Handling bullying at BI
HANDLING BULLYING AT BI
It is BI’s responsibility to ensure its students a safe and secure learning environment. BI has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to bullying, be it in the workplace or the learning environment. BI will prevent and handle bullying. It is the students’ duty to notify the appropriate persons and contribute to implementation of measures and initiatives against bullying to create a healthy, positive learning environment.
What is bullying?
Bullying is when a person repeatedly, over time, is subject to negative actions by one or more persons, without being able to defend themselves (cf. the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority). Bullying is not isolated conflicts. Bullying/harassment is illegal and must not to be tolerated under any circumstances.
In the relationship between student and lecturer, feedback on work can often be perceived as unnecessarily harsh. Students and lecturers are requested to reflect on the content and form of this relationship, before defining it as bullying.
Duty of notification
Both students and employees should contribute to creating a good working environment. Both individuals who feel they are treated wrongly, and those who observe such behaviour, have a duty to notify the correct persons of the situation.
Anonymous notifications about bullying are difficult to deal with, sometimes impossible. In some cases, the person doing the bullying is not aware that his/her behaviour could be perceived as bullying. Further, the accused also has rights which must be respected. In order to find good solutions, BI wants to make it possible for students to let us know about bullying in a direct, open way. At the same time, the student can be sure his/her case will be treated confidentially and in line with how the student wants to deal with the case further.
Who should be notified?
Students can contact the student administration at their place of study to report incidents. This applies to cases involving both students and BI employees.
To find out where to report incidents at your place of study, contact your student advisor, or see information applying to your place of study.
The contact has a duty to treat your case seriously, confidentially, and in the manner the student requests. The student may also bring along his class contact, another student or someone else for support, if he/she wishes.