Section 1: Policy Statement
1.1. University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) is committed to treat everyone with respect, providing safe and secure learning and working environments for all students including children (under 18 years old), professors, staff, and visitors.
1.2. UM6P is committed to taking all possible measures to combat discriminatory behaviors, harassment, and sexism.
1.3. The present policy reflects the university’s dedication to promoting the well-being, safety, and protection of individuals, especially those who may be vulnerable (children) or at risk.
1.4. The present policy sets out UM6P’s proactive approach to provide a safe environment through continued good practice, transparent processes, and regular communication.
Section 2: Scope and Applicability
2.1. This policy, along with associated guidance and procedures, applies to staff and faculty, students, visitors and third parties, volunteers, participants in executive trainings, and the university community engaging in university activities, including interaction with students under the age of 18 years old, across all UM6P campuses and activities (on campus or off-campus), including online.
Section 3: Purpose
3.1. Prevent abuse, harassment, and discrimination through sensibilization and education; raise awareness about safeguarding expectations; and promote values of equity, inclusion, and tolerance among members of the UM6P community.
3.2. Ensure internal policies and procedures promote an environment free from harassment and discrimination, including by seeking to recognize, prevent and eliminate systemic and structural forms of harassment and discrimination.
3.3. Ensure that staff, students, supporting programs and activities working with children have defined responsibilities.
3.4. Ensure that Safeguarding Referents competent to carry out their safeguarding responsibilities are designated.
3.5. Ensure that processes are in place to address reports of abuse, harassment, and discrimination and to take appropriate measures.
Definitions
1. Student — Individuals enrolled or participating in an academic program within UM6P.
2. Staff and faculty — All employees (full and part time) of the university including but not limited to lecturers, heads of departments, and other staff involved directly or indirectly in research or related activities including technical, clerical, clinical and administrative staff.
3. Visitor and third parties — Individuals who are not part of the university's regular student or staff community but may enter the university premises for various purposes. Third parties may include external service providers, volunteers, researchers, or partners.
4. Volunteers — Associated persons volunteering to lead or support university-led activities for which they are not paid.
5. Child — Anyone under the age of 18 years old.
6. Safeguarding — Actions taken to promote the wellbeing of university adults and children, support needs and protect them from harm. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
7. Abuse — A violation of a person's human and civil rights by any other person that puts them at risk of harm and impacts their health and wellbeing. Abuse may occur face-to-face or via digital/online methods.
8. Harassment — Any vexatious behavior in the form of hostile or unwanted conduct, verbal comments, actions, or gestures that affect dignity or integrity and result in a harmful environment.
9. Discrimination — Unfair or prejudicial treatment of people and groups based on characteristics such as ethnic or national origin, civil status, pregnancy, social condition, gender, disability, language, age, religion, political or philosophical convictions, or other relevant characteristic.
10. Underrepresented groups — Communities or individuals who have limited representation and voice in society, including in education, politics, and other decision-making bodies.
Section 5: Prevention
5.1. At UM6P, the concept of Safe Space is part of its DNA and includes the ability to provide safe, secure, and non-discriminating learning and working environments for all students, professors, staff, and visitors.
5.2. UM6P supports the learning of inclusive social behaviors of diversity and tolerance, and affirms the right to learn and work in a positive environment free from harm and all forms of prejudice, harassment, discrimination, and bullying.
5.3. Victims may be taken into psychological care by psychologists of the Wellbeing Cell of UM6P.
5.4. The following measures are taken by UM6P to avoid incidents:
5.4.1. Regularly inform the community about this policy and related reporting processes.
5.4.2. Provide a platform (“Speak Up”) to share concerns and be accompanied.
5.4.3. Raise awareness through regular communication campaigns (“UM6P Engaged”).
5.4.4. Address safe internal communication with students at various levels.
5.4.5. Maintain equality in recruitment and promotion; decisions without discrimination.
5.4.6. Promote respect, tolerance, and inclusion; equal opportunity in employment (EEO).
5.4.7. Ensure managerial and academic decisions are free from discrimination.
5.4.8. If an incident involves a child, contact their legal guardian for support.
5.4.9. Anyone who believes a child has been or is likely to be abused/harassed may report the matter (see safeguarding incident report procedures).
5.4.10. University activities involving children must ensure another adult is always present when working with or near children.
Section 6: Roles and Responsibilities
6.1. UM6P has appointed a Safeguarding Lead responsible for safeguarding arrangements and maintaining confidential records of relevant cases and action taken.
6.2. Dedicated designated Safeguarding Referents act as the main contact within the university for safeguarding concerns and incidents.
6.3. A Safeguarding Communication Lead promotes this policy so that students, professors, staff, and visitors are provided with sufficient information before commencing any program, event, visit or other activity.
6.4. The Safeguarding Committee oversees prevention initiatives and the independent and impartial oversight and resolution of reports filed under this policy.
6.5. The ombudsperson issues recommendations to improve safeguarding practices and may be contacted after internal remedies have been exhausted.
6.6. Each member of the UM6P community shares responsibility for respecting dignity and safe-fair treatment and for promoting an environment free from abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
6.7. University staff and students who interact with children are responsible for supervision, including:
6.7.1. Engage in appropriate conduct when working with children.
6.7.2. Remove a child from a dangerous or ambiguous situation immediately.
6.7.3. Report inappropriate conduct to the responsible official who approved the activity/program.
Section 7: Incident Reporting Process
7.1. To report any incident please see the safeguarding incident report procedures.
Section 8: Review and Monitoring Statement
8.1. This policy document is reviewed once every four (4) years, or more frequently when requested by the president or subsequent to published changes to governing regulations or accreditation requirements.