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Code of Conduct Tilburg University

Everyone is responsible for acting with integrity. Together we (as an organization, staff, students, and guests) are responsible for the integrity of Tilburg University. The rules in this Code of Conduct will help you with your choices regarding behavior and contacts.

It is important that, within Tilburg University, there is a culture of helping each other and holding each other to account with regard to observing integrity norms and values. Tilburg University’s Code of Conduct applies the following seven themes to the actions of employees, students, and guests. Each theme has a number of rules and explains possible dilemmas.

On this site you will find the Code of Conduct in brief. The full text in the PDF is leading at all times.

Seven themes for good conduct and etiquette

Background of our Code of Conduct

Our values and principles are derived from our history and tradition. They help us face the challenges of our time. Our mission Understanding Society is based on the Christian and humanistic traditions in

which we are rooted. Our university has always been committed to the social embedding of our education and research, and our core values are a integrity, respect, expertise and involvement. Niet voor niets zijn onze kernwaarden:

Integrity

Our professional organization demands integrity. Integrity implies that staff and students are prepared and equipped to carry out their duties or studies adequately, carefully, and reliably, keeping in mind at all times the values and interests that are at stake. Integrity is conducive to openness, and implies considerate interaction between staff and students. It means that anyone who works at and for Tilburg University, studies, or obtains a PhD is reliable. You do not allow yourself to be guided by self-interest and self-gain.

Respect

We can function well only if we respect each other. We must therefore recognize the value of others (both within and outside the university community), respect their freedom, and refrain from causing them unnecessary harm. An example: the university demonstrates respect by involving staff and students in any decision-making processes that are relevant to them, taking into account cultural diversity, and thus promoting their independence and personal development. In social and professional interaction, we check if everyone speaks the same language. If not, the group switches to English, inclusion being the golden rule.

Expertise

Outstanding teaching and research place high demands on all staff members. These individuals combine expertise in their field of study with excellent didactic skills to contribute to the academic growth of students. Academic staff at Tilburg University challenge students to maximize their intellectual faculties. The university’s ambition to rank among the best research institutions in Europe requires us all - both academic and non-academic staff - to continually strive to further develop our professional expertise.

Involvement

of society by providing high-quality teaching and socially relevant academic research. Involvement with each other is expressed in mutual relations. Staff and students look after each other, are prepared to listen to each other, and feel jointly responsible for realizing the university’s objectives. We inspire each other and are prepared to call each other to account. By doing so, we increase the quality of work and study.

Those who work or study at Tilburg University:

  • Behave appropriately, and are conscientious and thrustworthy.
  • Show respect for others.
  • Use their expertise in their field or study to contribute to an inspiring working environment.
  • Are involved with both individuals and society.

These values and principles also put our employees, students and guests into practice in our own work and study environment, and form the basis for the 7 themes included in the Code of Conduct.

What if things go wrong?

Tilburg University attaches great importance to integrity and expects all employees and students (and other people involved) to deal responsibly with the ethical aspects. But what should you do if you suspect that something is not ethical, that something is happening that is not right or that you have a dilemma of your own?

  • The aim is that you enter into discussion and that we dare to call each other to account for our
    behavior. 
  • Do you want to talk to someone else? The roadmap indicates where you can go.