Policy review
Equity and Human Rights is leading the review of the University of Victoria’s Discrimination and Harassment Policy. This policy is essential to UVic’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable campus community.
This review is an opportunity to set new standards for and renew our commitments to preventing and responding to Discrimination and Harassment.
Note: If you are interested in learning more about options for reporting discrimination and harassment, please contact Sam Lall at eqhr01@uvic.ca. Additional support options are found on our get support page.
About the Policy
Revising the Discrimination and Harassment Policy (the current policy before revisions is linked) will instill and cultivate institutional, collective and individual responsibility to create an environment and culture free from discrimination and harassment. In addition to defining various forms of prohibited behaviours at UVic, the review of the Discrimination and Harassment Policy plans to clarify the responsibilities of various UVic groups in preventing and responding to discrimination and harassment.
The revised Policy and its related procedures will outline how someone can bring forward reports or concerns of discrimination or harassment, what support someone who has experienced harm can expect to receive and various options for addressing harm.
The Policy applies to and supports all members of the University community, including but not limited to:
- students (including credit and non-credit students, distance students and continuing studies students);
- faculty, librarians and staff members;
- post-doctoral fellows and visiting researchers;
- university leaders (including the members of Board of Governors and Senate).
Timeline
Phase 1: Explore key policy-related topics (January - June 2023)
Phase 2: Gather community input (September - October 2023)
Phase 3: Feedback on draft policy (January 2024)
Phase 4: Board approvals and report to community (May 2024)
Phase 1: Explore key policy-related topics
January - June 2023 (Completed)
In January 2023, the Learning and Advisory Committee (LAC) was established to engage members of the University Community in the initial policy draft and consultation design. The LAC was made up of students, staff, faculty, and senior administrators from across campus. This group’s role was to support policy review by engaging in deep learning and thoughtful discussion on key topic areas and by designing community engagement including consultation questions for the broader University community.
Phase 2: Gather community input
September - October 2023 (Completed)
University community members were invited to provide feedback by completing an online survey, hosting their own consultation using our discussion guide or attending an open house event. Feedback has been used to inform key policy sections.
Phase 3: Feedback on draft policy
January 2024
After revising the Discrimination and Harassment Policy based on community consultation, we shared a draft policy for feedback. From January 15 to January 29, students, staff, faculty, and broader community members were invited to review the policy along with the following supporting documents:
- What We Heard Report – this report offers a snapshot of the feedback we received in phase 2 and how that has informed the current draft
- Policy Review Primer – this deck of slides highlights key policy sections for those interested in providing feedback who do not wish to review the entire policy
- Summary of Procedures – the final policy will be accompanied by supporting procedures, we’ve summarised them for your consideration
Phase 4: Board approvals and report to community
June 2024
After final revisions, we anticipate the revised Policy and Procedures will go to the Board of Governors for approval. After the approval process is complete, EQHR will report to the community and the updated policy will take effect.