At Canterbury Christ Church University you can Expect Respect whilst you study and work with us. 

We thank the incredible people in our community who make our campuses, social and teaching spaces welcoming, respectful and inclusive places for all. Canterbury Christ Church University and Christ Church Students’ Union believe all students, staff and visitors have the right to live, study and work in a safe and supportive environment, free from discrimination, bullying or harassment of any form.

We support all students and staff to be their true selves, our people enrich our community with their passion, kindness and creativity. We are here to support you to grow as an individual in your time at university, to become a graduate dedicated to making a difference in the world, being leaders of change, driven by values of compassion and respect in your professional and personal lives.

The Expect Respect Pledge

The Expect Respect Pledge created with students, outlines behaviours and action we can all take to make our community inclusive and respectful of each other:

  • To give respect to all;
  • To take responsibility for helping to create an inclusive and welcoming University;
  • To take positive action to prevent discrimination by not tolerating, condoning or ignoring harassment of any kind;
  • To educate myself and others about harassment - what it is, how it makes people feel and challenging harassment when possible. 

Expect Respect Module

This Expect Respect Welcome Module will introduce you to the university and cover some important topics for student life, including building your supportive network, our Expect Respect campaign, staying safe and cultivating healthy relationships.

When you complete this module, you will be entered into a prize draw, with a chance to win some amazing CCCU goodies and experiences!

Take the 20 minute Expect Respect Welcome Module to win great prizes!

Learn more and play your part in creating an inclusive and welcoming campus...

Our expected behaviours have been developed by our students for students.

We are proud to be part of a community that believes in the common good and supports everyone to thrive.

Everyone in our community, both staff and students, are committed to the following principles:

Respect

  • Show mutual respect for each other and all of our protected characteristics.
  • Always listen and seek understanding. Appreciate different viewpoints even when you don’t agree with them.
  • Respect boundaries, be polite, demonstrate good manners, and understand personal space.

Integrity

  • Be honest and authentic.
  • Have the courage to stand up for what is right.
  • Accept your mistakes - we are all human, learning to do better next time is how we grow as individuals.

Acceptance

  • Be accepting of everyone in our community.
  • Foster environments that allow individuals to feel able to express themselves without feeling that they will be judged.
  • Be inclusive - demonstrating that everyone has talents, and everyone is important.

Compassion

  • Treat others how you expect to be treated.
  • Make being kind to one another our default.

Being mindful of our differences unites us.

As members of the University community students are expected to commit to and act in accordance with the expectations and principles set out in the Expected Behaviours of Students and the Student Prevention of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy. This involves taking positive action when members of the University community act inappropriately by challenging or reporting behaviour that falls short of our commitment to each other

The Student Conduct Procedure explains how the University will consider allegations of misconduct. Incidents can also be reported anonymously or by speaking to an adviser through the University's Report+Support online tool.

Report + Support is a tool for students and staff to access comprehensive wellbeing support and be advised of reporting process’, where appropriate. Sending a report does not constitute a formal report, instead, the wellbeing team will take time to speak with you and provide you with information that puts you in control of what happens next and supports you to make an informed decision.

 

Harassment is when someone repeatedly behaves in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, scared, or threatened. It can include behaviours including constant messaging, turning up where you are unannounced, shouting or pestering you when they see you or trying to get to you through your friends. Harassment may not always seem unkind but could manifest as an obsession for you, it may include unwanted gifting or always finding excuses to talk to you.

A one-off incident can be harassment if the unwanted behaviour or conduct has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment because of, or connected to, one or more of the following protected characteristics:

  1.  age
  2. disability
  3. gender reassignment
  4. race
  5. religion or belief
  6. sex
  7. sexual orientation

Harassment can be distressing and feel as though you are receiving repeated and constant unwanted attention. Harassment may present in many ways including but not limited to:

  • Messages
  • Phone calls
  • Notes or letters
  • Stalking
  • Verbal abuse/shouting
  • Personal visits/unannounced appearances

As members of the University community students are expected to commit to and act in accordance with the expectations and principles set out in the Expected Behaviours of Students and the Student Prevention of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy. This involves taking positive action when members of the University community act inappropriately by challenging or reporting behaviour that falls short of our commitment to each other.

The Student Conduct Procedure explains how the University will consider allegations of misconduct. Incidents can also be reported anonymously or by speaking to an adviser through the University's Report+Support online tool.

Report + Support is a tool for students and staff to access comprehensive wellbeing support and be advised of reporting process’, where appropriate. Sending a report does not constitute a formal report, instead, the wellbeing team will take time to speak with you and provide you with information that puts you in control of what happens next and supports you to make an informed decision

Looking after your sexual health and sexual wellbeing are really important for having healthy and happy sex life. Christ Church Students' Union has advice and guidance on sexual wellbeing, sexual health and healthy relationships. This campaign includes information on:

  • Consent
  • Sexual health
  • Inclusive sex education
  • Contraception
  • Healthy relationships

Find out more about looking after your sexual wellbeing here

Consent

Consent is a huge part of our lives and relationships. When we "give consent" we give permission for something to happen. When between two or more people, everyone must agree to engage in an activity or contract, you must also agree to terms and conditions that this may entail.

Every time we click "yes" to terms and conditions we consent to the content of them, and therefore these are the terms on which we have accepted or agreed.​​​​​​​

So what about when it comes to sexual consent?

Sexual consent is: Mutually agreed and enthusiastically given on every occasion of, and during, sexual activity.

As members of the University community students are expected to commit to and act in accordance with the expectations and principles set out in the Expected Behaviours of Students and the Student Prevention of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy. This involves taking positive action when members of the University community act inappropriately by challenging or reporting behaviour that falls short of our commitment to each other.

The Student Conduct Procedure explains how the University will consider allegations of misconduct. Incidents can also be reported anonymously or by speaking to an adviser through the University's Report+Support online tool.

Report + Support is a tool for students and staff to access comprehensive wellbeing support and be advised of reporting process’, where appropriate. Sending a report does not constitute a formal report, instead, the wellbeing team will take time to speak with you and provide you with information that puts you in control of what happens next and supports you to make an informed decision

Check out the Students’ Union information about consent which covers what consent is, sexual health, contraception and healthy relationships.

Report+Support

If you have witnessed, been impacted by or experienced harassment, discrimination, abuse or violence, we are here to support you.

Report + Support is a tool for students and staff to access comprehensive wellbeing support and be advised of reporting process’, where appropriate. Sending a report does not constitute a formal report, instead, the wellbeing team will take time to speak with you and provide you with information that puts you in control of what happens next and supports you to make an informed decision.

You can also use Report + Support to make an anonymous report relating to an incident that you have experienced or witnessed. We can use this information to get a clearer picture of what is happening within our community, and ensure that training, support and safety resources are put in place for students and staff. We are constantly striving to be a safe and welcoming community where everyone feels able to speak up and make a difference.

Report + Support can be used to report any incidents relating to:

  • Bullying
  • Harassment
  • Discrimination
  • Hate incidents
  • Domestic abuse
  • Sexual violence

In an emergency - if you are in immediate danger or need to report a crime you should always call 999. If it is not an emergency, you can contact University Security on 01227 782111 or through the Safezone App.

Any case of alleged breaches of Expected Behaviours of Students and the Student Prevention of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy can also be formally referred by a staff member or student to the Directorate of Student Resolution and Student Protection using the Misconduct Incident Report Form

Find out more about Report+Support