There are two key words here: one is education, and the other is bridge-building.

Much prejudice – of all kinds – is probably based on ignorance and negative stereotyping. If you wanted, you could start by doing a little fact-finding to discover what principle issues worry your fellow students or staff and address those first.

You can tackle this directly, but positively, by holding a series of events such as a short information series to counter any misconceptions staff and students may have about Muslims. Check out our comprehensive guide on organising events.

You could also write material for any student publications in your university. What about a whole series, or a regular column in fact? Why not suggest that Jewish, Hindu or Sikh students also be encouraged to write a column so that there are no accusations of bias or special treatment?

Secondly, there are other highly effective ways to combat prejudice in a more pragmatic way. One of the implied lessons from research at Harvard into issues around prejudice, the Implicit Associations Project is that having positive associations of a group is the key factor in thinking well of them and overcoming prejudice.

Give other people a positive experience of Muslims and of Islam by being that positive experience.

Some ways you can do it - by:

• participating in a positive and supportive way in their projects and events and organisations
• treating others who are not Muslim with respect and friendliness and acceptance
• holding interesting, enjoyable and welcoming events yourselves
• joining forces with others to make common cause on important issues, concerns, values that you all share

You might want to organise some events. Make sure your facilitators are all equipped with expertise in listening and chairing.

Consider an activity that might improve people's listening and speaking skills to maximise understanding and minimise conflict.

If there are specific issues and grievances to be resolved, do some fact-finding reconnoitre in a low-key way to find out the point of view of the other side. If you intend to bring the parties together, keep emotions calm. The more feelings run high, the less people are to accept or even understand another point of view. Brief yourself and any other key players on information and strategies for encouraging reflective thinking, not emotive reacting.

How to create and sustain good relationships:

• Maintain an atmosphere of respect, equality, tolerance, and openness
• Be willing to listen, and listen until you really understand
• Demonstrate your understanding by reporting and responding to their views accurately and without distortion
• Find or create common ground and a shared, higher purpose you all commit yourselves to
• Don't just pursue your agenda: listen to and deliver on their concerns and needs. Be as concerned about the issues that damage and threaten them as you are about the issues that you are concerned about
• Be worthy of trust: deliver on their concerns, be even-handed, keep promises, and where you can't deliver on their expectations, tell them and explain why
• Ask for their help and support: demonstrate in action your trust and respect
• Create and follow through on providing benefits to partnership
• Provide support, encouragement, and resources for their social supportive infrastructure, special needs or events if you are in that position.
• Back them when they need it.

Characteristics of a healthy atmosphere:

• Willingness to listen and understand each others' views
• Concern and attentiveness to others' needs
• Visible fairness and equality
• Reciprocity is a key test of fairness in most people's eyes: where co-operation or commitment are requested, they are also given in turn
• Respect manifested in words, actions, policies as well as interpersonal conduct
• Commitment to act on their concerns, rights, vulnerabilities
• Two-way trust
• Support made real in practical matters as well as 'good intentions'