Code of Conduct and Ethics

The ethical blueprint for students, staff, and organisers in all physical and digital EUNICE activities.

Any planned action, task, meeting, or event (hereinafter referred to as a “EUNICE activity”) plays a central role within EUNICE as part of its mission as a European University Alliance. These activities extend beyond traditional academic settings and take place in a wide range of contexts, including cultural initiatives, international mobility programmes, and collaborative learning and working environments (i.e. all interactions that are taking place in physical and digital environments).

Given the diversity of contexts and participants involved, EUNICE activities require a shared ethical framework to define the principles and standards expected of all individuals engaged in these activities. This framework should be grounded in a respectful, inclusive, accessible, and safe environment, in full alignment with the core values of EUNICE and the European Higher Education Area.

♦ EUNICE Guidelines complement, rather than replace, existing institutional regulations and Erasmus+ mobility frameworks (including ECHE commitments and the Erasmus Student Charter)

Core Ethical Principles

CELEBRATE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Diversity is a source of strength and innovation. Actively uphold inclusion and be attentive to differing communication styles.
Learn more about inclusion here.

PRIORITISE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING

Contribute to a respectful setting free from exclusion. Foster both physical and psychological safety in group environments.

DRIVE SUSTAINABILITY

Promote environmentally responsible practices, favour sustainable transport, and respect local ecosystems.

ACT WITH INTEGRITY

Use material, financial, and institutional resources transparently. Acknowledge and respect all intellectual contributions.

Navigating our shared European space

with integrity, respect,

and shared responsibility

Expected vs. Unacceptable Conduct

  • Communicate respectfully and engage constructively in discussions and teamwork.
  • Be inclusive, supportive, and respect diverse perspectives and experiences.
  • Follow safety and organisational instructions, respecting confidentiality when required.
  • Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
  • Sexual misconduct, along with physical, verbal, or digital/online harassment.
  • Personal attacks, intimidation, disruptive/obstructive behaviour, or abuse of power and authority.

Building intercultural bridges

Intercultural competence is both a learning outcome and an ethical responsibility.

  1. Openess and curiosity: Engaging constructively across cultural boundaries without judgment.
  2. Suspending assumptions: Actively avoiding stereotypes while respecting the cultural norms of host environments.
  3. Reflecting on bias: Critically examining your own cultural perspective and behaving in accordance with fundamental human rights.
We Share this Space. We Protect this Space.

The Safe Harbour

Participants are encouraged to report any concerns or incidents promptly through the organisers of the EUNICE activity, a representative from their home institution, and/or the respective project officers involved, if they are not the person reporting.

All reports will be:

  • Handled confidentially and fairly, with anonymous reporting available.
  • Assessed proportionally, with appropriate measures.
  • Protected from retaliation.
  • Followed by a prompt response.