Session 56: Increasing inclusivity in the student community through an initiative to increase awareness of microaggressions and harassment

Session overview: The importance of anti-harassment policies, their visibility and clarity, are well known for effective management of bullying and harassment within education, although most research has focused within school education. We evaluate an initiative to increase a culture of inclusivity within a department at a UK university that spanned three years and is still ongoing. In 2021 we began with a departmental consultation about responding to inappropriate behaviour and developed an infographic to increase awareness of microaggression and harassment reporting and support. This was followed by the development of an annual departmental student harassment survey in 2022, now in its fourth year and establishing a network of 12 staff within the department who were trained to listen and provide support for student inappropriate behaviour and harassment complaints. Following this, a set of procedures was developed, through collaboration with LJMU Student Governance to effectively manage reports of harassment. Using our student inclusivity and harassment survey, we reported a significant decrease in reported harassment over three years. Our approach highlights the effectiveness of increasing awareness and support at a local levels, to compliment university policies and procedures. Key learning points from this session: Learn about a successful initiative designed to increase inclusivity in the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences by promoting awareness of zero tolerance and harassment-reporting within the university and the establishment of supporting mechanisms within the School. Activities were co-created by staff and students and included an infographic poster, monitoring survey and network of trained staff. Increasing inclusivity in the student community through an initiative to increase awareness of microaggressions and harassment PowerPoint. Only LJMU staff and students have access to this resource. Co-authors, Inclusion Ambassador Network: Sarah Dalrymple, Simone Durr, Chrysanthi Fergani, Claudia Mettke-Hofmann, Tim Lane, Rodrigo de Marco, Julia Nowack, Penny Oakland, Fatima Perez de Heredia & Neil Simcock