Fostering a safe and respectful campus: Supporting first-year students through dignity and respect initiatives

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56433/vpxvyy03

Keywords:

Orientation, Bullying, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Student Leaders

Abstract

This vignette discusses the establishment and impact of the Dignity and Respect Support Service (DRSS) at University College Dublin (UCD), created in response to a national commitment to foster safe and respectful campus cultures. Launched in November 2021, the DRSS aims to support first-year students through dignity and respect initiatives during orientation, a crucial period for establishing a sense of belonging. By September 2022, the DRSS began its engagement with UCD's orientation program, enabling the promotion of awareness regarding resources and support for students facing issues such as bullying and sexual misconduct.

Recognizing the pivotal role of student leaders in shaping the campus environment, the DRSS developed a workshop series to equip these leaders with the skills and knowledge to address inappropriate behaviors effectively. The workshops inform participants about relevant policies, define key terms related to misconduct, and discuss case studies grounded in real-life experiences that enhance relatability and understanding.

The initiative's rationale is built on the understanding that the initial weeks at university are marked by heightened vulnerability to unwanted behaviors, thus emphasizing the need for informed peer support systems. By training student leaders to embody the values of dignity and respect, the DRSS not only aims to empower these individuals as role models but also to cultivate a campus culture where respectful interactions become the norm. This vignette considers the program's design and effectiveness, highlighting its importance in creating an inclusive and safe environment for all students at UCD.

Author Biographies

  • Kate Bruton, University College Dublin

    Kate Bruton serves as a Dignity and Respect Support Adviser at University College Dublin. She is committed to helping members of the university community who have experienced bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct. Her research interests include gender studies, with a particular focus on supporting individuals who disclose incidents of sexual misconduct.

  • Catherine Tormey, University College Dublin

    Catherine Tormey is the Dignity and Respect Response Manager at University College Dublin and oversees the UCD Dignity and Respect Support Service. She is dedicated to fostering a culture of dignity and respect in higher education, ensuring that every individual's contributions are valued and that all community members feel a sense of belonging.

References

Department of Education and Skills. (2019). Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive: Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions. Government of Ireland. https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/framework-for-consent-in-higher-education-institutions-safe-respectful-supportive-and-positive-ending-sexual-violence-and-harassment-in-irish-higher-education-institutions/

Humphreys, C. J., & Towl, G. J. (2020). Addressing student sexual violence in higher education: A good practice guide (First;1; ed.). Emerald Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1108/9781838671389

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG). (2020). Sexual Experiences Survey: Sexual Violence and Harassment Experiences in a National Survey of Higher Education Institutions. https://www.consenthub.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Sexual-Experiences-Survey-2020.pdf

UCD (2023). UCD Dignity and Respect Annual Report 2022/23. https://www.ucd.ie/dignityandrespect/t4media/UCD%20Dignity%20and%20Respect%20Annual%20Report%202022-23%20V2.pdf

UCD (2025). UCD by Numbers. https://www.ucd.ie/about-ucd/about/ucdbynumbers/

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Published

2026-06-09

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (part 3) (2026): EFYE Special Issue

Section

Vignette

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Kate Bruton, Catherine Tormey

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