Navigating Social Safety at WUR: A Student’s Guide
By Kiwi
Overall, I’d consider Wageningen to be a safe environment. I’ve biked home after the last bus at 3 AM more times than I can count, and haven’t really encountered any problems doing so. However, sometimes things happen from time to time, be it creepers or student-on-student misconduct. It’s not easy to discuss this and not stray away from my “marketing” role in this university, but I do deem it necessary, as a woman and having experienced feeling unsafe going to the university because of another student’s actions.
I want to be clear that I can only speak from my own experience and can’t speak for more severe situations or those that involves direct violence. However, maybe this guide can still serve as a starting point for understanding and showing what type of support exists at WUR. I want to share how I navigated WUR’s resources to help me feel safer in hopes that I could in turn help others do so as well. Especially if, like me, you are an international student living away from the support system you grew up with.
Background Story
While my experience wasn’t violent, it did involve someone crossing my boundaries in a way that left me vulnerable and unsupported for a while. The situation involved a fellow student who wouldn’t leave me alone despite setting clear boundaries, going so far as paying unwanted visits. It escalated to a point where I dreaded going to class alone. Eventually, I reached out to WUR’s social safety team, and while the process wasn’t perfect, it taught me a lot about what support is available. It did give me the security to live my life without having to rely on friends to feel safe every time I stepped out of the house again.
Contacting the Social Safety Contact Point* Team
My first point of contact of choice at the university was the Social Safety Contact Point through their email. The team also have options to do this by phone or fill in a form anonymously if you feel uncomfortable sharing your personal information. They responded fairly quickly and followed up with a phone call within a few days when they asked for more details. I was also given an option to pick who on their team I was most comfortable talking with, who also will be my contact person or confidential counsellor until the case is finished.
They were respectful throughout, and never dismissive and asked me what went down, how I was affected and what kind of support I needed. I didn’t feel rushed or pushed to a single solution, instead they laid out a couple of different options for me. I chose to contact the Social Safety contact point as I wasn’t sure of which steps to take first. However, if you already know who you want to contact, you can also do so directly.
Support Options Offered
Every situation will be different, and the Social Safety Team will give you options most appropriate to your circumstances. Here’s what they made available for me:
- Involving someone from his study programme: This could’ve been a professor or study adviser who would speak to him directly.
- Mediation: This is more of a dialogue-based approach, but I refused it because I didn’t want to see him in person.
- Referral to the police: This was the option I chose. The police visited him at home and made it clear that he had to leave me alone or face legal action.
- University warning: If things continued or escalated, they were ready to issue him an official warning.
As I went with the police option, I didn’t end up continuing with the other options offered to me by the confidential counsellor. But knowing these options were available made me feel like I had choices and support in case things escalate again. They also made sure to ask me whether certain actions might actually provoke him or put me in more danger. That level of awareness made me feel safer and more in control.
Witnessing (and Reporting) Misconduct
WUR also has a system for reporting misconduct you might witness, even if it’s not directly affecting you. Sometimes victims don’t know how to report or feel too scared to speak up, so if you see something concerning, whether it’s harassment, bullying, or any other unwanted behaviour, you can contact the Social Safety Contact Point on their behalf. They offer confidential support and will help figure out the best way to handle the situation. If you want to learn more about how reporting works for students, PhD candidates, or staff, WUR has detailed information on this Social Safety for Students page.
Quick Guide: WUR’s Support Services
Depending on what’s happening, WUR has several kinds of support available to maintain a safe environment. You don’t need to go through your study adviser to access them.
- Social Safety Contact Point: Your go-to for any reports, concerns, or questions, especially if you are not sure of what steps to take first. They’re reachable by email or phone and will usually get back to you fast. They also have posters with contact information around the bulletin boards on campus. Even if you aren’t the target of such misconduct, you can also contact the Social Safety team if you witness something.
- Confidential counsellors: If you’re not sure that you want to take action but still need to talk, this is a safe and private option. They advise and guide you in looking for a way to stop unwanted behaviour or prevent escalation of the situation. It is fully confidential, and you are always in control!
- Student psychologists: For a short-term mental health support if what you’re experiencing is affecting your well-being.
- “Ombudspersoon”: For if you’re dealing with something bigger, longer-term, or more structural (like repeated misconduct or issues within the university system itself).
- Police: In urgent or criminal situations, WUR can refer you or coordinate with them if needed. The Social Safety team will also guide you on the procedure and how to contact them.
Final Thoughts on a Safe Environment at WUR
If someone is making you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or just off, don’t wait for it to become “serious enough” before reaching out. If it’s bothering you or making you unsafe, that is, in fact, “serious enough”. And there are people here who are capable and ready to help!
I never imagined I’d have to deal with this kind of situation, but once I did, I was really grateful I knew who to contact. You don’t have to handle it alone. Whether it’s a classmate, or WUR staff member crossing boundaries, know that support exists and that you deserve to feel safe on campus.
If you’re reading this looking for a specific reason, know that people around you want you to feel safe! It doesn’t have to be your “forever” situation. Otherwise, if you’re reading for future reference, I hope you don’t encounter the need to read this blog again. 😉
Love, always,
Kiwi
*Social Safety Contact Point
Email: socialsafety@wur.nl
Phone: +31317481774
Web page: https://www.wur.nl/en/education-programmes/current-students/social-safety-students.htm
Webform: https://socialsafety.wur.nl/
