KU Leuven records nearly 300 reports of misconduct in first 10 months of 2024
KU Leuven has registered 288 reports of misconduct in the first 10 months of this year, the university announced on Monday. This suggests that the total number of reports for 2024 will align with last year’s figures.
Since 2023, all advisors who handle misconduct reports have been working together within a centralised trust unit. They have also been operating under shared professional confidentiality. Previously, the lack of shared confidentiality sometimes led to duplicate reporting. Reports are now registered through a single centralised tool.
As of 1 November, the university had recorded 288 reports this year, with 113 originating from students. In comparison, 2023 saw 320 reports, including 142 from students. KU Leuven, which has 14,000 staff members and 65,000 students, expects the total number for 2024 to be in line with last year’s figures. A final report will be prepared early next year.
Greater awareness
In 2017, the university recorded only 134 reports, but this number has steadily risen, reaching 397 in 2022 - although this figure may include duplicates. The university attributes the increase to greater societal openness about the issue and better awareness of internal reporting channels.
“Verbal aggression, intimidation and discrimination are the most frequent reports among staff,” said HR director Deb Vansteenwegen.
“For students, the issues often involve relationship problems among peers or challenges with academic guidance. The more colleagues and students find their way to the trust unit, the better,” she said. “It shows that our approach is effective and that these issues are becoming easier to discuss.”
#FlandersNewsService | Students in the library at KU Leuven © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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