Sheridan College (Ontario)
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Sheridan’s Harassment and Discrimination Policy states under the purpose section: “The Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (Sheridan) is committed to provide a working and learning environment that is free of discrimination and harassment and supportive of academic achievement and the dignity, self-esteem and fair treatment of everyone taking part in its activities. Sheridan seeks to create a climate of mutual respect that reinforces opportunity and allows for each person to contribute fully to the development and well-being of the community. Sheridan will not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination as defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code (Code).” https://www.sheridancollege.ca/about/human-rights Also posted at this URL are our Accessibility Policy, Harassment and Discrimination Policy, Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Policy, Workplace Accommodation Policy, and Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Policy, which all reiterate Sheridan’s commitment to non-discrimination.

The Centre for Equity and Inclusion (CEI) at Sheridan is responsible for consultations, education, and complaint resolution related to accessibility, human rights, and equity. CEI values intersectionality and recognizes that individuals have multiple aspects to their identity, which depending on context create unique experiences and differential points of oppression. This means that it is important that CEI includes an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and feminist lens when working with complainants and respondents in resolving harassment and discrimination concerns. Sheridan’s response to discrimination and harassment is multifaceted. It involves policy and procedures that address harassment and discrimination experienced by employees and students, including sexual violence. The relevant policies are: - Accessibility Policy - Harassment and Discrimination Policy - Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Policy - Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Policy - Workplace Accommodation Policy The procedures on how individuals that have "experienced or witnessed a bias incident, act of discrimination or hate crime" are supported are outlined in: - Resolving Harassment and Discrimination and Workplace Harassment Issues Procedure and - Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Policy and Response Protocol. These policies and related procedure documents are in alignment with Ontario Human Rights legislation and best practices, as well as Ontario’s Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act, and Ontario Health and Safely Act as it relates to Workplace Harassment. Resolving Harassment and Discrimination and Workplace Harassment Issues Procedure (see uploaded file) This Procedure outlines steps that an employee alleging experiencing harassment in the workplace can take before filing a formal complaint. The CEI provides impartial guidance, education, and resources to all persons involved in complaints and initiates efforts to resolve and investigate complaints. During the process, the anonymity of the complaintant should be maintained if the complaintant requests. The CEI attempts to conclude informal resolution efforts within 30 days to end the undesired behaviour that the complaintant has alleged. Immediate action is taken if there is a threat to personal safety. Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Policy and Response Protocol (see document on the website: https://www.sheridancollege.ca/about/human-rights) Sheridan has a Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Policy and Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Response Protocol which states that all members of the Sheridan College community have a right to a work and study in an environment that is free from any form of sexual violence. Sexual violence is a form of sex harassment and therefore discrimination. These document sets out Sheridan’s policy and response protocol to sexual violence and ensures that those who experience sexual violence are believed and their rights respected, that the College has a process of investigation that protects the rights of individuals and holds individuals who have committed an act of sexual violence accountable. Students who are survivors of sexual violence, including sexual assault, may receive support or assistance in filing a complaint, through the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office, in accordance with the Response Protocol. In 2016, CEI handled 54 complaints that were related to the Harassment and Discrimination Policy and/or the Workplace Harassment Policy. Resolving complaints through informal or alternative dispute resolution methods, where appropriate, in order to build understanding and restore positive relationships between the complainant and respondent is a focus for CEI. This resulted in 41 complaints being resolved through informal resolution and 13 being resolved through formal resolution. In addition, Sheridan’s Student Code of Conduct outlines acceptable student behaviour within our community, as well as the process that will be followed by the SRRO to investigate, adjudicate and provide sanctions when misconduct is alleged. Students have the right to appeal a sanction imposed by SRRO and can access information on the appeals procedure and specific criteria here. Where human rights issues and student conduct overlap, the Centre for Equity and Inclusion works closely with the SRRO and academic division, as well as any student service departments as appropriate, to resolve concerns while supporting all involved parties. Sheridan’s Student Code of Conduct A safe and respectful learning and work community is a cornerstone in the vision of Sheridan and further, is an underlying essential to Sheridan’s stated values of academic excellence, commitment to lifelong learning, creativity and innovation, inclusiveness and diversity, service and accountability. Sheridan’s Student Code of Conduct plays a key role in reaching Sheridan’s vision and supports Sheridan in achieving its stated values. Sheridan’s Student Conduct Process and Appeals Procedure Student violations to Sheridan’s Student Code of Conduct and/or Policies are dealt with through the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office (SRRO). The Student Conduct Process outlines the procedures followed when dealing with non-academic violations. https://www.sheridancollege.ca/life-at-sheridan/student-services/student-rights Code for Professionalism and Civility In addition to the above policies, employees are also informed about the Code for Professionalism and Civility, a standard to which all employees are expected to conduct their work and interactions with others in the Sheridan community. This Code also makes mention of respectful behaviour, particularly related to the grounds of the Ontario Human Rights Code. This, in part, allows Sheridan to address problematic behaviour that may not rise to the level of harassment or discrimination, or workplace harassment, but yet is having a negative impact on others in the Sheridan community. Collective Agreements Sheridan has two large employee groups who are covered by collective agreements: faculty (full time and partial load) and support staff. There is language in the collective agreement that also protects these members from harassment or discrimination on the basis of the grounds of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Members are informed of their options to pursue resolution through grievance and arbitration options or under Sheridan policy. PROACTIVE MEASURES Many of the policies above encourage Sheridan community members to prevent biased behaviour that could be harassing or discriminatory, though, they are often activated in a reactive, complaint resolution context. Proactively, Sheridan offers ongoing education and awareness initiatives to remind our community that Sheridan values diversity and inclusion. This year Sheridan marked a Pride month that overlapped June and July with a flag raising, workshops and educational events throughout the four weeks, drawing attention to gender and sexual diversity issues, particularly as these issues intersect with race, culture, and disability. In 2017, the Centre for Equity and Inclusion and the Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support collaborated to produce Sheridan’s first Indigenous Ceremonial Burning Protocol, which included education about practices such as smudging, pipe ceremonies, and Kulliq lighting, and streamlined processes to help Indigenous students, employees, and visitors to practice their spiritual and cultural traditions, with a minimum of bureaucracy. Annually, Sheridan marks the National Day for Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6, including a rose ceremony memorializing the 14 women who died in the Montreal massacre and events that educate the community on violence against women and woman-aligned folks. This year, special attention was given to the vulnerability of Indigenous women and girls in Canada, trans women of colour, and women with disabilities. Bystander training was offered to the community, and educator Julie Lalonde was brought in as a speaker to talk about preventing Sexual Violence. For the last two years in a row, the Centre for Equity and Inclusion has partnered with the Social Service Worker Program on events. In March, 2018, a panel discussion about mental wellness and its intersections with other identities was discussed. In March of 2017, the focus was on Transgender awareness. Both events were open to the college community. Currently, the Centre for Equity and Inclusion is developing events related to Islamophobia, and turning our attention to faith and creed based supports, including accommodations for religious, Indigenous and spiritual observances, prayer/meditation spaces, and protocols regarding faith articles such as kirpan and Indigenous regalia. The Office of the Registrar worked with the Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support on allowing Indigenous graduates to convocated wearing regalia, and a practice of presenting these graduates with an eagle feather, in recognition of their achievement. Sheridan has an Indigenous Education Council, including Sheridan employees and community members who are connected to local Indigenous communities. Sheridan is also exploring how Indigenous ways of knowing can be incorporated into the Institution, recognizing our responsibility in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report Calls to Action, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Persons. In 2017, Sheridan established a Building Positive Space committee to lead the work of developing more visibility and support for LGBTQ+ members of our college community. This group with lived experience, supported by allies and the Centre for Equity and Inclusion, meet to look at gaps in support and look for ways to improve support for students, employees and visitors to campus. This year, the group provided feedback on the Pride month activities mentioned earlier, and will support the planned implementation of a Positive Space program in the coming academic year. These are just some of the recent efforts that Sheridan has made to be proactive in creating a more intentionally inclusive place to work and learn.

Students: Accessible Learning is part of recruiting events such as Open House, Dual Credit information sessions. They are often asked to speak at community events and to school boards (Accessible Learning) In addition, the Indigenous Education Council (IEC), founded in 2017, has the collective responsibility to advise the college on challenges and barriers related to the success of Indigenous learners. The IEC was created to provide strategic direction for the college in improving the success, attainment, and retention of Indigenous learners at Sheridan. Furthermore, the IEC will address the needs of both prospective and current students by providing strategic directions for enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. The Council will work in collaborative efforts with the institution to provide practical tools and opportunities for faculty and staff to improve growth opportunities. None for staff and faculty members. (Sheridan does not have an employment equity program or any special programs that I am aware of designed to recruit and retain employee from marginalized/traditionally under-represented groups.)

Accessible Parking LGBTQ+ student clubs at Davis and Trafalgar campuses (Sheridan Student Union) Counselling services Group for students living with autism spectrum disorders Multi-faith Prayer room at all campuses Sheridan focuses on improving access and success for underrepresented groups including: 1. Indigenous students The Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support is part of Sheridan's commitment to support the academic and personal success of all Indigenous students: Status, Non-Status, Metis, and Inuit. The Centre: Is grounded in the teachings of acceptance, inclusion, compassion, good-mindedness, and the seventh generation principle. Celebrates and recognizes the cultures of Indigenous peoples through teachings, cultural events and student engagement. Supports all faculty, staff, and students in learning more about Indigenous cultures of Canada. Encourages all students to maintain their cultural identity within Sheridan. Strives to create a safe and supportive environment for our students and families as we recognize the importance of our identity as Indigenous people within the framework of Sheridan. Indigenous Education Council The Indigenous Education Council (IEC) has the collective responsibility to advise the college on challenges and barriers related to the success of Indigenous learners. Founded in 2017, the IEC was created to provide strategic direction for the college in improving the success, attainment, and retention of Indigenous learners at Sheridan The Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support is committed to providing services to support First Nations (Status/Non-Status), Metis and Inuit students' success. Here are some of the support services they provide: Support for New and Prospective Students Organize an Orientation Session at the beginning of each academic year. Connect new students with a peer mentor at the beginning of each academic year. Assist prospective students with their application and portfolios when applying to Sheridan. Help with the students Pathways into Sheridan. Financial Aid Support Indigenous student, including First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students, may be eligible to receive specialized government support for post-secondary education including: First Nations Band Funding Ontario Student Assistant Program Scholarship/Bursaries Inspire Other funding options Indigenous Elders The Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support offers the opportunity to meet with Elders for support, guidance, and teachings. Elder in Residence Bertha Skye is available every Thursday. Recruitment The Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support work closely with Sheridan's recruitment team to let future students know about the diverse academic programming and exciting Indigenous Community at Sheridan. https://www.sheridancollege.ca/life-at-sheridan/student-services/indigenous-learning-and-support/about 2. Students with disabilities: (Approved) Accessible Learning facilitates equitable access for eligible students with disabilities by coordinating appropriate academic accommodations and support services. Accommodation plans and services are tailored to correspond with the disability-related needs of each student and are determined based on the documentation provided and program specific requirements such as: Testing Accommodations: Eligibility for extended test time scribes or readers can be determined in consultation with the Accessible Learning Advisor/Counsellor. Note taking and Photocopying Notes: Instructors and/or students may identify note takers with the assistance of the Accessible Learning staff. Extended Program (Reduced Program Course load): Students may reduce the number of courses they take at one time. Interpreters and Computerized Note taker for the Hearing Impaired: Students are entitled to their choice of either Sign Language Interpreting Service or Computerized Note taking Service. Peer Mentors/Tutoring: Peer Mentors for organizational issues, time management etc. Lockers: Accessible Learning has reserved lockers throughout the College. Taped Texts/Alternate Format Texts: Students requiring books on CD or through AERO must contact Accessible learning who will place an order for the required materials. Due to copyright laws, students must purchase the book. Print Enlargements: Equipment for enlarging print is available at Accessible Learning. Specialized Equipment/Software: Specialized equipment such as adaptive devices can be accessed through Accessible Learning or in the Assistive Technology Labs. Support Group for Students with Autism: FACE IT . (https://www.thessu.ca/clubs/faceit) Enhanced Services for students: Services of Learning Strategists and Assistive Technologists to support academic challenges. Learning Strategist that will assist students in developing learning approaches that use their existing skills and build on the strengths. Students work on an individual basis or in small groups to achieve success Bursary for Students with Disabilities through OSAP: approve eligibility to the BSWD fund for disability-related educational expenses. Assess study skills and routines in order to maximize the use of time Transition programming for students with disabilities - summer Transition Sessions, Through Your Lens (for students with autism), STEPS, and Next STEPS https://www.sheridancollege.ca/life-at-sheridan/student-services/accessible-learning-services/about 3. International students: The international centre offer transition programming to help international students become familiar with Sheridan through a comprehensive range of services including social and cultural integration such as: Workshops and advisement services Information on study permits, work permits and temporary resident visas (TRV) Enrollment Verification Letters Health insurance, SIN (Social Insurance Number), scholarship and bursary information Peer-to-peer support through international student peer mentors On and off-campus social activities to help acclimatize international students to Sheridan and the community Outbound and inbound exchange support https://www.sheridancollege.ca/admissions/international-centre/current-students

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