Safe College
Toward a Culture of Recognition and Appreciation at Mainz University of Applied Sciences
Wherever people learn and work together, many positive things happen that strengthen our sense of community and foster exchange—especially when people from different backgrounds, with different experiences and perspectives, come together. However, difficult or challenging situations are also inevitable, and these can escalate into conflicts or even threats.
Mainz University of Applied Sciences aims to ensure that everyone on campus feels safe and secure and can work and learn together in a supportive and respectful environment.
To this end, the work of the Safe Campus Working Group aims to minimize the risk of threatening incidents through preventive measures. When critical situations arise, the working group advises and supports those affected and assists in initiating further measures.
However, all members of the university community are called upon to help identify such situations. A shared culture of vigilance enables rapid assistance for those affected and helps avert potentially threatening situations. This can only succeed if each and every individual takes responsibility and does not look away when signs of a crisis developing are noticed.
The Safe University Working Group offers all members of the University of Mainz a point of contact for reporting critical observations or incidents, as well as the opportunity to receive advice and support.
When should I take action?
In any situation where you feel unsafe, make critical observations, or perceive threats, you can contact the working group. This may include, for example, experiences with stalking, bullying, workplace bullying, or physical violence, as well as any situations involving threats of violence, inappropriate behavior, or the observation of suspicious individuals.
You can either use the email address sichere-hochschule (at) hs-mainz.de or contact one of the people listed below directly by phone or email.
In the event of an immediate threat, please always contact the police directly (110).
How does the Safe Campus Working Group proceed?
In all cases, the first step is to assess whether—and if so, what kind of—risk exists for the individuals involved, so that appropriate steps can be taken to defuse the situation. The potential emotional strain on those affected is also addressed so that they can receive the best possible support and counseling. Specific measures are tailored to each individual case and developed in collaboration with those involved.
If necessary and by mutual agreement, those affected can also be referred with their concerns to other internal counseling services, such as the Equal Opportunity Officer, the Student Psychological Counseling Service, or the Staff Council. In addition, we maintain a close network with other local resources such as the police, the women’s crisis hotline, or the social-psychiatric service.
We expressly emphasize that all discussions with the working group are confidential. Discretion and the protection of the privacy of all those affected are our top priorities. Further steps will only be taken if they have been agreed upon in advance with those affected. This means you retain control over how your concern is handled at all times.
Who is part of the Safe Campus Working Group?
The working group consists of colleagues from the Student Psychological Counseling Service, the Staff Council, and the Human Resources & Legal Department.
In addition, there are points of contact with other internal stakeholders and support services, with whom we seek to exchange information and collaborate as needed.
