Research - Real-Projects-Digitalization/RPD-Defendo GitHub Wiki
University problems:
Here are some universities I have been able to work with and identified problems that they face: TUM, LMU, and Heidelberg university. And these are some of the problems listed that students and staff of university have faced and been addressed. Which are:
1. Cybersecurity threats
This is due to large database. Students and staff expressed significant distress over data breaches. Some of the students described these scenarios as “crippling”. Mentioning how it left the systems unusable for weeks and causes “enormous stress” for everyone involved. As a result, recovery was “a daunting months long process” they said.
2. On campus safety
•concerns like harassment, theft or unauthorised access has prompted universities to enhance surveillance
• LMU has further introduced apps and systems to allow students and staff to quickly report incidents and request emergency assistance
• Many international students reported local police were “trustworthy” however some required clear guidance on what to do in emergencies
3. Accommodation difficulty
• international students often mentioned the struggle to find affordable housing as a major concern. One student referred to the housing search as “overwhelming and discouraging “with their high concern challenge of “navigating skyrocketing rents” in university cities like Berlin.
• few weeks back I also encountered a guy from SA who is in Germany to work, however he mentioned how stressful it has been for him to find accommodation during this time and how costly it is staying at a hotel during this time, he had difficulty navigating his way through town as he had little information about the transport services here.
Here is one solution I picked up for 1 of these problems
1. Introduce digital shadow monitoring
• introduce AI tool that continuously analyse university “digital shadow” on the dark web to promptly identify leaked credentials or research data. To reduce and furthermore stop the cybersecurity threats and invasion
Gender-based violence in university bathrooms and other academic spaces
It is a significant issue in Europe, affecting the safety of students and staff, particularly women, non-binary individuals, and members of marginalized groups. Below is an overview of the current problems, actions taken by universities, and possible solutions. Challenges:
Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence: According to the UniSAFE survey (2022), which involved 46 universities across 15 European countries, nearly 62% of respondents reported experiencing some form of gender-based violence, including sexual harassment and physical violence. Specific challenges arise in isolated spaces like bathrooms, where visibility is low and help is not easily accessible.
Low Reporting Rates: Only 13% of gender-based violence incidents in academic settings are reported. Common barriers include uncertainty about the seriousness of the incident and the lack of institutional support. This is compounded in bathroom spaces, where incidents may go unnoticed or victims feel disempowered to report.
Vulnerable Groups: LGBQ+ individuals, those with disabilities, and ethnic minorities face disproportionately higher risks, making bathrooms particularly unsafe for these populations.
Institutional Gaps: Many universities lack adequate policies or infrastructure, such as surveillance in high-risk areas or rapid response systems, to deter or address violence. Bathrooms, being isolated spaces, are often overlooked in security planning.
Solutions and Initiatives:
UniSAFE Project: This large-scale European initiative has been pivotal in studying gender-based violence in academia and creating tools to address it. They developed a toolkit to help institutions design and implement policies, including infrastructure improvements like emergency buttons and monitoring systems.
Awareness and Training: Universities are increasingly providing training for staff and students to recognize and respond to gender-based violence. For example, workshops on bystander intervention and campaigns to normalize reporting of incidents are becoming more common.
Policy Implementation: Some universities, such as those in Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain, are integrating gender-sensitive infrastructure planning, such as:
- Installing emergency buttons or phones in isolated spaces like bathrooms.
- Placing visible signs indicating the presence of security measures, which can deter perpetrators.
- Promoting gender-neutral bathroom spaces to reduce risks for transgender and non-binary individuals.
Case Studies and Community Engagement: Institutions like those in the UniSAFE study are conducting interviews and case studies to better understand gender-based violence and its impact. This helps tailor responses to specific campus needs.
Suggestions for improvement:
-
Increased Security Features: Bathrooms could be equipped with security cameras in public-accessible entryways, panic buttons, and better lighting.
-
Regular Audits: Universities should conduct regular safety audits of bathrooms and other isolated spaces.
-
Victim Support Systems: Establishing 24/7 hotlines and counseling services dedicated to incidents occurring in high-risk spaces like bathrooms.
Links:
https://unisafe-gbv.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/UniSAFE-survey_prevalence-results_2022.pdf
https://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/about/public_information/safezone.cfm
https://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/stud/domestic_abuse.cfm
https://www.hna.de/kassel/vorwuerfe-uni-kassel-sexualisierter-haeusliche-gewalt-frauen-93380723.html