House rules

The House Rules apply to everyone at Windesheim, including students, staff, and visitors.

Students also include external students (extranei): people who are only enrolled to take examinations and final assessments, as defined in Article 7.36 of the Dutch Higher Education and Research Act (WHW).

Staff includes not only employees with an employment contract, but also agency workers, freelancers, volunteers, and other people working on behalf of Windesheim.

Visitors

The House Rules also apply to all visitors to Windesheim. This includes Dutch language (NT2) course participants, contract students, contractors, cleaners, caterers, maintenance staff, landscapers, and anyone else who is on campus or using Windesheim facilities.

Unauthorised persons

Anyone who enters Windesheim buildings or grounds without a legitimate reason related to Windesheim and who cannot or will not identify themselves may be considered an unauthorised person. This also includes individuals who have been banned from Windesheim premises.

Students, staff, or visitors who hire or use Windesheim buildings or facilities may be subject to additional rules. These will always be communicated clearly in writing. Some rooms or facilities may also have specific rules, which will be displayed on site or otherwise made known to users.

Buildings, grounds, and activities

The House Rules are intended to promote safety in all Windesheim buildings and on campus grounds. If behaviour that takes place elsewhere—either in person or online—creates a safety risk on campus, Windesheim may also take action under these House Rules.

The House Rules also apply at locations owned by third parties that Windesheim uses, as well as during Windesheim activities held off campus, such as internships, excursions, and introduction events, unless different local rules apply.

At Windesheim, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for students, staff, and visitors. The House Rules help ensure this and apply on campus as well as to online behaviour that may affect safety at Windesheim.

General

• Only authorised persons may enter Windesheim buildings and grounds. You may be asked to show identification.
• In an emergency, report the incident immediately using the emergency number or notify a caretaker. If the alarm sounds, leave the building via the nearest emergency exit.

Respect for others

• Everyone is expected to treat others with respect. Discrimination, bullying, harassment, and intimidation are not tolerated.
• If you experience or witness unsafe situations or inappropriate behaviour, speak up if you can or report it to a member of staff.

Buildings, grounds, and property

• Report any damage to buildings or equipment to a caretaker.
• Unauthorised persons are not permitted on campus.
• Windesheim is not responsible for lost or stolen personal belongings. Please use lockers where available.
• Park bicycles and vehicles only in designated areas. Incorrectly parked vehicles or bicycles may be removed, or other measures may be taken.

Food, drink, smoking, and drugs

Food and drinks may only be consumed in designated areas. Alcohol is permitted only during approved events. Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes and vapes, is prohibited on campus. Drugs and weapons are strictly prohibited.

IT facilities

Windesheim's IT facilities are intended for study and work purposes. Misuse of these facilities may result in access being restricted or other disciplinary measures.

Enforcement

• Students: Breaches of the House Rules may result in warnings or disciplinary measures, such as exclusion from classes or denial of access to Windesheim buildings. Serious misconduct may lead to permanent removal from the University of Applied Sciences.
• Staff: Staff members who breach the House Rules may face disciplinary action.
• Visitors: Visitors who fail to comply with the House Rules may be denied access to Windesheim buildings or facilities.

Final provisions

The House Rules are reviewed every five years and updated where necessary. If you have any questions or would like more information, please read the full House Rules below or contact the appropriate member of staff.

Instructions, identification, and access

• Students, staff, and visitors must comply with these House Rules and follow any instructions given by authorised Windesheim staff. This includes caretakers, facilities staff, and employees working at reception desks, student service desks, and the library. Failure to follow these instructions may result in disciplinary measures under these House Rules.
• Access to Windesheim buildings and grounds is restricted to students, staff, and authorised visitors. Anyone on campus must be able to identify themselves on request and explain the purpose of their visit.
• Accepted forms of identification include a valid passport, driving licence, identity card, or Dutch residence permit. In accordance with the Dutch Partial Ban on Face-Covering Clothing Act (2019), you may also be asked to briefly uncover your face to verify your identity.
• If you cannot or do not wish to identify yourself, or cannot demonstrate a legitimate reason for being on campus, an authorised member of staff may classify you as an unauthorised person and require you to leave the premises immediately. Access to Windesheim ICT facilities may also be blocked if you are not authorised to use them.
• People who remain on campus without authorisation may be refused entry or removed in accordance with Dutch law. Anyone who returns after being banned from campus may be reported to the police.
• The Executive Board may impose additional conditions or restrictions on access to Windesheim buildings or grounds where this is necessary to protect the health and safety of everyone on campus.

Emergencies

• Report emergencies such as accidents, dangerous situations, vandalism, or theft immediately by calling the emergency number displayed on campus or by informing reception or a caretaker.
• If an evacuation alarm sounds, leave the building immediately via the nearest emergency exit and follow the instructions of emergency response officers (BHV staff).
• Emergency exits must always remain clear so that everyone can leave the building safely in the event of an emergency.

General

Everyone at Windesheim—students, staff, and visitors—is expected to behave in a way that:

• does not cause direct or indirect harm to Windesheim or to other students, staff, or visitors;
• respects the rights of Windesheim and of others;
• complies with the law and with Windesheim's policies and regulations; and
• meets generally accepted standards of respectful behaviour.

The following behaviour is not tolerated, whether on campus or online:

• discrimination;
• sexual harassment;
• aggression or violence;
• behaviour that creates an unsafe environment;
• threats or intimidation;
• bullying; and
• behaviour that damages the reputation of Windesheim or its staff.

If you witness behaviour that violates these House Rules or other applicable regulations, you are encouraged to address the person involved if it is safe to do so and report the incident to a caretaker or another facilities staff member. If the person involved is a member of staff, the incident should be reported to their manager.

Emergency telephone numbers are displayed throughout Windesheim buildings and on the website. In life-threatening situations, always call 112.

Health and safety

In accordance with the Dutch Working Conditions Act, everyone at Windesheim is expected to:

• work and study responsibly;
• be familiar with Windesheim's health and safety procedures;
• use safety equipment correctly and wear any required protective equipment; and
• report unsafe or unhealthy situations to the Integrated Safety Office at veiligheid@windesheim.nl(opens in new tab).

Animals

Pets are not allowed inside Windesheim buildings. The only exceptions are registered guide dogs and assistance dogs.

Food and drink

• Unless a lecturer has given permission in advance, eating and drinking (except water) is not allowed in teaching rooms. Food and drinks may be consumed in restaurants and designated social areas.
• Different rules may apply during examinations.
• If no lecturer is present, a caretaker may decide whether food or drinks are permitted.
• Please dispose of waste in the appropriate recycling bins and leave tables clean after use.
• Alcohol is not permitted in Windesheim buildings, except in designated areas or during approved events, receptions, or functions. Any alcohol consumption must be responsible and must not affect professional behaviour or interactions with others.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all Windesheim buildings and on all campus grounds. This includes e-cigarettes and vaping devices.

Drugs and weapons

The possession, use, or distribution of drugs is strictly prohibited on Windesheim premises. This includes nitrous oxide and synthetic psychoactive substances. The possession of weapons or objects that could be considered weapons is also prohibited.

Buildings and grounds

• Windesheim buildings and grounds are open to students, staff, and authorised visitors during opening hours. Unauthorised persons are not permitted on campus.
• The central courtyard on the Zwolle campus is not accessible to motorised vehicles during opening hours.
• Outside opening hours, buildings may only be entered when accompanied by a caretaker or an authorised member of the safety team.
• Events outside regular teaching or working activities, such as registered events or demonstrations, require prior approval from the appropriate Windesheim authority.
• If you cause damage to a building, room, or equipment, you must report it immediately to a caretaker. Anyone who causes damage through negligent or intentional behaviour may be held liable for the costs.
• CCTV is used across Windesheim buildings and grounds to help maintain safety and prevent theft. The use of cameras is governed by Windesheim's CCTV Policy.

Personal belongings and Windesheim property

• Windesheim is not responsible for the loss, theft, damage, or misuse of personal belongings on campus. Lockers are available in various locations to help keep your belongings secure.
• Lost property can be handed in at the central reception in Building H (Zwolle) or at the main reception (Almere).
• Items valued at less than €450 are stored for three months.
• Items valued at €450 or more are stored for one year.
• Bags, coats, or other personal items that may interfere with teaching or examinations are not permitted in teaching rooms. The lecturer or invigilator has the final decision. Cloakrooms are available in several locations and are used at your own risk.
• When your studies, employment, or contract with Windesheim end, you must return all Windesheim property in good condition. Equipment must also remain accessible and functional unless agreed otherwise in writing.

Vehicles

• Bicycles may only be parked in designated bicycle parking areas. Bicycles parked elsewhere may be removed.
• Charging electric vehicles or removable batteries inside Windesheim buildings is not permitted. Any bicycles or batteries found charging indoors may be removed.
• Bicycles may not be left in the bicycle parking areas for extended periods. Abandoned bicycles will be labelled and may be removed if they remain there more than 14 days after being tagged.
• Mopeds, motorcycles, and other motorised two-wheelers may only be parked in designated parking spaces. Vehicles parked incorrectly may be removed.
• Cars may only be parked in designated car parks. Vehicles parked elsewhere may be fitted with a wheel clamp or towed away.

Media Centre

Anyone using the Media Centre must comply with Windesheim's Media Centre User Regulations(opens in new tab) and any other applicable rules.

Intellectual property

• Respect the intellectual property rights of others.
• Under Dutch copyright law, limited copies of copyrighted materials, such as books, articles, or brochures, may be made without permission only if they:
  • are limited in scope;
  • are for your own personal study or use; and
  • reproduce only part of the original work.
• Anyone who infringes intellectual property rights may be held liable for any damage caused to Windesheim.

Fundraising and promotional activities

• Fundraising campaigns, raffles, sales activities, and other promotional or commercial activities require prior approval from the Executive Board. Requests must be submitted at least three weeks in advance via info@windesheim.nl(opens in new tab).
• Posters may only be displayed on general noticeboards with permission from a caretaker. Promotional materials may only be distributed inside Windesheim buildings with prior approval. Unauthorised posters may be removed.

Drones

The use of drones over Windesheim buildings or grounds is not permitted unless prior permission has been granted by the Executive Board. Requests must be submitted at least three weeks in advance via info@windesheim.nl(opens in new tab). Approval may be subject to additional conditions.

Entering into agreements with third parties

• You may not enter into agreements on behalf of Windesheim without authorisation from the Executive Board if those agreements create obligations for Windesheim.
• This restriction does not apply to staff members who are authorised to act within the scope of their role and Windesheim's internal delegation rules.
• Anyone who enters into unauthorised agreements may be held personally liable for any resulting loss or damage suffered by Windesheim.

ICT facilities

• Windesheim's ICT facilities are provided to support study, teaching, research, and work-related activities.
• Everyone using Windesheim's ICT systems must comply with the applicable ICT Regulations for students, staff, and visitors.

Monitoring and responsibility

• Everyone at Windesheim shares responsibility for maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. Students and staff are expected to lead by example and address inappropriate behaviour where appropriate.
• Caretakers and emergency response officers (BHV staff) have additional responsibilities for fire safety, identifying safety risks, and ensuring that emergency exits and escape routes remain clear.
• If necessary to protect the learning environment or the wellbeing of those involved, programme staff may ask a student to leave a class, take a time-out for the rest of the day, or temporarily refrain from attending classes until appropriate arrangements have been made.

Disciplinary measures

If someone disrupts the safe and orderly operation of Windesheim or breaches these House Rules, the Executive Board—or someone acting on its behalf—may take appropriate disciplinary action. Any measures taken on behalf of the Executive Board are agreed with the Board in advance.

Measures for students

Depending on the seriousness of the breach, one or more of the following measures may be imposed:

• a written warning, with or without behavioural conditions;
• temporary exclusion from a specific examination, assessment, or related teaching activities;
• temporary suspension of access to Windesheim facilities or ICT systems, in accordance with the ICT Regulations for Students;
• temporary exclusion from Windesheim buildings and grounds, which may include conditions such as a no-contact order or participation in a behavioural improvement programme;
• exclusion from campus for up to one year in cases of serious or repeated misconduct; or
• permanent removal from Windesheim, including termination of enrolment, in cases of serious misconduct that threatens the safety of the learning or working environment.

Before a disciplinary measure is imposed, the student will normally be given the opportunity to explain their perspective. In urgent situations, this may take place after the measure has come into effect. Decisions are made carefully, taking into account all relevant circumstances and, where appropriate, advice from specialist support teams.

Students will receive a written explanation of any disciplinary decision. Students enrolled under the Dutch Higher Education and Research Act (WHW) have the right to appeal in accordance with the applicable legal procedures and the Student Charter.

Measures for visitors and unauthorised persons

Visitors or unauthorised persons who breach the House Rules may be subject to measures such as:

• exclusion from specific courses or activities;
• temporary or permanent loss of access to Windesheim ICT facilities;
• temporary or permanent exclusion from Windesheim buildings and grounds;
• loss of access to certain facilities or services;
• the return of Windesheim property; or
• suspension of their Windesheim account.

Any measure must be proportionate to the seriousness of the breach. Repeated violations may result in stricter action. Decisions are confirmed in writing, and the person concerned has the opportunity to respond.

Measures for staff

Staff members who fail to comply with the House Rules may receive:

• a written warning;
• temporary suspension from Windesheim facilities or services; or
• other disciplinary measures in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Universities of Applied Sciences (CAO-hbo).

Staff members may object to disciplinary measures through the procedures set out in the applicable employment regulations.

Reporting criminal offences

Where appropriate, Windesheim may report criminal offences such as theft, fraud, or vandalism to the police. Such decisions are made by, or on behalf of, the Executive Board.

• The House Rules are reviewed at least once every five years.
• Any amendments to the House Rules are adopted by Windesheim's Executive Board following approval by the Central Participation Council (CMR).
• These House Rules came into effect on 20 March 2025 and replace the previous version adopted under decision 2020-026.

Adopted by the Executive Board of Windesheim under decision 2024-045 on 14 March 2025.