Inappropriate online behavior during education

During these unprecedented times, technology has made it possible for us to still provide a high level of education. Zoom lectures and sessions have been successfully used to offer classes remotely while protecting the health and safety of students. Unfortunately, we are disappointed to report that some students have not only used the classroom chats as a positive and valuable communication channel, but few have chosen to misuse the chats to express themselves in an unacceptable and damaging manner. Another commonly used communication channel are the so-called what's app groups. These are of course set up by students themselves and are therefore uncontrollable. Still, we would like students to be encouraged to report inappropriate behavior, regardless of the used channel.

At the VU we pride ourselves for being tolerant towards other people, independent of their color, their gender or sexuality, their belief, background or traditions. As University it is our duty to protect our students. That’s why we would like you to draw students attention to the Student Charter, article 10, whenever you are aware of intolerance. In addition, it is advisable to gather as much as information as possible about incidents and to inform the coordinator worrying behavior (security-rob.pel@vu.nl or r.c.van.kampen@vu.nl). It must be clear that any behavior that targets other human being for who they are cannot, and will not, be accepted.