Simon Fraser University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

SFU's Human Rights Policy (GP 18): http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/general/gp18.html Simon Fraser University promotes teaching, scholarship and research, and the free and critical discussion of ideas. The University is committed to providing a working and learning environment that allows for the full and free participation of all members of the University community. Discrimination undermines these objectives, violates the fundamental rights, personal dignity and integrity of individuals or groups of individuals and may require remedial action by the University. Harassment is a form of discrimination that is prohibited under this Policy and may result in the imposition of disciplinary sanctions including, where appropriate, dismissal or permanent suspension. This Policy responds to the University's responsibility under the Human Rights Code of British Columbia (“the Human Rights Code”) to prevent discrimination, to provide procedures to handle complaints, to resolve problems, and to remedy situations when a violation of this Policy occurs. The University offers educational and training programs designed to support the administration of this Policy and to ensure that all members of the University community are aware of their responsibilities under the Human Rights Code and this Policy. The institution's no discrimination policy statement with respect to employees can be found here: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/administrative/ad9-14.html

SFU is a large organization with various layers and complexities, for that reason, support provided by the institution and the response protocol depends on the nature of the incident reported. In most cases, the first response is provided by SFU's Human Rights Office where it handles any Human Rights Complaint cases initiated by the SFU community. SFU's Human Rights Policy (GP 18) applies to all members of the university community, including all students and employees. This policy covers, discrimination, harassment based on a prohibited ground of discrimination, sexual harassment and personal harassment. The Human Rights Office offers mediation, referral to University-based and community resources, such as the Ombudsperson, Health and Counseling, and referral to formal investigation. SFU's Human Rights office publishes an annual report each year to ensure transparency of its office's work, including type of response provided. It can be accessed at: http://www.sfu.ca/humanrights/annual-reports.html Individuals experiencing hate crime are referred to Campus Public Safety (CPS) where they are provided with the necessary support to stay safe on campus http://www.sfu.ca/srs.html See also: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/general/gp25.html In a situation involving students (where both parties are students) the Student Conduct Coordinator, managing the Student Code of Conduct would step in https://www.sfu.ca/students/studentconduct.html If the situation is related to sexual violence, the Sexual Violence Support & Prevention Office would step in http://www.sfu.ca/sexual-violence See also: Sexual Violence and Misconduct Prevention, Education and Support Policy here: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/general/gp44.html In each of the above cases, SFU provides the necessary support to ensure that SFU is a safe and secure environment to live, learn and to work in. Furthermore, all students, staff and faculty have access to counselling through SFU's Health and Counselling as well as the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

In January 2018, SFU introduced a new Interim Aboriginal University Preparation Program (IAUPP) that prepares Indigenous students to succeed in pursuing undergraduate studies in the academic program of their choice at SFU. The program’s learning environment affirms and integrates Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, and offers mentorship and support as students take first-year academic credit and non-credit courses that help ensure a successful transition to undergraduate studies. SFU’s Human Resources website states that SFU is committed to employment equity and SFU faculty postings often contain a statement inviting applications from members of underrepresented groups. SFU's Employment Equity policy (GP 19) requires that no individual be denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications, such as gender or race. Consistent with this principle, the University provides training for search and appointment committees, to ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University. SFU has been actively recruiting Indigenous faculty who can help the university bring Indigenous perspectives to the classroom and support the university’s efforts to address issues of decolonization and reconciliation. In addition to the over 20 Indigenous faculty currently working at SFU, there are several more appointments anticipated in 2018/19.

SFU offers numerous programs through Health and Counseling, Student Services, SFU International, Human Resources and Faculty Relations in support of students, staff and faculty from underrepresented groups. A few examples are highlighted below: All SFU students have free and confidential access to a team of trained psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses, and clinical counsellors. An Indigenous Clinical Counsellor is available at the ISC to help Indigenous students meet the challenges of achieving their academic and personal potential. Furthermore, international students at SFU can work with a Transition Case Manager to manage school stress, find housing, understand documents or Canadian services. EAL (English as an Additional Language) Peer Educators speak English as a first language and are linked with students for whom English is an additional language. The goals are to help EAL students improve their command of English, strengthen discussion skills, broaden their level of verbal self-expression, and build friendships across the SFU community. The Global Community Mentorship Program (GCMP) is a volunteer program designed to promote intercultural communication, understanding, and friendships between SFU students of culturally diverse backgrounds. The program supports cultural adjustment and strives to encourage supportive connections across cultures. Mentors provide students with information about resources and opportunities at SFU that might be of interest, invite them to social and cultural events on and off campus, and answer questions about day-to-day life in Canada. The Elders at the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) have a unique position at SFU that offers a variety of support to students. This program recognizes the value and importance of Elders in the Indigenous and university communities. Students may choose to receive support and guidance from Elders, who are from diverse backgrounds and hold distinct traditional knowledge. Furthermore, the ISC works in collaboration with Academics First Tutoring Program to pair students with tutors. The tutoring program provides support for 100 and 200 level courses in the areas of math and science. Generally, we can pair students with a tutor in 100 an 200 level courses in Business, Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Criminology, Economics, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Statistics. The ISC will provide an hour of tutoring per week (up to 13 weeks) for currently enrolled First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students. The ISC Peer Cousin Mentorship Program connects senior SFU Indigenous students with students who may be new to the SFU community, have questions about university, or are looking to meet other Indigenous students at SFU. The Interfaith Centre seeks to facilitate living one’s faith, to support the spiritual well-being of students, staff and faculty, and to increase the understanding of and respect for religious beliefs and practices across all three campuses. Over 1200 individual students use the centre weekly and countless community members join them in various faith activities. Additionally, the centre runs over 100 weekly discussion groups, hold interfaith dialogues and with the combined effort of numerous faith groups, put on the annual SFU Interfaith Non-Violence Day. The Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD) is dedicated to the overall academic development, retention and personal growth of all students at SFU. This includes a commitment to the continual improvement of educational accessibility for students with disabilities. CSD provides support and services for students with disabilities, to mitigate the effect of a student’s disability on learning. All SFU employees have free and confidential access to Homewood Health's Employee & Family Assistance Program. SFU provides expert immigration counsel to the SFU community on the interpretation of the Immigration Act and its regulations pertaining to the recruitment and retention of international employees and students. We consult and advise international employees and students coming to SFU on matters related to immigration processes in order to facilitate their smooth transition to Canada. SFU WEST, is a virtual gathering place designed to support SFU’s female students, staff, and faculty in engineering, science, and technology. SFU WEST (Women in Engineering, Science and Technology) aims to be an umbrella organization for the various groups active in engineering, science and technology. Through SFU WEST, these groups can network, share resources and ideas, and promote events that provide women the opportunity to feel connected and guided in their pursuit of careers and opportunities in engineering, science and technology.