Support for staff and students during conflict and humanitarian disasters

As a global university in a globalised world, many in our community will be affected by world events, whether they have direct links to the regions involved or not. 

We are a University of Sanctuary and seek to offer a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for scholars and students displaced by humanitarian crises. 

We’ve created this guide to help individuals who need help, advice, or support in crisis situations, as well as for those who want to help others in these situations.

Support for current staff and students

If you are a student, you can:

• Contact our Student Support Team or your adviser of studies in the first instance.
• Contact Counselling.
• Visit our Chaplaincy. This is a safe space for people of any faith and none. We have honorary chaplains representing many faiths.
• Contact DUSA (Dundee University Students’ Association) for further advice and support, including from our Student Societies, who can help connect you with a support network.
• Students finding themselves in financial difficulties due to conflict or humanitarian crisis can contact our Student Funding team.
• If conflict or humanitarian crisis is affecting your ability to study, you can learn more about mitigating circumstances.

If you are a member of staff, you can:

• Discuss your concerns with your line manager, who should be able to help you seek further support.
• Contact Counselling.
• Contact the appropriate colleagues in our People Directorate
• Visit our Chaplaincy. This is a safe space for people of any faith and none. We have honorary chaplains representing many faiths.

How to help during a crisis

• Consider donating to a charity operating in the region, for example Medicins Sans Frontieres, the Red Cross, or Disasters Emergency Committee.
• Contact your MP or MSP or sign relevant petitions to let governments know about issues you feel need their attention.

Reporting harassment and discrimination

The University does not tolerate any form of harassment, discrimination or victimisation. There is no place for racism, sexism, ableism, or hate towards any faith, gender identity, or sexual orientation whatsoever. If anyone in our community experiences harassment – and whether it’s directed at you or you’re a witness – you can report the incident and seek support by:

• Raising a cause for concern as part of the University’s safeguarding protocol.
• Raise the issue as part of the University’s Dignity at Work and Study Policy.

Our research

• Many of our researchers are working in areas related to humanitarian crises, including disaster victim identification, conflict, and natural disasters. Our research database has more information on the work they’re doing in these fields.