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Safety and Security
Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to providing an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment; a place where all individuals are treated with respect. All Laurier residence students must abide by Wilfrid Laurier University’s Harassment and Discrimination Policy.
Typically, the resolution of complaints and investigations related to Harassment and Discrimination (Policy 6.1: Prevention of Harassment, Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct) are conducted by the Office of Human Rights & Conflict Management, who may make recommendations to the Department of Residence regarding possible outcomes. The Department of Residence and the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management work in collaboration on these cases and outcomes may be enacted by either office.
Students found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to a review of their status in residence and potentially be reported to the university’s Harassment and Discrimination Officer. All reported instances of harassment and discrimination will be dealt with in a manner that respects the privacy of all involved.
Discrimination: Any conduct, whether intentional or unintentional, that results in adverse treatment of a Laurier community member on the basis of race, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, gender, ability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, etc.
Harassment: Any attention or conduct (oral, written, graphic or physical) by an individual or group who knows or ought reasonably to know, that such attention or conduct is unwelcome/unwanted, humiliating, offensive or intimidating. Harassment can come in many forms including, but not limited to: bullying,
racial slurs, sexual harassment and hazing.
Bullying: Bullying can be defined as engaging in conduct that is seen to be humiliating or demeaning to another person or coercing others to commit a similar act. Bullying may occur in various ways, including physically, verbally, socially, and more commonly today, via internet-based, text messaging and social media platforms.
As per Laurier's Firearms and Offensive Weapons policy:
3.01 It is forbidden to be in possession of weapons (including explosives), ammunition, bullets, cartridges and/or firearms of any kind on any campus or other Wilfrid Laurier University controlled facility.
3.02 Items such as swords, archery equipment such as bows, crossbows, arrows, knives with blades over four inches, paint ball guns, replica firearms, sling shots or any other homemade weapon that may be possessed legally, must be stored at an off campus facility. Those persons wishing to store an item or to obtain special permission to use a legal weapon at a university controlled facility (eg. martial arts demonstration or club) should contact Special Constable Services for more information.
Residence-specific expectations related to weapons (including replicas) are outlined in Section 5 of the Residence Code of Conduct.
Gendered violence is any subtle or overt action or attitude that establishes, exploits and/or reinforces gender inequities resulting in physical, sexual, emotional, economic or mental harm. Sexual assault is any type of unwanted sexual act done by one person to another. Any kind of contact without mutual consent is sexual assault. Students who have experienced gendered violence and/or sexual assault may wish to contact any of the following resources for support:
- Residence Life Don
- Residence Life Area Coordinator
- Residence Life Manager
- Special Constable Services
- Office of Human Rights & Conflict Management
- Sexual Assault Support Centre of Brantford or Waterloo Region
It is the right of all Laurier residence students to be safe from bodily harm, the threat of bodily harm or any form of threat, including but not limited to verbal, electronic messages, written messages and graffiti. It is also the right of Laurier residence students to be free of damage to personal property. The Department of Residence will not tolerate violence or the threat of violence.
Residence students at Laurier must abide by and respect all the laws of Canada, the Province of Ontario, the Human Rights Code of Canada and rules and regulations set out by Wilfrid Laurier University, including the Student Code of Conduct. Any violation of the aforementioned laws, regulations and rights may lead to interventions by any of the following:
- The Department of Residence
- Special Constable Services
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- Regional Police
Security
Your Responsibility
Residence students must share responsibility for their building’s safety and security. It is each resident’s responsibility to follow these guidelines:
- Keep your door locked at all times.
- Do not lend your room keys out or leave them unattended.
- Do not leave valuables in a visible location.
- Identify all personal belongings.
- Do not open doors for people or allow people into residence if they are not personally known to you.
- Report any suspicious person(s) or behaviour to Residence Life staff or Special Constable Service immediately.
- Do not prop any doors open.
- Secure your windows when you are out of your room.
- Report all damaged locks, lights or other safety hazards immediately to your Residence Life Don.
- Ensure your personal belongings are covered under an insurance policy.
Duty Don(s)
Residence Staff are available for support as Duty Dons daily from 8 p.m. - 8 a.m. Residents can connect with a Duty Don by calling the Duty Don phone number posted within the building. Residents can expect that the Duty Dons in their area will walk throughout their building during this time in order to get to know the students in the building and to ensure the Residence Community Standards are being upheld.
You should call the duty phone in the following situations:
- You or someone in residence needs immediate support from a Residence Staff Member. For example, you are concerned for your safety and/or security.
- Non-emergency medical issues. In case of emergency please connect with Laurier's Special Constable Service through the SAFEHawk app.
- If you are locked out of your assigned residence space.
- Facilities concerns (outside of Duty Don hours of operation concerns can be reported to your Don directly).
- If you observe or experience behaviour that does not align with the Residence Community Principles.
Assisting Authorities
Students must clearly and honestly identify themselves to all Residence Life staff and other persons in authority when asked to do so. Residents shall comply with instructions given by the Residence Life team at all times.
Medical Emergency
If you or someone you know is in need of medical assistance in residence, please connect with Laurier’s Special Constable Service through the SAFEHawk app. Residents may also contact the Duty Don or locate a Residence Life Staff member for support.
Fire Safety
During your stay in residence, it's important to know the fire evacuation expectations and procedures to ensure your safety. During O-Week, make sure you attend the fire safety training sessions.
Keys
Do not lend your keys. Students lending keys will be subject to the residence conduct process. Report lost or broken keys.