Process for Student Concerns

If you are a student or you are supporting a student with a concern related to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), follow the steps outlined in the process map.

For process map related questions, please email diversity@wlu.ca.

Understanding Your EDI-Related Concerns

Guiding Questions

Is your concern related to identity, oppression, discrimination or unfair treatment?

• If yes, follow the remainder of the process.

Are you unsure whether or not this is an EDI concern?

• If so, reach out to us by emailing diversity@wlu.ca and we can help to determine the next steps.

Process Map for Student Concerns

1. Assess Physical and Psychological Safety

Assess the situation:

• Are you safe physically? Psychologically?
• If you are in danger, refer to Special Constable Services, Student Wellness Centre, Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management (OHRCM), and/or other units, if action is required.

2. Contact CSEDI with High-Level Information

Information to include:

• Parties involved (e.g., “I have become aware of a student who has experienced x in residence”)
• Safety considerations (e.g., “the student is safe and is seeking guidance about potential actions”)
• Dates/documentation considering consent and confidentiality (e.g., “On x date, this situation occurred and I’m unsure about what do next. The student has provided consent to contact your office”)

3. CSEDI Responds with Options

Options may include:

• Systems navigation and referrals for formal/informal complaint processes.
• Recommendations for educational resources and/or opportunities (e.g., workshops, discussions, experiential or research-based opportunities)
• Connection to peer and student-led collectives within the CSEDI (e.g., The Association of Black Students, The Muslim Students’ Association)

4. Coordinating Responses

Supports and actions may include:

• Health and Wellness: Provides individual counselling and referrals to community
  resources and services.
• Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management (OHRCM): Provides educational and safety support/planning as well as formal and informal complaint processes (see policy 6.1 Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination and policy 12.4 The Prevention of Sexual Violence Policy and Procedures).
• Dean of Students/Care Team: Provides planning and resource access (i.e., supports, financial guidance) via student care coordinators.
• Student Conduct Office: Provides information and actions pursued through the
  Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct (see Policy 12.3).
• Associate Vice-President EDI: Provides responses to EDI-related concerns that occur in the classroom or involve faculty members

5. Continued Guidance

Guidance may include:

• Debriefing and follow-up reflection of processes.
• Intergroup communication between parties and units.