New organization of the Kick Off
Jönköping Student Union (JSU) has decided on a new structure for the organization of the Kick Off. The Student Union will form a completely new committee that will be tasked with organizing the event.
Jönköping University (JU) has a responsibility for all students and finances the Kick Off. Until today JU has delegated the task of organizing the Kick Off to JSU. JSU has in turn delegated part of the task to sexmästerierna. During a longer period of time, inappropriate behaviour has occurred and because of this, the sexmästerier will no longer be allowed to organize the Kick Off.
The incidents have been carried out by a small number of students and have mainly taken place in connection with various “inaugurations” for new members of the sexmästerier. This is in violation of Jönköping University’s Code of Conduct and JU’s management has therefore requested that action be taken.
These measures are now planned by JSU with several activities planned. The JU Foundation Governing Board has been informed and there is a great consensus between JSU and JU. In addition, a dialogue with the police has been initiated.
“I take this very seriously and it is unacceptable and highly inappropriate behaviour. No student should feel unsafe, it is of the highest priority for me,” says Måns Svensson, President of Jönköping University.
Due to the incident, several preventive measures have been taken by JSU and the JU management:
- Collaboration with the Student Health Care
- Training of fadders and sexmästerister in the Code of Conduct
- Workshops with members of the JU management and the sexmästerister
- Support to individuals who need it
New committee to organize the Kick Off
Several negative incidents have also occurred during the autumn. JSU has therefore implemented several measures where the biggest change will be to revoke the sexmästeries' assigned responsibility for the Kick Off. A new committee will be formed that will manage the Kick Off.
“Kick Off is undergoing a restructuring as a result of the continuous work over the last year to ensure that it complies with JSU’s Statutes and the JU Code of Conduct. This means changes in the planning of the Kick Off and with this restructuring we aim to make it a brand that we are all proud to be a part of,” says Julia De Geus, President of JSU.
“It is very sad that the Student Union, with the support of JU, is forced to take these measures and I understand if it causes reactions. But the most important thing is that we have a positive environment that is free from inappropriate behaviour. I hope that this rethink and the new organization can eventually lead to Jönköping continuing to have an inclusive and wonderful student life,” says Måns Svensson.
