Many crisis situations are long-standing, while new crises occur rapidly as a result of conflict, violence or natural disaster. It is not uncommon for the University, as an institution, to be asked to comment on many of these tragic situations across the world. With approval from Academic Council, the University’s statement on international conflict sets out its position.
University Statement on International Conflict
Conflicts and humanitarian crises are a tragic feature of our world. Robert Gordon University abhors terrorism, violence and all breaches of human rights and humanitarian law. The University will not comment on specific cases of international conflict, rather we will focus on identifying those students and staff who may be directly affected in order to provide them with support, as well as making available support services to the wider University community.
The University recognises the importance of providing an environment for open and respectful expression of considered opinion among our diverse community. It is vital that RGU remains a safe space for all staff and students, and that our values on diversity, equality and inclusion, and respectfulness are upheld. We affirm our commitment to fostering an environment where open dialogue, understanding and empathy prevail. We encourage all members of the University community to engage in constructive conversations, to actively listen, and to uphold the values of mutual respect, tolerance and inclusivity. Our University remains a space for learning, collaboration, and for discussing challenging issues, where differences are acknowledged and bridged through lawful and respectful dialogue. While staff and students can freely express their views on international conflict, care needs to be taken that they do so as individuals, and not on behalf of the University.
Practical advice, wellbeing services and support
Counselling and Support
All of our support services, including access to trained counsellors and wellbeing staff, are available to students, regardless of their location or mode of study.
Religious Support
Our Chaplaincy Service is available for people of all faiths and none. As part of the University's support network for staff, students and their families, the service provides a listening ear for students and staff, and offers confidential support. The Chaplain can be contacted by emailing chaplaincy@rgu.ac.uk. Find out more:
Dealing with Harassment and Discrimination
The University will not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination at any time. Our campus should be a safe space for all. Our Report and Support platform is here for our students and staff to report incidents of hate crime, discrimination or harassment to us at RGU, or to get further support from our services.
Prevent Duty
The University has a legal duty to safeguard anyone believed to be at risk of being drawn into extremist or terrorist activity. This legal duty is called the ‘Prevent duty’. The University also has a duty to ensure staff, students and others are supported in how to respond to a concern through the provision of guidance, training and inter-agency working. Concern that someone may be vulnerable to being drawn into extremism should be shared by emailing prevent@rgu.ac.uk
Cara (the Council for At-Risk Academics)
Cara provides urgently-needed help to academics in immediate danger, those forced into exile, and many who choose to work on in their home countries despite serious risks. The University is a member of the CARA UK Universities & Research Network.