Representation and protection

Students who need to report any kind of issue—such as abuse, malfunctions, shortcomings, delays, violations of the law or of principles of good administration, or non-compliance with the values and rules outlined in the University’s Code of Ethics—may contact institutional representatives responsible for protection and representation.

• Student representatives: they are elected to the central bodies of the University (Academic Senate, Board of Administrators and Evaluation Committee) as well as to the Florence Student Council. They are also present on the councils of Schools, Departments and Degree Programmes. They are the figures who, above all others, can listen and take initial action.

• The Ombudsman: this is the point of contact for cases where violations of the fundamental rights and freedoms promoted by the University Statute or the provisions of the Charter of Student Rights and Duties are believed to have occurred. The Ombudsman also takes action in cases of violations of the Code of Conduct for the protection of personal freedom and dignity.

• The CUG (Comitato Unico di Garanzia, or Guarantee Committee for Equal Opportunities): promotes equal opportunities and the well-being of those who study and work at the University. It is a collegial body composed of university staff and may involve students on issues that directly concern them.

• Confidential Counselor: this figure, acting independently and impartially, is responsible for ensuring that anyone who requests it is listened to; providing advice and assistance to those who consider themselves victims of “harassing” behaviour, guaranteeing their anonymity; ascertaining the existence of the behaviour that is the subject of the report or complaint.

• Charter of rights and duties of students (Carta dei diritti e dei doveri degli studenti delle studentesse)
• Code of conduct (Codice di comportamento)
• Code of conduct for the protection of personal freedom and dignity in the workplace (Codice di comportamento per la protezione della libertà e della dignità della persona nell’ambiente di lavoro)
• Disciplinary regulations for students (Regolamento disciplinare per gli studenti)
• Regulations for the internal functioning of the Single Guarantee Committee for equal opportunities, the promotion of employee wellbeing and anti-discrimination (Regolamento per il funzionamento interno del Comitato Unico di Garanzia per le pari opportunità, la valorizzazione del benessere di chi lavora e contro le discriminazioni)