Hanken works continuously to ensure a safe study environment

The Student Association in Vaasa and the Student Union at Hanken as a whole are independent bodies whose purpose is to serve as the students’ interest organisations. In this case, the School immediately contacted the Student Association’s board and has provided support in addressing the matter.

Hanken works systematically with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issues for both students and staff. DEI is a central strategic priority: Hanken’s Associate Dean for Sustainability has an explicit DEI responsibility, and DEI work is continuously on the agenda of both the rectorate and the Board. The Associate Dean also chairs Hanken’s DEI Committee, which has developed Hanken’s DEI Plan.

Hanken has three DEI ombuds who serve as equality and harassment officers, two of whom are located in Vaasa. Hanken applies safer space principles in teaching as well as at internal and external events. Both students and staff can confidentially contact the DEI ombuds, and there is also a channel for anonymously reporting cases of harassment, discrimination, or other situations that make  one feel unsafe or excluded. 

Hanken has actively worked to educate and support both Hanken’s own DEI ombuds and the equality and harassment officers of the Student Union and the Student Association in how to handle harassment and inappropriate behaviour. The aim is to ensure that Hanken, as well as the Union’s and Association’s spaces, remain safe and secure environments for all our students and staff. The School continues to work on building trust through existing channels and, when necessary, on developing new processes.

More information about Hanken’s DEI-efforts:
Hanken for diversity, equity and inclusion

Contact regarding Hanken’s DEI-efforts:
Nikodemus Solitander
Associate dean for sustainability 
Email: nikodemus.solitander@hanken.fi
Phone: 040 3521 451