Respectful Workplace and Learning Environments
What is a Respectful Learning or Workplace Environment?
A respectful learning or workplace environment is a space where all members of the university feel welcome, safe, and free to express themselves freely without fear of reproach or mockery. Members of the SFU community have described a respectful learning or workplace environment as being collaborative, welcoming, positive, diverse, supportive and inclusive. It is the responsibility of everyone to help maintain a respectful learning and workplace environments.
What Responsibilities Do You Have?
All members of the university community have a responsibility to one another to help make their shared space respectful and welcoming. It is important to respect the opinions and identities of peers and coworkers and to treat other members of the community with respect, kindness and dignity.
It is mandatory for all staff and recommended for students to complete the university’s Respectful Workplace Learning Modules.
Members of the university are responsible for taking action to prevent or minimise the occurrence of bullying and harassment. They must comply with the university’s GP 47 policy and promptly report any bullying and harassment they observe.
Which Policies Support Respectful and Safe Learning & Working Environments at SFU?
Simon Fraser University is committed to maintaining a culture of inclusive excellence where all members of the community are safe, welcomed, appreciated and accepted. This culture is supported by the below policies.
- GP 47 – Bullying and Harassment Policy, administered by the Bullying and Harassment Central Hub
- GP 18 – Human Rights Policy, administered by the Human Rights Office (HRO)
- GP 44 – Sexual Violence Support and Prevention Policy, administered by the Sexual Violence Support and Prevention Office (SVSPO)
How Can I Implement a Respectful Learning or Workplace Environment?
Those in supervisory positions must inform employees and those under their direct supervision of the policy and procedures. Members of the university community should educate themselves about bullying and harassment. For more details and resources, please visit our education page.
How Can I Contribute to a Respectful Learning or Workplace Environment?
- Be open and try to understand others’ concerns instead of making assumptions
- Respect others’ perspectives even if you don’t agree
- Show compassion, care and consideration
- Use kind and inclusive language
- Be proactive and collaborative when resolving conflict
- Be self aware and manage your emotions in yourself and your relationships
- Acknowledge intersectionality
- Recognize and appreciate the contributions of others
For concerns about a student’s safety, well-being or impact upon others, Faculty and Staff can consult with the Office of Student Support Rights and Responsibilities (SSRR). They will work with you to develop an approach to appropriately intervene, and provide support for the student.
For concerns related to violence and threatening behaviour (GP 25), Campus Public Safety offers both online and in person support for all members of the University Community. For consultations, safety planning support, education and making a report, contact safe@sfu.ca or visit the CPS website.
Download a PDF of this webpage here.