntary and does not initiate a formal complaint procedure. External intervention requires the written consent of the person concerned.

 

Formal Procedure – How to File a Report?

A person directly affected by undesirable behavior may file a report with the Team of Coordinators. The report may be submitted in paper or electronic form, including via the complaint form.

 

The coordinators receive the report and conduct a preliminary assessment. Depending on the nature of the case and the outcome of the preliminary proceedings, it may be referred to:

  • the Commission on Unequal Treatment and Discrimination—which has jurisdiction over cases of unequal treatment and discrimination, including harassment and sexual harassment;
  • the Commission on Mobbing and Other Undesirable Behaviors—which has jurisdiction over cases of mobbing and other undesirable behaviors.

The commissions review reports, issue opinions, and recommend corrective actions. Proceedings under this procedure are separate from disciplinary proceedings.

 

Detailed information on reporting cases and an infographic illustrating the procedure are available on the Coordinators’ Team website.

 

Confidentiality and Protection of Persons Reporting Concerns

The procedure ensures confidentiality and impartiality in the processing of cases. A report made in good faith, for the purpose of self-protection, and in accordance with the applicable procedure, may not serve as a basis for adverse treatment of the person making the report. Each case requires an individual assessment, taking into account the rights of the persons involved in the proceedings.

 

Education and Training – Recognizing and Responding

An important part of the University of Warsaw’s efforts is preventing undesirable behavior through education. The University offers online courses, training sessions, and workshops for students, doctoral candidates, and staff at the University of Warsaw. Their goal is to develop the skills needed to recognize discrimination, sexual harassment, and other undesirable behaviors, respond to them, and utilize available support resources.

 

One such initiative is the online course “The prevention of  sexual harassment at the university,” developed in collaboration with the Feminoteka Foundation. The course covers basic topics related to sexual harassment, how to recognize it, and how to respond. Information about the course and other offerings can be found on the Equality training courses and workshops website.

 

The University of Warsaw also organises training sessions for individuals in leadership positions, including members of deans’ councils and heads of organisational units. These sessions focus on recognizing undesirable behaviour, responding appropriately, and the responsibilities associated with holding leadership roles.

 

Specialised training sessions, conducted in collaboration with external experts—including those from the Feminoteka Foundation—are designed for individuals who provide support and those who receive and process reports. Participants include, among others, equality officers, committee members, disciplinary ombudsmen, coordinators, the Academic Ombudsman’s Team, and the Equality Team.

Training sessions for equality plenipotentaries also cover communication with individuals in crisis, crisis intervention, and guidelines for preventing unequal treatment, discrimination, mobbing, and other undesirable behaviors in accordance with applicable regulations.

 

Guides and Educational Materials
Further Development of Initiatives — The University of Warsaw’s Inclusive Gender Equality Plan

The continuation and development of these initiatives are outlined in the “ “Inclusive Gender Equality Plan of the University of Warsaw 2026–2030 – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.” The document sets out guidelines for building a safe and inclusive environment for work, research, and study. It includes, among other things, further measures to combat gender-based violence and sexual harassment, as well as to promote equality education.

 

More information about the University of Warsaw’s equality initiatives, available forms of support, procedures, training sessions, and educational materials is available on the UW Equality website.