Doctoral students’ work and study environment

Applies to all doctoral students

A good social study environment

The University is, in accordance with the Work Environment Act (SFS 1977:1160), responsible for the study and educational environment for all doctoral students. This implies that the University must ensure a good social study environment, including:

• access to supervision and research infrastructure
• a safe, inclusive, and health-promoting environment
• preventive measures against stress, harassment, and discrimination
  

A good physical study environment

The University must ensure a  good physical study environment, including:

• access to appropriate facilities, equipment, and a safe working environment
  

Other

• As a doctoral student, you are obliged to follow regulations, rules, and instructions, and to report risks in the work environment.
• The study environment should be discussed during follow-up meetings with your supervisor and director of studies.
• Through the doctoral student survey (Doctoral Student Barometer) and course evaluations, you have the opportunity to share your views on the study environment and what could be improved.

Doctoral students employed at Halmstad University

The University holds full responsibility for the work environment for doctoral students employed by the University. As an employed doctoral student, you are covered by both local and national agreements regarding employment conditions. The following implies:

• You should primarily contact your manager if you are feeling unwell or have suggestions for improvements.
• You can also speak with the School’s work environment representative or the University’s Principal work environment representative.
• Your manager conducts coworker dialogues focusing on your work situation and work environment.
• In case of illness, the University has a rehabilitation responsibility.
• Occupational health services are available for work-related health issues. You are entitled to two initial sessions without involving your manager.
• As an employee, you report incidents and work-related injuries (including commuting accidents) via Helpdesk. The purpose is to prevent future injuries and to assist you in claiming compensation. This is also where you report any harassment, threats, or violence.
• You participate in workplace meetings where the department’s shared work environment is discussed.
• You are invited to respond to the University’s employee survey.
• You are entitled to a wellness allowance.

Doctoral students employed elsewhere

For externally employed doctoral students (e.g., industrial doctoral students), the external employer is responsible for the work environment related to the employment – but the University still holds responsibility for the study and educational environment. The following implies:

• In case of illness or other health related issues, contact the organisation where you are employed. They are also responsible for your rehabilitation.
• At Halmstad University you should primarily contact your supervisor or the director of studies for doctoral education if you have concerns regarding the study environment or if you do not feel well.
• You may also contact the student union’s doctoral representative (“ombudsman”) or the principal student work environment representative regarding study environment and your situation.
• The Student Healthcare Centre provides support for study-related health issues.
• You report incidents and study-related injuries (including commuting accidents) via the student Helpdesk. The purpose is to prevent future injuries and to assist you in claiming compensation. This is also where you report any harassment, threats, or violence.