Anti-harassment policy

CUT has established a comprehensive policy and institutional framework to prevent and address all forms of bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment, ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive academic and working environment across all its campuses and operations. The policy includes clear prevention measures, reporting procedures, and support services for affected individuals, reinforcing the University’s zero-tolerance approach to harassment and its commitment to dignity and equal treatment for all members of the university community.

At the core of this framework is the Code of Practice to Prevent and Combat Bullying, Sexual Harassment, and Harassment, which applies to all members of the university community — academic and administrative staff, students, and external collaborators.
The Code defines bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment in accordance with national and EU legislation, and outlines preventive, reporting, and response procedures. It promotes regular training and awareness initiatives on equal treatment and gender equality, prohibits discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation, and ensures immediate protection and confidentiality for individuals who report incidents.

The Policy further encourages all staff and students to actively prevent and address harassment, fostering a safe and supportive culture rooted in mutual respect and understanding. It also promotes cooperation among university authorities and employees and establishes mechanisms for ongoing review and improvement of prevention and response practices. Finally, it includes clear procedures for investigation, resolution, and protection from retaliation, ensuring that all cases are handled with impartiality, fairness, and dignity.

To strengthen implementation, CUT has integrated the Code within its wider Equality Plan 2022-2024, which outlines the University’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment for all members of the university community — students, academic and administrative staff — regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or other personal characteristics.
The Plan establishes strategic objectives and concrete measures to promote diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect across all areas of university life. It supports a proactive institutional culture of equity through training programmes, awareness campaigns, policy monitoring, and continuous review.

Furthermore, CUT has established the Student Ombud as an independent and impartial body safeguarding students from discrimination, harassment, and abuse of power.
The Ombud provides confidential and impartial support, investigates complaints, mediates with university bodies, and promotes fair and transparent resolutions in line with institutional procedures. It also plays a key role in preventing unfair treatment and reinforcing accountability across the University’s academic and administrative structures, reflecting CUT’s zero-tolerance stance on harassment and misconduct.

Through this integrated framework, combining formal policy, strategic planning, and independent oversight, CUT demonstrates a strong and ongoing commitment to maintaining a harassment-free, equitable, and empowering university environment grounded in dignity, fairness, and respect.