Plenipotentiaries for Equality
Plenipotentiaries for Equality are the first point of contact for employees and students of the Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, in situations requiring support, advice, or clarification concerning principles and procedures aimed at preventing unequal treatment, discrimination (including harassment and sexual harassment), mobbing, and other undesirable behaviors. They also support the implementation of good practices in this area, in accordance with Ordinance No. 21 of the Rector of the University of Warsaw of 28 February 2024 on the policy of counteracting unequal treatment, discrimination, mobbing, and other undesirable behaviors at the University of Warsaw. Plenipotentiaries for Equality work in cooperation with the Team of Coordinators and the Academic Ombudsman. Contact to the Dean’s Plenipotentiaries for Equality.
Ordinance No. 21 of the Rector of the University of Warsaw of 28 February 2024 defines the rules for counteracting unequal treatment, discrimination (including harassment and sexual harassment), mobbing, and other undesirable behaviors, as well as the procedure for handling reports in these areas at the University. According to the ordinance, anyone directly affected by such behavior may report the matter to a neutral Coordinator for Counteracting Unequal Treatment, Discrimination, Mobbing, and Other Undesirable Behaviors. Reports may be submitted in paper or electronic form, including through a dedicated online form.
“Rownowazni” – the Equality Platform at UW. Part of a nationwide initiative to combat menstrual exclusion and taboos, the Pink Box campaign involves placing boxes with hygiene products (tampons, pads) in women’s restrooms. These boxes are marked with a distinctive pink sticker. At the Faculty of Biology, the Pink Box is located in restroom 11A on the ground floor near the elevators.
Educational Activities
Gender Equality Plan for UW (2020–2023) – An equality strategy based on community needs research, expert consultations, and best practices from European universities. The 2023 report (in Polish) is available at: https://rownowazni.uw.edu.pl/sprawozdanie-z-realizacji-planu-rownosci-plci-za-2023-r/
Counteracting Sexual Harassment at the University – UW Guide – A publication (in Polish) outlining rules, procedures, and recommendations for addressing and preventing sexual harassment. More information: https://www.uw.edu.pl/przeciwdzialanie-molestowaniu-seksualnemu-na-uczelni-informator-uniwersytetu-warszawskiego/
Anti-Discrimination Handbook for Employees and Students at UW – A guide (in Polish) to help identify and counteract discrimination and unequal treatment.
“We Are All Equal” Social Campaig – A campaign promoting diversity and inclusion at UW, featuring educational videos and posters.
Inclusive Language Recommendations at UW – A guide (in Polish) developed by university linguists on how to use non-discriminatory language.
Equality Course (Anti-Discrimination at UW) – An e-learning course available in Polish and English for students and staff (via Kampus platform). More info: https://rownowazni.uw.edu.pl/en/equality-actions/education-and-training/. Professional development trainings are regularly organized by the UW Human Resources Office. Announcements sent via internal mailing lists.
Conference Recording: “Counteracting Sexual Harassment in Academia – Towards Standards and Procedures” Organized by the University of Warsaw and the Ombudsman. Available on UW’s YouTube channel.
Three Guides on Trans* Inclusion at Universities – A joint publication by the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, and Adam Mickiewicz University. Directed at university administration, trans* students, and institutions. Available at: https://queer.uw.edu.pl
“Parents at University” Report (in Polish) – A participatory budgeting project at UW documenting challenges faced by university community members with children.
Support Resources
Team of Coordinators for Counteracting Unequal Treatment, Discrimination, Mobbing, and Other Undesirable Behaviors.
Any person who has experienced undesirable behavior may report the incident to the Coordinator. A neutral person investigates the case, talks to the reporting party, and initiates further actions.
Reports may be submitted on paper, by email, or via an online form.
Academic Ombudsperson
Ombudsperson is a neutral person to whom one can turn informally and confidentially for support in matters concerning the university and its community (e.g. conflict or undesirable behavior). The current Academic Ombudsperson is Magdalena Miksa. Anyone who contacts the Ombudsperson can count on support, assistance in identifying the problem, and help in finding a solution to improve the situation. All conversations are conducted in strict confidentiality.
Contact: http://ombudsman.uw.edu.pl/kontakt
As Plenipotentiaries for Equality, we are happy to connect those in need of support with the Academic Ombudsperson and assist throughout the process of resolving the reported matter.
Equality Team
Equality Team develops and implements equality and anti-discrimination policies, conducts research and education, coordinates faculty plenipotentiaries for equality, and promotes awareness through campaigns and trainings.
Anna Grędzińska
Senior Equality Specialist,
Anti-Discrimination Coordinator
am.gredzinska@uw.edu.pl
(+48) 22 552 71 85
Dr habil. Julia Kubisa, university professor
Senior Equality Research and Education Specialist,
Rector’s Representative for Anti-Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy (2020–2024)
rownouprawnienie@uw.edu.pl
(+48) 22 552 71 85
Zuzanna Kaszuba
Equality Training Specialist
zuzanna.kaszuba@adm.uw.edu.pl
Anti-Discrimination Procedure – A formal complaints process for cases of discrimination and sexual harassment. It outlines the rules for counteracting discrimination, including sexual harassment, at the University of Warsaw. It also defines the procedures to be followed when incidents of discrimination occur. The purpose of the procedure is to support actions opposing discrimination, to protect members of the UW community from its manifestations, and to provide support to individuals who have experienced discrimination.
Committee for Counteracting Mobbing at UW – A body to which mobbing cases should be reported.
The Psychological and Counselling Services Centre (CPP UW) – An initiative of the University of Warsaw for students and staff, offering free, short-term support (including crisis intervention) for individuals experiencing psychological distress and in need of assistance. Specialists at the UW Psychological Support Center (CPP UW) will help diagnose difficulties and guide individuals toward appropriate support.
Students can visit the Reporting and Coordination Point (CPP UW) from Monday to Thursday between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM without prior appointment. The CPP is located on the Ochota Campus, in the former Faculty of Physics building (7 Pasteura Street, 02-093 Warsaw; entrance from Banacha Street).
The Psychological and Counselling Services Centre also cooperates with the UW Office for Persons with Disabilities.