What do you do if you don't feel safe in your study or work environment, or if you experience inappropriate behavior or another difficult situation? In such cases, you can reach out to one of TU/e's ten confidential advisors through the Integrity & Social Safety Desk. In this article, they introduce themselves.
A safe and welcoming environment for studying and working doesn't happen by itself. That's why our university has invested heavily in social safety and integrity in recent years. A key part of this effort is the continued development of the Integrity & Social Safety Desk and the expansion of the number of confidential advisors.
A few years ago, there were only four confidential advisors. Today, the team has grown to ten certified professionals with a wide range of backgrounds. Eight are TU/e colleagues, and two are external confidential advisors.
Thanks to this expansion, there is more room to personally support students and staff with questions, concerns, and reports related to integrity and social safety. "It makes all the difference in the world," says Henny van Alphen, coordinator of the Integrity & Social Safety Desk."
"Our confidential advisors now also have the space to step in with advice on their own initiative. And to be more visible on campus, so our community can easily find them when something comes up or when they just need someone to talk to."
Anyone in the TU/e community is welcome to reach out to the desk with questions, for advice, or for support. A confidential advisor helps you make sense of your situation and figure out together what next step feels right. Sometimes one conversation is enough. Other times, further support or a formal report may follow.
Van Alphen is clear about what matters most: don't carry your worries around for too long. "The most important thing is that people come forward, so we can work toward a solution together. The sooner you reach out, the easier it is to find your way back."
Below, our confidential advisors introduce themselves. Who are they, what do they do, and how can they help when something is going on?
