University of Luxembourg responds to recent flood of criticism and allegations

The press event follows "moral harassment" alleged by faculty members, who said that those who spoke up did so at risk of professional consequences. 

The University of Luxembourg has in recent times faced a number of issues: a damning report on living conditions for students, a masked protest in front of the Chamber of Deputies calling out an "alarming situation" followed by legal action over faculty promotions and "moral harassment". 

Reports from other media have highlighted claims of toxic climates and abusive practices. 

On Thursday, a press event was held to answer questions from journalists who were invited for "a press exchange concerning current allegations". 

Present were Rector of the University Jens Kreisel, HR Director Claire Audollent, Vice-Rector for Research Simone Niclou, Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs Philippe Hiligsmann, and Deputy secretary general to the Board of Governors Anne Christophe. 

Addressing journalists in French, Jens Kreisel started the event off with a clear message: the University rejects what has been recently reported. 

"We all wish to seize the opportunity to clarify the situations mentioned in the press, which do not reflect either our university or the values we uphold", Kreisel said. "Our message is simple: we listen, we also hear, we examine situations, and we actually take action."

Briefly highlighting accomplishments of the university, Kreisel first acknowledged that there have been recent conflicts. 

"We cannot guarantee the absence of conflicts within our university, nor that every deputy will find an immediate solution", he said. "We wish to reaffirm today our commitment to listen, to learn, to understand, and to take the necessary measures to strengthen the internal process, where it is needed, and where we may identify weaknesses. We do this with the necessary seriousness and necessity."

Prior to this event, faculty members who spoke to RTL Today emphasised that those who spoke up did so at risk of professional consequences. 

'Promotions closely regulated by law'

Much of the discussion and subsequent questions from journalists focused on the matter of promotions. On this topic, Kreisel emphasised the University’s commitment to proper management. 

"Here, it is an environment that is very competitive, and therefore it needs to be properly managed", he said. "In our country and in our university, promotions are very closely regulated by law."

While Kreisel on behalf of his team stressed the good practice of external and independent experts, he agreed that "each refusal of a promotion is something that is extremely difficult to endure".

Speaking on previously reported concerns on work environments, Kreisel addressed the matter bluntly. "I will not hide from you that we are aware of the concerns regarding the aspects of the work environment", he said, pointing out that these concerns come from "people who have a perception of power accumulation". 

Sharing what he called "an emotional memory" of promotions that failed to materialise, he said, "it is precisely for this reason that we do everything to respond to it impartially, and the law on this side helps us".

The Rector invited anyone interested to view the criteria, which is publicly published and used for evaluation. The team also stressed that among those who are successful, a handful who remain frustrated are likely to remain. 

When asked about concrete steps that could be taken, Kreisel said: "I think we could have certainly identified conflicts of interest and changes more quickly. It’s a battle, it lasted relatively long, and I regret it."

What he says has been done now is the creation of an office for faculty affairs. "We realised that in the tenure track processes, time was chronically a difficulty faced. And so, we created a new service, which today includes four people for promotion and recruitment, which allows us to massively streamline that."

Journalists from various Luxembourg media presented their questions. / © Loretta Marie Perera

Harassment 

On the matter of harassment, the University's HR Director Claire Audollent highlighted the work of their team:  

"We protect them immediately and take immediate action to ensure that any form of harassment or violence at work stops. And we have [received] thanks from these victims", she said. "Once the complaint is addressed, we have people who tell us 'I am returning to the office with pleasure.' Unfortunately, these people do not speak to [journalists]."

Kreisel added that the University has taken measures to improve services and practices. Anyone who feels harassed, intimidated, or discriminated against should seek support from these channels, he said. 

"There are isolated cases of discomfort that I regret, and that we are working to resolve as best as possible," he said.

Accommodation 

Following recent reports by RTL Today on mould, faecal matter and other issues in privately owned student accommodation, the team, after highlighting the availability of psychologists and sports complexes, once again expressed their regret. 

"Between 16 and 17% of students find accommodation through the University of Luxembourg, that's a good figure", said Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs Philippe Hiligsmann. "On the other hand, the difficulties that students may encounter in Luxembourg are sometimes of a different nature: The cost of living is the most challenging aspect… and the scarcity of housing outside of student accommodations."

Hiligsmann went on to say that the team was currently working to put things into place and improve the situation. 

"I would say yes, there is a concern with student housing", he said, "but it can also be put into perspective compared to what is happening elsewhere in Europe."

When asked about issues faced by students who live on properties that do not fall under the direct management of the University, Kreisel clarified that while the responsibility in this case is not on the University, "it is very, very unfortunate and really regrettable".