Dear colleagues,

You are invited to comment on the revised draft of the Sexual Violence Policy.

The revised policy reflects a comprehensive rewrite of many sections and the addition of a section on investigations. It incorporates feedback received during the consultation process. In consultation meetings and through online submissions, concerns were raised about definitions of terms, educational commitments, and processes for reporting incidents of sexual violence. We have also consulted with our colleagues at other BC post-secondary institutions as we revised.

As you read the revised policy, you will note the following changes from the previous draft:

• a broadened policy statement that acknowledges the gendered nature and intersectional impacts of sexual violence, as well as educational commitments
• greater specificity about the scope of the policy as it pertains to investigations and adjudications
• definitions for additional terms, including responsible officer, student, third party reporting, university community, and university-related activity
• the use of respondent instead of accused
• revised definitions for consent and sexual violence
• specific activities related to education and awareness
• clear language to distinguish between disclosures and reports
• an investigation and adjudication procedure for reports
• revised “use of information” section to maintain consistency with revisions and additions to policy draft

Comments on this draft are encouraged prior to Jan. 20, 2017 so that any necessary changes can be made before submitting the policy to the Board of Governors as a notice of motion on Feb. 3, 2017.

Please use the online comment submission form or email dean-students@tru.ca.

Regards,

Christine Adam
Dean of Students
250-371-5860