- Our commitment to a respectful community
- Report discrimination, hate incidents or safeguarding concerns
- Wellbeing and mental health support
- Support with your studies
- Support for postgraduate research students
- Immigration advice
- Financial support
- Accommodation support
- Travel advice
- Support if you are worried about family and friends
Our commitment to a respectful community
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where students and staff are treated with dignity and respect.
We recognise that events in the Middle East continue to cause anxiety, concern and distress across our community, particularly for those with family and friends in the region.
We welcome lawful discussion and debate on difficult topics and encourage conversations that are conducted respectfully and with regard for human rights, equality, freedom of speech and education.
The University takes a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment and bullying. All students, staff, contractors and visitors are expected to treat one another with dignity and respect.
Find out more about:
Report discrimination, hate incidents or safeguarding concerns
Third-party hate crime reporting centres
The University has four Third-Party Hate Crime Reporting Centres that can help you report incidents, access confidential advice and support, and provide an alternative route if you do not wish to report directly to the police.
You can remain anonymous and do not have to speak to the police if you do not wish to.
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Service |
Contact |
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Dean of Students Office |
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Security Team |
The reporting centres work in partnership with Hertfordshire Constabulary Hate Crime Officers to provide a coordinated response.
Speak Up
If you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed bullying, harassment, discrimination, gender-based violence, hate incidents, micro-aggressions or has a safeguarding concern, you can make a report through Speak Up.
Speak Up is available to all members of the University community and can be used by both those directly affected and witnesses.
Reporting antisemitism
The Community Security Trust (CST) provides support and guidance relating to antisemitism, including information on reporting incidents.
To report antisemitic incidents, contact the Community Security Trust. CST also operates a national emergency number: 0800 032 3263.
The Union of Jewish Students also provides welfare support for students.
Reporting Islamophobia
Tell MAMA is a confidential support service for people experiencing anti-Muslim hate and discrimination in the UK.
Additional information and resources are available from the Muslim Council of Britain.
Emergency situations
Call 999 if a crime is in progress or if someone is in immediate danger.
Students and staff should also be aware that UK legislation relating to terrorism applies to everyone. Information on proscribed organisations is available through GOV.UK's list of proscribed terrorist groups and organisations.
Wellbeing and mental health support
If you are struggling with your wellbeing, support is available.
Student Wellbeing
Priority counselling appointments are available through Student Wellbeing.
- Email: studentwellbeing@herts.ac.uk
- Telephone: 01707 284453 (ext. 4453)
24/7 wellbeing helpline
Students can access a free confidential wellbeing helpline through PAM Wellness.
- Telephone: 0808 196 3533
Further support is available through the Champion Health app from Pam Wellness.
Workshops and self-help support
Student Wellbeing offers workshops covering:
- managing anxiety and panic
- coping strategies
- confidence building
- emotional resilience
View upcoming sessions on the Student events calendar.
Additional support
You can also:
- speak to the Chaplaincy Team
- contact the Students’ Union Academic and Welfare Advisers
- seek advice from the Dean of Students’ Safeguarding Team
- contact the Residence Life and Safeguarding Team if you live on campus
- contact the Community and Safeguarding Team if you live off campus
Support with your studies
If the conflict has affected your ability to engage with your studies, support is available.
Coursework, exams and assessments
Speak to your module leader, personal tutor or programme team if events have disrupted your studies.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for:
Your academic support team can help you decide which option is most appropriate.
Complaints and academic concerns
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your University experience, you should raise concerns as early as possible.
Guidance is available through:
Support for postgraduate research students
If you are a postgraduate research student and are concerned about the impact of the conflict on your research, support is available through the Doctoral College.
You may wish to speak with:
- your supervision team
- your Research Tutor
- the Director of the Doctoral College
- Associate Directors
- the Doctoral College central team
Further information is available through the Doctoral College.
Immigration advice
The Student Immigration Team (Advice) supports international students with:
- immigration matters
- employment questions
- financial concerns
- personal issues affecting study
Contact the Student Immigration Team and speak to an adviser.
Financial support
Students affected financially by events in the Middle East may be able to access support.
Home students
Contact the Student Funding and Financial Support Team.
Drop-in appointments are available Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 16.00, both in person and via Microsoft Teams.
International students
Contact the Student Immigration Team (Advice) for support and guidance.
Accommodation support
University accommodation may be available if you require a place to stay during term time or vacation periods.
Travel advice
Before travelling to the region, check the latest government advice.
- View Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice to Israel
- Sign up for Foreign Office travel advice updates
- Search foreign travel advice by country
You should also discuss any planned travel with your supervisor, programme leader or personal tutor and complete any required risk assessments.
Support if you are worried about family and friends
If you are concerned about family or friends in the region, the following organisations may be able to provide information and support:
- British Embassy in Israel
- British Embassy in the United Arab Emirates
- UK Government list of British embassies, high commissions and consulates
- Palestine Mission to the UK
- Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
If you are finding events difficult to cope with, please contact Student Wellbeing or access the 24/7 wellbeing helpline. Support is available whenever you need it.