Ontario Tech University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

UOIT recognizes the dignity and worth of every member of the university community and provides for equal rights and opportunities, free of discrimination and harassment, in the understanding that academic excellence can only be achieved when all members of the community are free to work, teach, and learn in
an environment which does not exclude or discriminate against them.

https://shared.ontariotechu.ca/shared/department/accessibility/documents/HARASSMENT%20AND%20DISCRIMINATION%20POLICY%20.pdf

Harassment and Discrimination Policy
https://usgc.ontariotechu.ca/policy/policy-library/policies/legal,-compliance-and-governance/harassment-and-discrimination-policy.php

Harassment and Discrimination Procedures
https://usgc.ontariotechu.ca/policy/policy-library/policies/legal,-compliance-and-governance/harassment-and-discrimination-procedures.php

Policy Against Violence, Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace
https://usgc.ontariotechu.ca/policy/policy-library/policies/legal,-compliance-and-governance/policy-against-violence,-harassment-and-discrimination-in-the-workplace.php

Upon receiving an Incident Report, Human Resources or General Counsel will immediately determine whether interim measures are necessary, considering the severity of the allegations, and the potential risks to Ontario Tech Members. For example, an Employee may be placed on paid, administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation, or may be required to refrain from interacting with the Complainant or other witnesses. Normally, a Complainant will not be required to interact with a Respondent during the Reporting Process or a related investigation. Further interim measures will be implemented where reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances. As necessary, Human Resources or General Counsel will consult with others, such as the manager(s) of the Complainant and Respondent, and the Office of Campus Safety, on a confidential basis, to determine additional interim measures. Human Resources or General Counsel will provide employees University-based or community base resources (that may include but are not limited to counseling supports https://hr.ontariotechu.ca/healthy-workplace/sexual-violence-response-and-prevention/resources.php or https://hr.ontariotechu.ca/healthy-workplace/Wellness_Resources/mental-health-resources.php).

The University will not penalize an Employee for submitting a Report in good faith, or for participating in a related investigation. The University will respect the privacy of individuals involved in Reports and investigations, ensuring information about a Report is not disclosed, except to the extent necessary to investigate, take corrective action, implement measures to protect the health and safety of Employees, or as otherwise required by law.

Dr. Alyson King focuses on developing pathways to a positive educational experience for underrepresented students (https://ontariotechu.ca/experts/fssh/alyson-king.php#tabSpeakingengagements). The university's Registrars Office completes student recruitment sessions with underrepresnted groups (targeting high schools in high-risk/underrepresented communities)

Ontario Tech U works to build institutional capacity to support equity for underrepresented populations in post-secondary education. In May 2018, the University’s fourth President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Steven Murphy affirmed the university’s commitment toward greater equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). The President’s Equity Taskforce (PET) was quickly established to reinforce the university’s core values, provide venues for open dialogue and initiate consultation across the university and with external stakeholders on EDI-related topics. https://ontariotechu.ca/about/office-of-the-president/presidents-equity-taskforce/index.php

Job postings by university's Human Resource department (for all staff and faculty postitions), contain the following statmenet: "Ontario Tech University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify the Human Resources Department. For more information about the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’s Accessibility Policy."

Examples of current work at Ontario Tech University include:

A Letter of Understanding between Ontario Tech University and its Faculty Association encouraging more deliberate strategies for becoming an equitable and inclusive organization;
Active bystander training for students and employees;
Policies and procedures for students and employees to oppose sexual violence;
A working group to address new equity and diversity requirements of the
Canada Research Chair program;
A team of Student Equity Ambassadors who develop and deliver programming
on inclusivity, equity, wellness, and social change;
A Women in Science Committee to discuss issues facing female researchers at
our institution and in their broader disciplinary environments.
These disparate initiatives underscore the need for a more coordinated institutional strategy. Already it is clear that addressing discriminatory practices at the university requires:

Investigating and naming the issues faced by those discriminated against;
Acknowledging the impact of discrimination;
Constructing, with those affected, viable solutions and remedies; and
Implementing practices that reduce discrimination and inequity.https://ontariotechu.ca/about/office-of-the-president/presidents-equity-taskforce/index.php

Student Life provides a variety of programs for all students, including underrepresented groups
- https://studentlife.ontariotechu.ca/services/equity-and-inclusion/index.php
https://studentlife.ontariotechu.ca/services/health-and-wellness/index.php
Peer Leader Program is a peer mentoring program that primarily offers support to first-year and incoming students as they transition into the University, but is opened to all students, when needed.
https://studentlife.ontariotechu.ca/services/community/transition/peer-leader-program/index.php

The Indigenous Resource Centre is an inclusive space that offers the following programs and services to help Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to learn and succeed at Ontario Tech U:

Aboriginal Student Circle
Admissions assistance
Assistance with sponsorship, scholarships and bursaries
Campus tours
Educational resources
Indigenous advisors
Sacred space to gather, relax or study
Traditional ceremonies
Traditional feasts
Traditional teachings and crafts
Visiting Elders
Voluntary self-identification for those of Indigenous ancestry
Volunteer opportunities

Furthermore, Ontario Tech U offers all employees access to free, confidential employee family assistance program and extended health care (including psychological support) in Ontario Tech U’s benefits program.

The Equity and Inclusivity Advisor is an on-campus staff member who:
-Analyzes trends and issues identifying patterns and systemic problems and provides recommendations.
-Designs, promotes, facilitates and supports educational training programs for students, staff and faculty.
-Develops and facilitates programs, policies, initiatives and communication material that aim to educate on and create awareness about equity, inclusivity, consent, human rights and social justice.
-Provides space on campus for students to share their lived experiences in a confidential manner as well as offering support to those who seek to disclose incidents involving marginalization.
-Serves as a representative for the university at various other institutions and events that pertain to equity and inclusivity
-Works in collaboration with staff and faculty to create and maintain standard operating procedures that are proactive in nature, informed by current human rights principles and practices and address the evolving needs of students in the areas of human rights and inclusivity.

All employees (both faculty and staff) have access to the free Employee Family Assistance Program which not only provides employees access to an advisor (for councelling, legal advice, etc.) but access to extensive information on various community services and support groups, as well as a willingness to research a wide range of problems to assist each individual with their varied and unique situation https://hr.ontariotechu.ca/healthy-workplace/Employee_Assistance_Program/index.php.

If students choose Mixed-Gender Housing and would no longer like a co-ed roommate, please notify the Resident Advisor on your floor. This goes for all other related accommodations; together with the student and the Resident Advisor they will work towards a resolution to best fit the required needs, on a case by case basis. https://ontariotechuresidence.ca/faq/#28