We want to provide all participants with a safe and welcoming Conferment Ceremony. The Conferment Ceremony’s Principles of Safer Space are guidelines that aim to create a safe atmosphere where everyone is appreciated. The principles are in place in all the events of the Conferment Ceremony and all participants and guests are expected to follow and uphold them. Anyone who neglects or violates the principles may be removed from the event.
• Respect people’s diversity and accept others as they are. Try to identify the assumptions you make and try to take the diversity of people into account. Listen, give space and let everyone define their identities and experiences themselves.
• Recognise your own privileges. Privileges refer to advantages which individuals have by virtue of belonging to certain social groups. Privileges may be related to characteristics including gender, sexual orientation, skin colour, class, language, health status and religion. While you might feel safe and accepted, it does not mean everyone else does too. If you are feeling comfortable and safe, use that to create a safe atmosphere for everyone.
• In discussions, ensure that everyone gets heard and is able to participate. Try to use the kind of language that is understandable to everyone.
• The conferment events have zero tolerance for all forms of harassment, racism, discrimination and all other kinds of inappropriate behaviour.
• Respect other people’s physical space and mental integrity. Do not harass anyone verbally, by touching them or by staring at them. No means no, change your behaviour or stop if someone asks you to.
• If you see or experience any inappropriate behaviour, take action against it or report the incident to the marshals. If you wish, you may also contact HYY’s or the University’s harassment contact persons after the event.
• If you violate the Principles of Safer Space or if someone points out that you have done so, apologise. Everyone makes mistakes. Correct your behaviour when needed. Be understanding towards mistakes made by others, too, and try to resolve the matter between the involved parties, if possible.
• Each of us is responsible for making the environment feel safe and comfortable for everyone. Contribute to an open, positive and safe atmosphere with your own actions.