Jiangxi Institute of Technology (JXIT) believes that all students and staff have the right to study and work in an environment in which they are respected for the contributions they make, free from any form of sexual and gender-based violence, abuse or harassment.
JXIT recognises that sexual and gender-based violence is a problem that affects all of society, including the higher vocational education sector, and we are committed to addressing these issues as part of our broader commitment to unity in diversity and the cultivation of a positive campus culture.
Sexual misconduct relates to all unwanted contact of a sexual nature including, but not limited to harassment, bullying, assault, rape, unwanted physical contact, intimidation, use of explicit messages and/or photos, and unwanted comments of a sexual or sexualised nature. These are considered serious offences and are managed through the Student Code of Conduct for students and via the Staff Code of Conduct for staff.
If a student, staff member or visitor encounters harassment, a complaint should be made (anonymous, person-specific, electronic or face-to-face) through either the JXIT internal portal, the Student Affairs Office or via the Human Resources Office.
What is Harassment and Sexual Misconduct?
Harassment and sexual misconduct are defined in JXIT’s Sexual Harassment & Sexual Assault Prevention and Handling Policy as follows:
JXIT defines “Harassment” as unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. Harassment may occur physically, verbally or non-verbally and it can be intentional or unintentional. It also includes treating someone less favourably because they have submitted or refused to submit to such behaviour in the past.
JXIT defines “Sexual Misconduct” as a form of harassment and is unacceptable behaviour of a sexual nature. It can include sexual harassment; sexual violence; intimate partner violence; sexual assault; grooming; coercion or bullying with sexual elements; sexual invitations and demands; comments; non-verbal communication; creation of atmospheres of discomfort; and promised resources or advancement in exchange for sexual access.
The Dignity at Work and Study Policy aims to ensure a respectful and courteous environment at JXIT, free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct. This summary provides a general awareness of the main Dignity at Work and Study Policy, and should be read in conjunction with the full policy. Here are the key points:
• Purpose: Maintain a respectful, safe and positive environment for employees and students.
• Unacceptable Behaviours: Bullying, harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct.
• Reporting: Individuals can report incidents and seek support, including anonymous reporting.
Reporting Harassment and Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct relates to all unwanted contact of a sexual nature including, but not limited to harassment, bullying, assault, rape, unwanted physical contact, intimidation, use of explicit messages and/or photos, and unwanted comments of a sexual or sexualised nature. These are considered serious offences and are managed through the Student Code of Conduct for students and via the Staff Code of Conduct for staff.
Students and staff can disclose how they have been affected by harassment and sexual misconduct using JXIT’s Report + Support portal (www.@jxit.edu.cn).
Anonymous reports of student misconduct will only be accepted through JXIT’s official reporting tool available at www.@jxit.edu.cn. It shall be the responsibility of the Review Officer (nominated by the Dean of Student Affairs) to establish whether an anonymous report provides sufficient verifiable detail in order to initiate further investigation under the Student Code of Conduct.
Support for Those Affected
Students and staff can disclose how they have been affected by harassment and sexual misconduct using JXIT’s Report + Support portal. You can choose to do this anonymously.
Students Facing Allegations
Within 5 working days of receiving a report of an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct, JXIT will review the allegation and attempt an informal resolution if appropriate. Informal resolutions may be recorded by the Student Affairs Office but are not added to the student’s official academic record. Where an informal resolution is not possible or appropriate, JXIT will initiate a Code of Conduct Review.
A range of support is available within and outside JXIT for students and staff who have experienced harassment and sexual misconduct.
• What support is available if I have been harassed?
• What support is available if I have experienced sexual misconduct?
If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, JXIT’s Counselling Service offers confidential help and is open to both students and staff. You can make an appointment via WeChat Official Account or by visiting Mental Health Center of JXIT.
Staff Support Mechanism
Regarding staff protection, JXIT provides the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) as an independent route for advice and support. The EAP is a confidential employee benefit designed to help staff deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting their home life, work performance, health and general well-being. Staff can access the EAP via www.@jxit.edu.cn or the service hotline (0791)8813 6666.
Investigating Harassment and Sexual Misconduct
The following policies are relevant to how JXIT investigates allegations of student and staff harassment and sexual misconduct:
For Students: The Student Code of Conduct sets out how allegations will be informally resolved or formally reviewed and investigated through the Student Code of Conduct or other appropriate JXIT policies and regulations. After receiving a report, a Review Officer (nominated by the Dean of Student Affairs) will investigate the alleged misconduct. The reviewer presents their findings to the Student Code of Conduct Committee review panel, and the committee makes a decision on whether or not a violation has taken place.
The Non-Academic Complaints Policy will be applied where students, or a group of students, are dissatisfied with a non-academic related aspect of their experience or service at JXIT. JXIT offers a Three-Stage Resolution Process to resolve complaints made against a given university function/department. Students are also encouraged to contact the Complaints Office at www.@jxit.edu.cn, who will advise on JXIT’s complaints procedure.
For Staff: JXIT adopts a supportive approach to resolving workplace issues, complaints, or concerns. The University guarantees that all legitimate matters brought forward by staff will be processed promptly, impartially, and confidentially.
Handling Information
At JXIT, confidentiality is a key principle. This allows us to create a campus culture where those affected feel safe to make a disclosure about harassment and sexual misconduct.
JXIT will take all reasonable steps to protect the confidentiality and privacy of those who disclose harassment and sexual misconduct, in compliance with China’s Personal Information Protection Law.
The Campus Speech and Expression Guidelines specifies the legal framework, code of conduct and protocol for addressing harassment and sexual misconduct while upholding legitimate freedom of speech.
Informing Individuals
If the JXIT Student Code of Conduct Committee believes a violation has been committed, the committee will impose appropriate sanctions. In the case of a serious disciplinary case (suspension or expulsion), the accused may be invited to a hearing conducted by the Student Code of Conduct Sub-Committee.
As an outcome, the Lead Investigator will communicate the Sub-Committee’s decision to the accused, highlighting avenues for a potential appeal. The complainant should be advised of any changes (i.e., a no-contact order, change of class section, etc.) that may impact their studies or work.
JXIT aims to ensure that once the investigation is concluded, appropriate information regarding the outcome and next steps is provided to the Student Affairs Office or Human Resources Office, in order for relevant information to be shared with the involved parties in accordance with JXIT’s duties and obligations under data protection laws.
Training for Staff and Students
Review Officers are professionally trained to investigate student complaints related to sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and sexual assault. JXIT has partnered with professional institutions specialising in gender equality education to provide specialised training to members of the Student Code of Conduct Committee and relevant staff in key areas.
Our Review Officers are trained to acknowledge complaints promptly, ensure the confidentiality of complainants, and offer appropriate support resources.
Personal Relationships Between Staff and Students
JXIT expects staff to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects its Vision, Mission and Values, and aims to always provide a safe and impartial place for work or study for both staff and students. However, JXIT recognises that personal relationships may develop or have existed prior to joining the institute. The following guidelines apply to all staff and students on how to manage such situations should they arise:
Staff who have or develop a personal relationship with a student must immediately disclose this to their supervisor and the Human Resources Office to avoid potential conflicts of interest. JXIT prohibits staff from having any supervisory, evaluative or advisory role over a student with whom they have a personal relationship.
More information can be found in the Policy on Managing Consensual Relationships Between Staff and Students.
Taking Steps to Protect Students
JXIT is dedicated to taking meaningful and effective action to protect students from harassment and sexual misconduct. These include:
• Analysing and publishing annual data on the use of our Report + Support portal to enhance transparency and targeted improvement.
• Incorporating feedback surveys into our online and offline training for students and staff, evaluating the results, and making timely adjustments to the training content and methods where appropriate.
• Consulting with the Student Union on revisions to student policies related to harassment and sexual misconduct. Student representatives will participate in the committees where these policies are discussed and approved.
• Integrating gender equality and anti-harassment education into the compulsory campus safety curriculum for all new students.
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Policy
JXIT explicitly pledges not to use Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) in responding to complaints of harassment and sexual misconduct. This commitment aligns with national guidelines on protecting the right of individuals to report misconduct. JXIT prohibits the use of any legally binding agreements that compel or seek to stop students and staff from disclosing information about their experiences of harassment or sexual misconduct to relevant authorities, legal representatives, or trusted third parties.
This policy is fully compliant with national regulations on higher education institutions and aims to ensure a transparent, accountable and safe campus environment for all members of the JXIT community.
Contact Information
• Student Affairs Office: 0791-88138825; Room 203, Second Floor, J19
• Human Resources Office: 0791-88137941; Room 103, Administration Building
Mental Health Center: 0791-88136170; First Floor, J10
