Inappropriate conduct, harassment and bullying – help for students

TAMK has a zero-tolerance to inappropriate conduct, harassment and bullying. Any higher education community member may not harm or danger others’ health or safety with their conduct. We will intervene in inappropriate conduct on a low threshold as early as possible.

Tamko and TAMK have harassment contacts who advise and support higher education community members who have faced harassment, inappropriate conduct, bullying, discrimination or other unequal conduct in notifying of the matter and taking the matter forward if agreed on. Harassment contacts can also be contacted if you are unsure of the situation or just want to discuss potential ways of intervening in harassment.

All discussions with harassment contacts are fully confidential. The matter does not progress without your consent.

TAMK’s harassment contacts

• In education-related situations between students, the harassment contacts are Merja Hanhimäki and Matti Pietilä.

• In situations between students and staff, the harassment contacts are Matti Pietilä, Terttu Roivas and Merja Hanhimäki.

If you it necessary, make a report to TAMK's Safety Observations system Rego

Tamko’s harassment contacts

Tamko’s harassment contacts and if necessary authorities should be contacted in inappropriate conduct, bullying and harassment situations taking place between students at leisure. Tamko’s harassment contacts support and advise students who have experienced harassment. Those who have seen harassment may also contact harassment contacts for example to discuss what to do. If necessary, the harassment contact refers the person further. The harassment contact does not implement further measures without consent and has full confidentiality. All harassment contacts are TAMK students, as you.

You can contact all harassment contacts by email (hairintayhdyshenkilot [at] tamko.fi (hairintayhdyshenkilot[at]tamko[dot]fi)). You can find their personal email addresses here (section HARRASMENT CONTACTS).

You can find further information on Tamko’s harassment contact activity on Tamko’s website.

How to identify inappropriate conduct?

Inappropriate conduct violates the law or code of good conduct. It is often systematic, continuous, negative and degrading activity which is expressed as deeds or neglects. Occasional and less severe deeds may also be inappropriate conduct if repeatedly targeted to same persons. Recurrence is related to creation of health dangers or harms. Peer students or staff members may be guilty of inappropriate conduct.

Inappropriate conduct may be

• threatening and shouting
• physical or mental abuse
• unjustified criticism of personal characteristics, qualities or private life or questioning of mental health
• social exclusion in the community.

Harassment may be based on age, skin colour, opinions, beliefs, gender or be of a sexual nature. Harassment may be insulting conduct in words, acts or attitudes. Sexual harassment may be physical or verbal. Insinuations, expressions, gestures, inappropriate touching, inappropriate contacts and vulgar speech are harassment.

Mental abuse is long-lasting and recurrent bullying, belittling or other negative conduct. Mental violence feels distressing, oppressing, humiliating or threatening and makes the victim feel defenceless.

All disagreements are not inappropriate conduct

For example, the following are NOT inappropriate conduct

• disagreements related to assessment of studies
• justified disciplinary measures
• discussions and broaching related to study ability
• even occasional inappropriate conduct is not permitted in the higher education community although it is not usually legally considered harassment

Proceed as follows in case of inappropriate conduct

You do not need and you are not supposed to tolerate any harassment. In case of harassment, it is good to act in accordance with the following guidelines:

1. React to the situation immediately. Do not wait for the situation to pass.

2. Tell the person who behaves inappropriately that you do not approve it and ask the person to stop. Most situations are solved with open discussion between the concerned. If you do not dare to talk to the person alone, you can ask a friend or the student union’s harassment contact to accompany you.

3. Contact a harassment contact of the student union Tamko or TAMK to help you fully confidentially.

4. Keep a record of incidents and other people present and save potential evidence, such as SMS or email messages. When the situation is discussed in a meeting, ask someone to keep minutes.