Our support during times of conflict and humanitarian crisis

This page provides core information about the University’s response and support to crises and conflicts, as well as advice and support for impacted staff and students.

This page may be supplemented with dedicated information for staff and students regarding a crisis or incident when it directly impacts our community.

Last updated: 4 Mar 2024

Introduction

At times of international crisis which may impact our staff and students, the University’s first priority is the welfare and safety of our community. As a University, we work together with the colleges to ensure all members of our community are supported in their work and their wellbeing, and we are committed to providing support for members of our community impacted by global crises.

The University’s public response during conflict and crisis

Conflicts and humanitarian crises are a tragic feature of our world. Many crisis situations are long-standing, while new crises may occur rapidly as a result of conflict, violence or natural disaster. It is not uncommon for the University, as an institution, to be asked to comment on many of these tragic situations across the world.

It is not possible, or appropriate, for the University at an institutional level to comment on each of these crises. Statements by the University regarding a global crisis or conflict will be issued within the context of our institutional teaching and research mission, alongside prioritising the safety and wellbeing of staff and students. Information on the law (updated in October 2022) governing charities making political and campaigning statements can be found on the government’s website.

Freedom of speech and right to protest

We are aware that members of our community may hold different and sometimes conflicting views in relation to conflicts and crisis situations. We support the right to freedom of expression for all members of our community, within the boundaries of the law. We strongly encourage all members of our community to treat one another with courtesy and respect and consider the impact that their choice of language and actions can have on others, whether unintended or not.

During a global crisis, within Oxford city, the University and our colleges, there may be vigils and protests expressing solidarity, where supporters voice their opinions, and express their strength of feelings. The University is committed to supporting free speech, and the right of its members to hold and attend vigils and protests, within the law.

Our position on freedom of speech and our guidance for events can be found on the Compliance team’s webpages.

Support for students

Welfare support

There are a number of welfare services available to provide support to you at this time, confidentially and free of charge. Your college welfare team may also offer additional services and we would urge you to contact them in the first instance. You can also approach your college tutor in the first instance for pastoral guidance and, if necessary, the senior tutor of your college.

If you feel anxious or in distress and want to speak to someone

Nightline is an independent listening, support and information service run for and by students, offering instant messaging, Skype and telephone support.
Samaritans is an independent listening service – always available 24/7 by telephone or online chat.

If you want to speak to a mental health professional now

NHS Mental Health Helpline is open 24/7 for people who need mental health care when their situation is not life threatening.
Togetherall is an NHS-approved service providing mental health support 24/7 to students, wherever you are in the world. Register free with your Oxford email to talk online to a mental health professional using the 'message a wall guide' feature or connect with other students through online forums.
Oxford Safe Haven offers short-term support out-of-hours for people in Oxfordshire who are experiencing a mental health crisis including suicidal thoughts, via telephone and face-to-face support.

University Counselling Service

The University’s Counselling Service aims to see students as soon as possible but cannot provide instant access to a mental health professional. To make an appointment, please contact [email protected].

Other forms of support

The Oxford SU Student Advice service is available to all students.

We hope you can find a service that feels right for you should you need support during a crisis. Please speak to your college or department for any further assistance.

There are also a large number of national student societies registered with the University. At times of crisis and conflict, they sometimes provide informal advice and organise solidarity events and activities.

Reporting harassment, discrimination and hate crimes

If any member of our community experiences harassment, we encourage them to report it via the appropriate channels and seek support. This may include:

Reporting hate crimes, and other threats, to the police

Reporting harassment via internal channels (see the University’s harassment policy for guidance on appropriate options, as well as the student guidance on harassment)

Additional support on reporting antisemitism

The Community Security Trust (CST) has published a number of resources on their social media feeds, including guidance on how to communicate about Israel in a non-antisemitic way. CST also has a national emergency number which should be used to report antisemitic attacks, alongside contacting the police via 999: 0800 032 3263.

Additional support on reporting Islamophobia

Tell MAMA is a confidential support service for those suffering from anti-Muslim hate and discrimination across the UK. Alongside contacting the police via 999, their website features a number of different ways to report anti-Muslim incidents, including via phone (0800 456 1223) or WhatsApp (0734 184 6086).

Travel and student visas

If you are planning any travel to a region affected by a crisis, you must keep up to date with government travel advice. You must also speak to your supervisor and must complete a risk assessment before travelling. This is particularly important during any crisis.

For queries about your UK student visa, contact [email protected].

Academic impacts – undergraduate, postgraduate and international students

We are aware that some students affected by a global crisis or conflict may face difficulties relating to their academic degree courses, which may necessitate submitting a mitigating circumstances notice to examiners (MCE), or applying for an extension, for example. We also recognise that suspending status may pose particular challenges for some students given its implications for the right to remain in the UK. In the first instance, we encourage affected students to approach their college tutors, relevant course directors and, if necessary, college senior tutors to seek guidance. Please go to the problems completing your assessment page on the Oxford Students website for further information. If additional clarity is required, the University’s Student Welfare and Support Services may be able to offer advice on individual cases.

If you are in a region impacted by a crisis and you are unable to access online teaching or resources, you should speak to your department about how they might support your learning.

If you are a postgraduate research student and are concerned about the impact on your research, you should speak to your supervisor or contact the Researcher Hub.

Financial assistance

We recognise that some students may face unforeseen financial circumstances as a result of a crisis. Some colleges and departments may have financial assistance funds. College tutors and senior tutors will be able to advise on these. In addition, the Oxford Assistance Fund (OAF) aims to assist students who are experiencing financial difficulties during their course. Applications are assessed by the University Financial Assistance Committee at its termly meeting with non-repayable grants and/or loans of up to £8,000 available, according to individual circumstances. The OAF is administered by the Student Fees and Funding team and will be able to respond to advise on individual cases. Students should obtain a link to the OAF scheme application form and accompanying guidance from their College Financial Assistance Officer.

Support for staff

Getting support

Please speak to your line manager or a colleague to ask for support.

There are a number of welfare services available to provide support to you during any crisis, confidentially and free of charge. The Looking after you webpage summarises these, and there are further details of a few resources below. To learn more about what is on offer, you can also email [email protected].

University welfare support

The University’s Counselling Service has prepared guidance for staff on coping with a traumatic event.
The University’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a confidential employee benefit designed to help you deal with your personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life or work life, health and general wellbeing.
Other information that you may find helpful can be found on the Mental health crisis webpage.

Dealing with and reporting harassment, discrimination and hate crimes

If any member of our community experiences harassment, we encourage them to report it via the appropriate channels and seek support. This may include:

Reporting hate crimes, and other threats, to the police

For reporting via internal channels please see the University’s harassment policy for guidance as well as the Report + Support webpage.

Additional support on reporting antisemitism

Additional support on reporting Islamophobia

If you feel anxious or in distress and want to speak to someone outside the University

All UK-based employees affected by events can contact the University’s Employee Assistance Programme. The service offers a confidential helpline available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide emotional support and practical guidance.
Samaritans is an independent listening service – always available 24/7 by telephone or online chat.
The NHS Mental Health Helpline is open 24/7 for people who need mental health care when their situation is not life-threatening.
Oxfordshire Safe Haven offers short-term support out of hours for people in Oxfordshire who are experiencing a mental health crisis including suicidal thoughts, via telephone and face-to-face support.

If you are outside the UK

Togetherall is an NHS-approved service providing mental health support 24/7 to staff and students, wherever you are in the world. Register free with your Oxford email to talk online to a mental health professional using the ‘message a Wall Guide’ feature, or connect with other staff and students through online forums.

Financial Assistance

The University has a financial support fund to help staff who may need financial assistance.

Travel advice

If you are planning any travel to a region affected by a crisis, you must keep up to date with government travel advice. You must also speak to your line manager and must complete a risk assessment before travelling.

Information regarding your research

If you are concerned about the impact of the conflict on your research, you should talk to your supervisor/line manager, or book a conversation with the Researcher Hub by emailing [email protected].

You should also inform the project officer of your research funder of any delays to your project and seek a no-cost extension if necessary.

Our ongoing support – Sanctuary and Scholarship support

University of Sanctuary

The collegiate University has a long history of supporting people who have been forcibly displaced around the world, including welcoming refugee academics during the Second World War. In May 2023 Oxford received University of Sanctuary status in recognition of this continued commitment.

As a University of Sanctuary Oxford is committed to being a place of welcome for people who have been forcibly displaced around the world, and supports students and academics who have been forced to flee conflict or persecution. It does so through the Oxford Sanctuary Community, which provides dedicated support to anyone within our community with lived experience of displacement. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Refugee Academic Futures Scholarships

The Refugee Academic Futures programme aims to address the significant barriers that students with lived experience of displacement can face in realising their right to education and unlocking their full potential. It provides full scholarships to students who receive an offer to study a postgraduate degree at Oxford, covering both their course fees and living costs.

Recipients of the scholarship are also offered an enhanced programme of pre-arrival and on-course support to ensure they settle and thrive at the University. This support is delivered as part of a programme of care for all students and staff who have experiences of displacement and includes professional development opportunities, invitations to regular cultural and social events, and pastoral support from a Sanctuary Community Coordinator.

Support for CARA (the Council for At-Risk Academics)

Oxford is a keen supporter of CARA, which provides urgently needed help to academics in immediate danger, those forced into exile and many who choose to work on in their home countries despite serious risks.

Alongside providing financial support, Oxford is a member of CARA’s UK Universities and Research Network which aims to brings together UK higher educations and research institutions ‘in support of persecuted and at-risk academics, and in the defence and promotion of academic and university freedoms worldwide’.

The University recently renewed its commitment to CARA Fellowships for academics at risk, and welcomes applications from academics at risk.

Wider concerns: research and investment policies

Staff and students may hold concerns regarding the Univeristy’s policies on donations, research and investments. Information regarding the University’s governance and key policies can be found below:

The Trustees of the Oxford Endowment Fund have set the following restrictions for the fund:

direct investment in companies which manufacture arms that are illegal under the Munitions (Prohibitions) Act 2010 or the Landmines Act 1998
direct investments in tobacco companies (as defined by UK Cancer Research)
direct investment in any fossil fuel exploration and extraction companies, including: coal, oil and gas exploration and extraction; in addition to a ban on thermal coal and oil sands
investment funds which invest primarily in the above-listed categories of companies.

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