Verhaltenskodex - Code of Conduct

Respectful and solution-oriented dialogue

We communicate respectfully in all interactions, whether personal or public, written or verbal, analogue or digital. We talk to each other rather than about each other. In official texts, we use gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory language. When problems and conflicts arise, we encourage solutionoriented dialogue and understanding. We reject disparagement, insults, disrespectful behaviour and any form of violence.

Provisions for digital communication

As an international school community, we utilise digital tools to facilitate communication, enhance collaboration and streamline work processes. However, data processing also creates risks that we must continually weigh against the benefits: protecting personal data, preventing unauthorised access and using data economically are our highest priorities. We use the school's official email addresses as our channel for written communication. Emails are read regularly and responded to promptly. We communicate our availability transparently and respect the privacy and rest periods of others.

Transparent communication and comprehensible decision-making processes 

All members of the school community strive for transparent communication and comprehensible decision-making processes. We can contribute our ideas and interests to the committees and commissions. There, these are discussed and decisions are made according to the rules of democratic academic self-administration.

Polite forms of address 

A respectful attitude is essential for polite forms of address. Who addresses whom and how is a matter for discussion in groups, teams,classes, etc., and should be decided by mutual agreement between the relevant individuals. It is crucial that everyone feels comfortable with the forms of address used. When speaking German, all members of the school use the formal “Sie” with surnames, the informal “Du” with first names, or creative solutions such as “Sie” with first names or “Du” with surnames. Either party can request a change in form of address at any time, including a return to “Sie” from “Du”. We also respect the selfdesignations and pronouns of non-binary persons, i.e. we address the persons concerned with their desired form of address and their desired first name, which may differ from that in official documents.

Consideration for communication barriers

Cosmopolitanism requires mutual openness. To ensure successful intercultural communication, we reflect critically on our own values and prejudices and tolerate the values and behaviours of others, provided they do not contradict the Code of Conduct. We take into account that communicating in German or English is difficult for some people. At the School of Music, everyone should be able to network across country and language boundaries.

Feedback and transparent assessment criteria 

All members of the school community should be able to fully develop their potential in their studies, teaching and at work. We strive for constructive collaboration and provide each other with respectful feedback aimed at improvement and positive change. Criteria for performance evaluations and general assessments are made transparent. Those who evaluate the work of others justify their decisions and provide constructive feedback when requested.

Inclusive and accessible school 

The HfM values diversity and therefore welcomes all applications — regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity. We are committed to increasing the proportion of women among artistic and general school staff, as well as in degree programmes in which they are underrepresented.

Addressing inequalities 

We are aware of material and social inequalities, particularly within the student community, and address them sensitively. We endeavour to take these inequalities into account and inform students about possible support.

We are sensitive when dealing with possible impairments of others and strive to always be open to the needs of people with health challenges. We promote equal participation and are committed to making the school inclusive and as accessible as possible.

Active against abuse of power, discrimination and prejudicial treatment

We actively oppose any form of abuse of power, discrimination and prejudicial treatment, sexual harassment, degradation as well as verbal or physical violence against students, staff or teachers. We promote a culture of awareness and accountability, taking responsibility for ourselves and others. We expect ourselves to have the courage to intervene in discriminatory behaviour. We are committed to treating those affected and those accused fairly.

Counselling and complaints procedure

All members of the school community, and in particular students, who are affected by discrimination, sexual harassment or violence, transgressive behaviour, abuse of power, (cyber) stalking, bullying or similar detrimental behaviour are encouraged to contact the appropriate primary and referral counselling services.⁴ Feedback and counselling create the conditions for change and preventive measures in the spirit of a learning organisation. Official complaints should be addressed to the school management. Further information can be found in the statutes on protection against discrimination, harassment and violence, as well as in the “No Means No” guide.

Fundamental approach

Our School of Music thrives on a culture of appreciation and respectful interaction. Learning, teaching and working in close physical and personal contact can lead to a familiar rapport, which is welcome as long as it remains respectful and professional. People in management, supervisory or teaching roles have a special responsibility to maintain a professional distance and ensure a safe learning and working environment.

Professionalism in the teaching-learning relationship

The students' right to a full range of teaching is met with the utmost care. Responsible and respectful interaction means that, in addition to being flexible with their time, teaching staff announce possible schedules and dates well in advance and students also cancel lessons in good time. In principle, the School of Music is the place where teaching takes place, so teachers and students alike must be sufficiently present on site. Teaching takes place exclusively on the school premises. Exceptions must be reported to the department councils in advance (e.g. seminars at the Sauen Manor meeting centre, concerts at guest venues).
Respecting boundaries and avoiding transgressive behaviour We are jointly responsible for respecting personal boundaries and treating one another with respect and consideration. Consensus is the basis of every interaction — it must be actively established and should never be taken for granted.

Teachers and supervisors have an increased responsibility due to their special role. They regularly reflect on their own behaviour and create an environment in which students and staff can express their own personal boundaries freely and without fear. They react immediately when boundaries are perceived or reported to have been crossed.

All members of the school community are required to respect the personal boundaries of others at all times. We see recognising and avoiding transgressive behaviour as a shared learning process. If a boundary is unintentionally crossed, we expect the person concerned to reflect on their behaviour self-critically and to clarify respectfully how mutually acceptable solutions can be found to restore trust.

Dealing with conflicts 

Differences of opinion or interpersonal tensions can occur. We encourage all parties involved to address conflicts at an early stage or to seek confidential advice. In order to find solutions together, internal services such as moderated discussions can be used (provided by the Conflict Resolution Team for students and by the Staff Council for employees). If necessary, external support (e.g. mediation) is available to facilitate a fair resolution.

Intimate relationships and power imbalances 

The relatively small size of the school community fosters a family-like atmosphere, encouraging familiarity and friendship. However, a heightened sense of responsibility is required as soon as an asymmetric relationship develops, involving inequality of power or dependency.

Anyone in the senior position, including teachers and supervisors, must immediately inform the school management of any intimate relationships with students or staff under their direct supervision. This ensures that any potential conflicts of interest are transparent. Teachers who enter into an intimate relationship with students may no longer teach or assess them, and managers may no longer evaluate the performance of the employees concerned. This ensures fair learning and working conditions and protects the trust of everyone involved.

Sustainability and use of buildings, premises and inventory

Every member of the school community can contribute to sustainable social development, whether at an institutional or individual level. We treat all school premises, facilities and equipment with care and respect. We are committed to climate protection, waste prevention, recycling and reducing the consumption of water, energy and other resources.

Safety for all

All members of the school community and external visitors must comply with the safety regulations. We expect them to be aware of hazards and to think proactively in all safetyrelated activities in order to avoid injuries as well as physical or psychological stress and illness. The content of instructions (e.g. room usage regulations) must be strictly adhered to.

Occupational health and safety

The health of all members of the school community is a valuable asset that we want to protect and strengthen. Occupational health and safety encompasses all measures that ensure the health and safety of everyone in the school community. This includes raising awareness, systematically planning and implementing preventive measures to avoid accidents and hazards, and treating existing illnesses with respect.

The abuse of medication, alcohol, drugs or other intoxicants and narcotics is prohibited during working hours and at all times on HfM Berlin's premises and grounds.