MacEwan University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

(1) Harassment: Grant MacEwan University is committed to maintaining an educational and working environment that is free from all forms of harassment. Harassment is a serious offense that will not be tolerated and it is the responsibility of all administration, faculty, staff and students to create an environment that is free of harassment. MacEwan recognizes its responsibility to deal efficiently, effectively and fairly with allegations of harassment. The reporting of all incidents of harassment, regardless of who the potential offender may be, is encouraged. https://www.macewan.ca/contribute/groups/public/documents/policy/harassment.pdf (2) Respectful workplace MacEwan is committed to building and sustaining a respectful workplace which is both diverse and inclusive. The workplace culture is founded upon understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of every person. In practice, MacEwan's efforts are grounded in an institution-wide commitment to excellence, understanding that the pursuit of excellence is advanced and sustained by a culture that is free from discrimination and harassment. MacEwan works in partnership with its employees to integrate these principles into all aspects of the MacEwan work experience, ensuring that individuals are treated equitably and that they are not denied opportunity for reasons unrelated to merit or other legitimate grounds. https://www.macewan.ca/contribute/groups/public/documents/policy/respectful_workplace.pdf (3) Sexual Violence Policy Grant MacEwan University (the "University") recognizes that Sexual Violence can occur between individuals regardless of sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, or relationship status. The University is committed to promoting and maintaining an educational and working environment free from all forms of Sexual Violence, supporting equitable relations, and fostering a community founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth of all its members. The University prohibits all acts of Sexual Violence; therefore, it is the responsibility of all Members of the University Community to promote an environment that is free of Sexual Violence and to be knowledgeable about this policy and associated procedures. https://www.macewan.ca/contribute/groups/public/documents/policy/responding_sexual_violnce_proc.pdf (4) Students with Disabilities MacEwan shall take all reasonable measures, short of undue hardship, to provide accommodation to students with disabilities. The reasonable accommodation of students with disabilities shall not require MacEwan to lower its standards, academic or otherwise, nor shall it relieve a student of the responsibility to develop and demonstrate the essential skills and competencies expected of all students pursuing post-secondary studies. https://www.macewan.ca/contribute/groups/public/documents/policy/students_with_disabilities.pdf (5) Barrier Free Access and Accommodation MacEwan University is committed to designing and constructing new and existing facilities that reasonably accommodate access by members of the MacEwan University community. Further, MacEwan University is committed to the application of barrier-free design principles in the design and construction of new facilities. https://www.macewan.ca/contribute/groups/public/documents/policy/barrier_free_access.pdf

(1) MacEwan University Policy: MacEwan University is committed to creating inclusive and respectful learning environments. All students, staff and faculty at MacEwan University are protected by the Harassment Policy (D1125). Anyone who has experienced or witnessed harassment or discrimination of any kind can contact a counsellor in the Student Life office or the Human Resources Department (where staff or faculty are involved) for assistance in reporting incidences. https://www.macewan.ca/wcm/StudentAffairs/MacEwanDiversityProject/Services/index.htm (2) If someone witnesses unwanted, uncomfortable or unethical behavior, either as an employee or as a student, they can report their concerns to the Confidence Line. Their anonymity will be protected and they will be directed to the MacEwan service that can help them best. Confidence Line 1-800-661-9675 City Centre Campus 10700 - 104 Avenue Edmonton, AB (3) Sexual Violence Response Committee: Complainants, Reporters and/or Survivors should file Complaints with University Security Services as soon as possible after the alleged Sexual Violence occurs. A Complaint can be filed by any person and must be made in writing. Filing a Complaint does not prohibit and/or constitute reporting under other reporting regimes. The Sexual Violence Response Team is chaired by the General Counsel and Vice-President Governance, Diversity and Inclusion and includes representatives from Human Resouces, Security Services and Student Affairs.The SVRT reviews all complaints of sexual violence, appoints investigators, makes recommendations for discipline, and ensures that individuals impacted by a sexual violence complaint are connected with appropriate supports and kept informed of the complaint process. The SVRT is responsible for ensuring a trauma-informed response and for upholding procedural fairness For more information see: https://www.macewan.ca/contribute/groups/public/documents/policy/responding_sexual_violnce_proc.pdf

The university is undertaking the development of a new strategic plan. One of the key strategic directions outlined in the draft framework is to be a national leader in the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. Under this direction, the university will look at strengthening our policies and practices in support of diversity and equity in hiring practices for both faculty and staff. A diversity declaration posted on the careers page highlights the university’s commitment to diversity and equity. Currently the Public Safety and Justice Studies is offering equity admission for Indigenous students. A foundations program is being developed to recruit Indigneous and International students for Jan 2019. The Services for Students with Disabilities's existence as a department is a recruitment tool for Students with Disabilities.Outreach when high schools approach MacEwan; not a formal recruitment tool.

The Indigenous Centre staff are available to all MacEwan community members to consult and assist with understanding the Aboriginal community and its cultural diversity. The AEC can also provide support to faculty and staff who are seeking Aboriginal guest speakers to share their knowledge.The AEC offers a diverse range of services, such as: - Academic Counselling - Personal Support Services - Cultural Programming & Activities - Elders Support Services for personal guidance and traditional teachings Peer Support Program: Students' Association of MacEwan University's Peer Support is a volunteer-based supportive listening program where students can share their concerns and gain access to professional resources in a supportive and confidential environment. Peer Support volunteers are available to actively listen to student concerns, facilitate discussion with students and refer them to outside services such as the counseling services available through MacEwan Student Life. With Peer Support, volunteers have the opportunity to develop supportive listening skills, practice confidentiality and build relationships. http://samu.ca/get-involved/volunteer/peer-support/ Wellness and Psychological Services: Professional counselors in Student Life help students with individual student development and building resiliency and decision making skills to support academic and life success. They can provide information on coming out, being out, working on personal issues, and more. U-SOLVE: U-SOLVE (University Students Offering Leadership for Violence Elimination) is a partnership between MacEwan University and the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton, funded by Status of Women Canada. Their mission is to create and implement a sustainable response to gender-based violence on campus. Their goal is to develop student focused measures that reflect intersectional feminist principles and promote diversity and respect for all people. InQUEERies: InQUEERies is a student group that welcomes all LGBTQ+, straight, and allied students. The group aims to promote diversity at MacEwan University in social and educational settings. They can provide students with LGBTTQ information and guidance. University Studies International (USI) program: The USI program at MacEwan has knowledgeable academic advisors to assist international students with achieving their academic goals through proper academic planning. All USI students must meet with their program advisor before registering in any courses. All USI students also meet with their academic advisor at least once during each term to review their progress and discuss their future plans. International Student Counsellors: International student counsellors, located in the Student Life office, have expertise and specialized skills in cross-cultural counselling. They can assist international students that experience difficulties due to cultural adjustment and intercultural differences. Services to Students with Disabilities: Services to Students with Disabilities (SSD) offers a range of services to foster the full and self-directed participation of students with disabilities in courses and other academic activities. Their services include: - Review documentation of disability - Identify disability-related accommodations and services - Develop individual accommodation and service plans - Prepare accommodation letters for teaching faculty - Coordinate disability-related accommodations and services - Provide educational and career planning advice - Assist with funding applications for services and technology - Coach students to develop self-advocacy skills - Communicate with faculty and staff about accommodating students with disabilities