Arjen Berkvens is an independent coordinating confidential adviser at the University of Amsterdam. In this position, Arjen contributes to the further expansion and professionalization of the work of confidential advisers. He organises peer review meetings, maintains contacts with relevant people and institutions within and outside the UvA, provides information, gives workshops on social safety and identifies alleged abuses. Arjen can also be approached as a regular confidential adviser for employees and students.

'I am very motivated to do this work. It is very important that an organisation such as a university has a safe working environment. Undesirable behaviour leads to great damage to staff, students and to the organisation as a whole. If someone experiences something unpleasant, they should be able to report it in confidence. My role is to help people find a good solution and I can also refer them to other care providers.'

Arjen can be reached on a.berkvens@uva.nl.

Sanne Lagziel-de Munck has a Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Antropology and Development Sociology from the UvA and a Master’s degree in African Studies from the University of Copenhagen. Since 2018 she has been working at the Faculty of Economics and Business. She started at the Education Desk and now works as a study adviser.

I enjoy offering a sympathetic ear to the people around me and I’m also here for you. Sometimes it can already make such a difference if there is a safe space where you can share your experiences with unwanted behaviour. I’m here to hold that space and listen to you. If you want, we can look into the different ways to address unwanted behaviour and I can help you decide which one suits you best. All in your pace.

The university should be a safe working and studying environment that people enjoy being part of. The moment someone crosses your boundaries, I find it very important you feel you have someone like a confidential adviser to talk to. So I encourage you to reach out and we’ll take it from there.

Contact

Sanne can be reached at r.w.demunck@uva.nl and 020 525 4403.

Karin Venetis studies Psychology in Groningen, after which she got a PhD in Marketing from the Economics faculty of the University of Maastricht. After that she combined her academic career with marketing advice. At the UvA's faculty of Economics & Business she lectures in Marketing and is responsible for the Executive Business Administration programme. She is also responsible for teacher professionalisation within the newly launched Teaching & Learning centre for the faculty and has served as quality controller and intermediary between Business Administration Master's thesis students and their (external) supervisors for many years.

As a confidential adviser Karin want to help colleagues deal with the authority and status structures within the university, which can be pretty vague. She also hopes to assist them in navigating  the many different forums and bodies that can play a role in the kind of sensitive issues people contact a confidential adviser about. The complexity of a university can make it more difficult to grasp and deal with the hierachical structures but also offers additional sources of asssitance many do not know about.

Contact

Email: vertrouwenspersoon-eb@uva.nl
T: +31(0) 20 525 6078

'Within the research school ASCA I have been active as a point of contact for PhD candidates for a long time. Because of this, I am familiar with the delicate situation that springs from the power imbalance and dependency with which many of the university’s staff members and students are dealing. I will gladly help think of ways to deal with eventual conflicts and will hopefully be able to contribute to balancing relations.  

In addition, as confidential advisers, we will inform management and the representative advisory bodies about what is going awry in the workplace. Therefore, I would like to encourage anyone who encounters undesirable behaviour to report it. It is important that these things come to the surface so that management can repair and enhance trust by reacting adequately and transparently."

Eloe Kingma has been the managing director of the Amsterdam School for Cultural Analysis since 1994.

Contact

As a young female academic from the Global South, I am aware of the continued necessity for a healthy, safe, and enriching study and work environment. My main motivation is to take on an active role in contributing to this end, in a caring, empowering way. I’m particularly attentive to how international students and staff might face extra challenges when they encounter undesirable behaviour. Mostly they don’t have the social support networks of friends and family, and not speaking the local language may complicate the processes to seek help beyond the university. It’s my aim to support students and colleagues to my best ability. Students and colleagues that have experienced undesirable behaviour can reach me via a.ozgen-havekotte@uva.nl. I speak English, Dutch, and Turkish.

I work as an assistant professor in the Theatre Studies programme (Faculty of Humanities) and have been working at the UvA for many years. In addition to teaching and conducting research, I always try to support students and colleagues as much as possible in my work. The university is a wonderful place to work and study, but power imbalances can sometimes also lead to undesirable behaviour, such as bullying, exclusion, intimidation, aggression, and discrimination. This can be between employees, but also between lecturers and students, or between students themselves. It is important to report these kinds of things. Everyone has the right to a safe workplace and a safe learning environment.

If, as a student or staff member, you experience undesirable behaviour, don't keep walking around with it. As a confidential advisor, I am there to offer a listening ear and to think along with you. There is no further obligation. The information you share with a confidential advisor is confidential.

You can make an appointment with me via c.dieleman@uva.nl

'My name is Charlotte Jalvingh and I have been working as a senior policy officer at the Faculty of Humanities, Research department, since 2020. I am involved in various topics in the field of talent management, recruitment and selection, and diversity and inclusion. Through these topics, I try to contribute to an inclusive work and study environment. Social safety is of course crucial here and the confidential advisors play a major role in creating and maintaining a safe and pleasant environment for all employees and students. This is also my motivation to take on the role of confidential advisor.

Have you experienced something, or do you see someone else experiencing something, that relates to undesirable behavior? Then I’d like to invite you to share your story with me and I can advise you on possible further steps - if that is the route you would like to take. You always remain in control: I do not do anything without your permission. I am there for all students and colleagues, both OBP and academic. You can reach me by email: my working days are usually Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.'

Charlotte can be reached via c.h.jalvingh@uva.nl.

I am Beyza Sümer, and I am an assistant professor in (Sign Language) Linguistics at the University of Amsterdam. As someone with an international and multicultural background, I understand that seeking help can sometimes be challenging, especially for international people due to language barriers or differences in cultural norms and values. My aim is to contribute to creating a safe and accessible space where individuals feel comfortable sharing their concerns without pressure. In my research and teaching activities, I strive to contribute to an inclusive and respectful academic environment where everyone feels safe and valued. As a confidential advisor, I am committed to supporting our students and colleagues who do not feel safe in any ways by offering a listening ear and guidance tailored to their needs.

If you have experienced or witnessed any form of undesirable behaviour, I encourage you to reach out. I am here to listen, offer advice, and help you explore your options—always respecting your choices and privacy. I am available to support all students and staff, both academic and administrative. You can contact me at beyza.sumer@uva.nl. I speak English and Turkish.

Erik van Arkel has been a coordinator of operations in the Public Law department since 1 September 2017. He previously worked in operations and management in central government and ran his own business CATREAL.COM, which aims to help people and organisations to boost their resilience.

In his own words

'As a confidential adviser, I want to help create a UvA environment in which people feel safe and where diversity is respected and valued.'

'My name is Rosa Möhrlein and I have been working at the Faculty of Law at the UvA since 2020. Besides university lecturer, I am coordinator of the experiential education programme in the master's programmes: the Amsterdam Law Practice. I have over 10 years of teaching experience at various universities and am passionate about educational innovation. I have a PhD in international law, but also a bachelor's degree in psychology. From that position, I have always been curious about people and like to offer a listening ear and a helping hand. I think it is important that the university (and its faculties) provide a safe learning environment where students and staff can learn from each other and grow.'

Should there be anything you run into, you can always contact me. I speak Dutch, English and German. You can e-mail me: r.mohrlein@uva.nl

Daan is confidential advisor WP and PhD counselor in combination with the role of policy officer at the Faculty of Law (FdR). An academic background in neurobiology that included working as a researcher in the US and junior lecturer in Psychobiology at the Science Faculty (FNWI) at the UvA.

'Unfortunately, social safety isn't always a given. Perhaps you have had to deal with (sexual) harassment, discrimination, bullying, or you feel excluded by colleagues. These kinds of experiences can be very tough, especially if you feel you are on your own. But you don't have to deal with it on your own. If you have experienced unwanted behaviour, or witnessed something you felt was not right, you can always come to me. I will listen to your story and help you find solutions that feel right for you, so that you can feel comfortable again at the UvA.'

You can reach Daan at: d.vanversendaal@uva.nl

'I have been working as a Marketing Advisor at the Faculty of Law since 2023. After obtaining my master's degree in Economic Psychology, I worked for years in both the commercial and non-profit sector in HR, market research and marketing. I like to use my people-oriented drive as a confidential advisor for the UvA.'

'I think it is important that students and staff who experience undesirable behaviour and do not feel safe receive support. I'm here so that you are really heard. Together we can think about a possible next step, where you remain in control. A first conversation can already be very valuable. So if there is anything that bothers you, please contact me.'

Larissa can be reached via: l.f.put@uva.nl

Joost studied English and Literary & Cultural Studies at the University of Groningen. He wrote his PhD dissertation on the echoes of the Holocaust in contemporary Jewish American Literature.

When you’re faced with transgressive behavior like harassment, bullying, discrimination, aggression, and sexual intimidation, these experiences can have great impact on you. It can also make you feel terribly alone. Should this ever happen to you, it’s good to be aware that there are confidential advisors that you can discuss your experiences with in confidence. We are here to listen to you and to help you explore solutions.

I became a confidential advisor because I like to support colleagues and students who are facing transgressive behavior. I also value the fact that in this role I can contribute to a safer work and study environment for everyone.

You can contact Joost at f.j.krijnen@auc.nl.

'I am an associate professor in probability theory at the Korteweg-de Vries Institute (the math institute of the UvA). I was born in Canada but spent most of my life in the Netherlands, obtaining my PhD at the TU Delft in 2012 and joining the UvA in 2014 after some post-doc years in Austria and Switzerland. Working in academia can be competitive, and while competition in itself can be healthy, it can bring out some undesirable behavior. In particular, the pressure we academics (PhD candidates and post-docs in particular!) experience can become intolerable. As a confidential counsellor, I hope to mitigate these downsides of the academic culture and contribute to a working environment in which we all can thrive. In particular, I will lend a confidential and sympathetic ear to whoever encounters undesirable behavior at the UvA, and will also help identify the possible paths forward.'

You can contact Sonja by mail: s.g.cox@uva.nl

I have been working as a management assistant at Science Park at Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) since 2023.

Originally from Greece, I hold a master’s degree in music therapy, completed in Edinburgh, UK. Over five years ago, I made the Netherlands my home and have since embraced its vibrant culture and diversity.

My background in music therapy has given me a strong foundation in understanding and supporting individuals through various challenges. As a confidential advisor, I bring empathy, active listening, and a genuine commitment to providing a safe and supportive space.

When you need someone to talk to in confidence, I’m here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact

• Email: c.santaka@uva.nl
• Tel: 020-5256454

Joyce is temporarily unavailable as a confidential advisor.

Joyce Helsloot graduated in the Master's track Training & Development in Psychology at the UvA. Since 2020, she has been working as a study advisor for the Communication Science course. She is also a breathwork coach and therapist in training.

Personal explanation

'As a confidential advisor, I am first and foremost there to offer you a listening ear. I would like to help you feel heard and seen, whatever it is. You can contact me for situations that have occurred that no longer make you feel comfortable or safe at the UvA, such as bullying, (sexual) intimidation, discrimination or other undesirable behavior. The conversations we have will be confidential.

You are the one who decides whether you want to take further action or not, either way is fine. I am there for you to guide this selection process step by step and providing you with information about the possible steps. It is up to you to make the choice that is right for you and in your own time. I will remain involved if you choose to take further steps. I would like to contribute to a situation in which you feel safe again at work or while studying.'

Contact

Joyce can be reached at j.helsloot@uva.nl

Els Veldhuizen is a lecturer and coach for junior lecturers in the Department of Geography, Planning and International Development Studies. She studied here herself.

'As a student or employee, you spend a large part of your time at the UvA and you also take a piece of the UvA home with you. The UvA must therefore be a place where you feel comfortable and safe so that you can get the best out of yourself and gain good experiences. It should also be a place that gives space for relaxation in your free time. If the UvA is no longer that place because you've had to deal with undesirable behaviour, don't keep walking around with it. The feeling doesn't always go away on its own. Know that you can share your concerns or problems with me in confidence. I hear to listen and sharing your experiences can already offer relief. I can also inform you about steps you could take if you want to. You don't have to, it's for you to decide. As a confidential adviser, I will stand by you. You are no longer alone.'

Els can be reached at e.m.veldhuizen@uva.nl.

Loes van Rijn – van Gelderen has been working at the Pedagogical and Educational Sciences department for about 20 years. First as a student and since 2009 as an employee. She now works as a university lecturer and also works as a children's sleep coach in practice.

Personal explanation

'I think it is important that people feel good in their study and working environment, because I believe that you can only learn and work well when you feel safe and seen. Unfortunately, this is not always self-evident. In my role as a confidential counselor, I would like to offer support to people who are confronted with undesirable behavior. I will do this by offering a listening ear and by looking together at the possible options someone has. I think it is important to emphasize that reporters are always in control – it is up to them to decide what the next step would be that suits them best. And sometimes just venting once is enough.'

Is there something you want to say or discuss? Please contact: L.vanRijn-vanGelderen@uva.nl

Hélène Boeren has worked for the Executive Staff of the UvA since 2003. She is employed as official secretary to the Doctorate Board and policy officer for the Office of the Rector.

In her own words:

'I applied to become a confidential adviser because I feel everyone should feel safe and comfortable studying and working at our university. Discrimination, sexual intimidation, bullying and aggression have no place here.

If you do experience undesirable behaviour I am here for you. I can provide a sympathetic ear and, if you want, I can provide information about the various options open to you, and help you think them through. I will treat the information you share with me in the strictest confidence. I am only allowed to break this confidentiality if you give me permission to share information with specific other parties in my capacity as confidential adviser. You are the one who decides, and I will only take action if you want me to.

You can contact me via email or phone. I will do my best to make an appointment with you as quickly as possible, naturally taking into account the need to preserve confidentiality.'

Rixt works as a project leader at the Alumni Relations Office and University Fund. Her work involves organising career development programmes for alumni, maintaining contact with alumni groups and organising lectures, guided tours and other events such as the Academic Book Club. Rixt has worked for the UvA since 2000 and has been a confidential adviser since 2014.

In her own words

'Within the University it is important that students and staff have someone they can contact to talk about concerns without judgement and without any necessary consequences. When someone contacts me I try to schedule an appointment within two days. I am a good listener and can help think through difficult situations that can occur during your studies or in the workplace.'

Enneke is a project manager within the Administration Centre (AC) and has been working at the UvA since 2017. She has been involved in various projects in educational logistics and for the last three years as theme coordinator within the Educational Logistics Programme (POL).

Enneke has been working in the AC's Business Office since this year and is also a confidential adviser.

In her own words

'I became a confidential adviser because I think it is important that employees always have a place where they can go if they no longer feel safe in their work environment. If you are dealing with aggression, bullying, harassment or sexual harassment, it can be very confronting and it can hinder your ability to do your job well. I listen to your story. Often that can help a lot, so it's fine if you want to leave it at that, but I can also give you advice about possible next steps. Whether and to what extent you want to take steps is entirely up to you. In any case, do not hesitate to contact me.'

Contact

J.G. (Enneke) Tuinhof
Administratief Centrum/ Bedrijfsbureau
T: 06 29 94 26 39
E: j.g.tuinhof@uva.nl

Marjan Alberda graduated from the UvA with a degree in Computer Science and has worked for the university since 2008, currently as a project manager at ICTS.

In her own words

“I thinks it's very important that everyone can feel safe within the UvA. That requires approachable confidential advisers you can talk to if you experience undesirable behaviour. Sometimes it can be preferable to talk to an adviser connected to your faculty or service unit, but it is important to realise that you can also choose to contact any of other confidential advisers if that is more comfortable for you. It is essential that people who experience undesirable behaviour feel they can report this to a confidential adviser who listens to them and provides support and confidentiality. That is what I want to offer.

I urge anyone working at the UvA  who encounters agression, violence, discrimination, bullying or sexual intimidation to contact one of the confidential advisers. They can provide support and guidance.”

Contact

T: 06 5025 8101
E: I.M.Alberda@uva.nl

Kasper Abcouwer has been working for the University Library of the UvA since 2001, first as a library technician, later as a subject specialist at the Pierson Revesz Library and since 2004 as a scientific information specialist for the FNWI. Besides the traditional library work Kasper focuses on the quantitative measurement of scientific publications (bibliometrics). One of his bibliometric projects is uva-view.

After studying physical geography at the UvA, he worked for several organisations in Ecuador before returning to the UvA in 2001.

Henriette Reerink graduated in history from the University of Amsterdam and has been working as a project manager and policy advisor in the Digital Services department of the UvA/HvA Library since 2006 (focus: data, AI and digital education). Working in a supportive service that is close to the primary process, she is interested in the themes of central/decentralised, informal/formal organisation and the origin of information (disinformation). With UvA-wide experience, she tries to connect different perspectives in search of solutions that stick.

In her own words:

'If you call on me, I will be there for you, listen to you and, by asking questions, try to get to the heart of the problem.  I will help you clarify what you can expect from others and what you can do yourself. In our complex organisation, it is sometimes difficult to find a 'problem owner'. I am happy to help you with this, to stand by you and offer support. I am persistent with a sense of justice. Do not hesitate to email me, drop by, call me or contact me in any other way. The first step towards a solution starts with sharing your story, which may bring you some improvement, both for yourself and for the UvA.'

Gerrie Veenstra has been a general practitioner since 1994 and affiliated with ACTA as a lecturer on oral medicine since March 2020. She had her own doctor's practice until 1 January 2020.

Personal note:

As a general practitioner, I was a counselor for many patients. I heard many personal stories, which do not always suggest a safe environment was present in some people's lives.

Listening and being there for others, and finding solutions together, has been an important part of my job, first as a general practitioner and now as a confidential adviser, who is accessible and trusted.

I hope to contribute to a safe environment at ACTA, so that the work climate is pleasant for everyone.

Contact

Gerrie Veenstra
E: gerrie.veenstra@acta.nl
T: 06 262 96 946 (Wednesday and Thursday)

Marjan is temporarily not available as a confidential adviser.

My name is Marjan van Schijndel. As a dental teacher I have been working for years in various educational positions at ACTA. I have also worked in practice as a dentist general practitioner for many years. In both workplaces I have gained a lot of people knowledge and I respect the well-being of everyone. Since 1 March 2023, I have been a confidential advisor at ACTA.

"A safe learning and working environment is the basis for everyone to function with a good feeling. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. In some cases, people can make things difficult for each other. I would like to make my contribution as a confidential advisor to offer and support people, easily accessible and in confidence; looking for a solution together".

Marjan can be reached on m.v.schijndel@acta.nl or 06 81387953 (Wed, Thu and Fri)