Study environment

Good and safe study environment

The study environment refers to the physical, social and organisational conditions that are important for how you feel and function in your study situation. All students at Halmstad University have the right to a good study environment.

The concepts study environment and work environment are used to describe the same thing. The Work Environment Act uses the term work environment and many of the requirements imposed on workplaces also apply to those who are studying (see the Work Environment Act, Chapter 1, Section 3).

The University investigates, assesses risks, takes measures and continuously follows up on work environment conditions in order to create the conditions for a good study environment free from ill health and accidents. Inspections are carried out, for example, through safety inspections on the premises, surveys and course evaluations, follow-up of injuries and risks, visitor statistics at the Student Healthcare Centre, as well as dialogue with student work environment representatives.

Policy for work environment and equal opportunities

The University’s policy for work environment and equal opportunities describes that Halmstad University shall be characterised by a good and stimulating study environment where:

• employees and students experience inclusion, security and a sense of belonging. Zero tolerance applies to all forms of harassment, bullying, threats and violence.
• the workload is sustainable and periods of higher work intensity are offset by opportunities for recovery.

• students are listened to, involved, and informed about important aspects of work environment management.

• all our interactions are based on respect and democratic values in line with the basic values of Swedish central government authorities.
• our physical work environment is safe and accessible, designed to encourage meetings and dialogue while also accommodating the need for undisturbed work.
• laboratory environments and workshops maintain high safety standards.

How you are expected to contribute to the study environment

Although the responsibility for the study environment ultimately lies with the University, students and staff have a joint responsibility to ensure that we have a good study and work environment.

As a student you are expected to:

• follow procedures and requirements for protective equipment in our workshops and labs.
• show respect towards everyone at the University and through your actions contribute to a pleasant and inclusive study environment free from bullying and all forms of harassment.
• help keep our premises nice and welcoming.
• report injuries/incidents and risks in the study environment.
• participate in measures taken to achieve a good study environment.
• comply with the rules and regulations.

You can also contribute to a good study environment by:

• being involved and contributing to good and interesting conversations in the classroom
• recognising the good efforts of others
• showing consideration for your fellow students
• making suggestions for improvements to the study environment, for example to your programme director or teacher.

Injuries and risks

If you have been injured on campus or during an academic internship, or have experienced any risk of injury, it is important that you report this via Helpdesk.

In the event of an injury, you may be entitled to compensation through insurance, and based on your report, any necessary measures will be investigated to prevent harm from occurring in the future. Accidents that occur on the way to or from the University must also be reported, as well as incidents involving threats or violence and events that take place during internships/work placements (VFU).

Injuries and risks

Threats and violence

Cheating, disturbance and harassment

The Higher Education Ordinance contains rules that apply to students and clarify what is not okay and has a direct negative impact on the study environment. Violating these may result in a warning or suspension.

• You may not use prohibited aids or other methods to attempt to deceive during examinations or other forms of assessment of study performance.
  
• You may not disrupt with or obstruct teaching, examinations or other activities within the framework of the education at the University.
• You may not disrupt the activities in the University Library or other special facilities within the University.
• You may not subject another student or employee at the University to harassment or sexual harassment as referred to in Chapter 1, Section 4 of the Discrimination Act (2008:567).

Work environment representative for students

The student work environment representatives are appointed by Halmstad Student Union and are students’ representatives in matters relating to the study environment. They listen to the opinions of students and are also involved in the planning and inspection of the study environment.

Contact the Student Union if you want to get involved in the study environment work at the University, or to get in touch with your student work environment representative to raise issues related to your study environment.

Halmstad Student Union External link.

Alcohol, drugs, doping and tobacco

On campus, special rules apply to alcohol, drugs, doping and tobacco. As a student, you are not allowed to handle or be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs in study contexts. If you feel that you have problems, you can get guidance and advice from the Student Healthcare Centre.

Alcohol, tobacco and drugs

Student Healthcare Centre

Campus safety

For your own safety and the safety of others, it is important that you know what applies in the event of fire, evacuation, attacks and any other threatening situations. It is also good to know where our defibrillators are located.

Fire and evacuation

Threats and violence

Defibrillators

If you do not feel well or are mistreated

If you feel bad or if you are a victim of discrimination, harassment or bullying, you should talk to someone you trust. For example, it can be your teacher, programme director, the Student Healthcare Centre, the student work environment representative, the Student Union or the Ombud for students and PhD students.

Whom you choose to contact is less important, the important thing is that you contact someone who in turn can help you further if needed.

Student Healthcare Centre

Student work environment representative External link.

Ombud for students and PhD students

Harassment, victimisation and bullying

If you need support in your studies

Your study situation and how well you succeed in your studies is an important part of your social study environment. On the page Study support you can read about the support you can get at the University, as well as get tips on study techniques and other things related to your study situation.

Study support

The University’s work environment organisation

The University has a Work Environment Committee (AMK) that works with university-wide issues linked to students’ and staff’s study and work environment. At the School level, the local work environment groups (AMG) have a similar assignment.

The Student Committee is a committee of the Work Environment Committee. Here, challenges and improvements linked to the study environment of students and doctoral students are discussed and prepared. The committee also works practically with the development and anchoring of policies, procedures and information relating to the study environment.

In the committees and groups, students are represented via the student work environment representative and the PhD representative. These are appointed by the Student Union.

The University’s Vice-Chancellor has the ultimate responsibility for the work and study environment, and that it meets the requirements of legislation. Concrete tasks in the work environment management are then distributed to different roles at the University.

More information

Via the University’s document archive, you can search for official documents of various kinds, such as decisions and policies.

Search documents