All members of the VIU community are welcome to consult with the Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Office – we will do our best to assist with your questions and concerns, and if we are not the right resource for your situation, we will help you identify alternative resources to fit your needs.
There are generally three avenues available to members of the VIU community to resolve issues that fall under the Human Rights or Personal Harassment Policies:
- Consultation with the Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Director
- Seeking an informal resolution, or
- Filing a formal complaint
Consultation or informal resolution can be initiated by contacting the Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Office, and setting up an appointment to speak with the Director.
Formal complaints alleging a violation of the Human Rights or Personal Harassment Policy can be addressed through one of two possible avenues: the appropriate Policy - or, where available, the applicable Collective Agreement.
If a formal complaint through the Human Rights or Personal Harassment Policy is chosen, that process can be initiated by submitting a written complaint to the Advisor. The written complaint must contain:
- A statement containing specific descriptions of the alleged discriminatory or harassing actions, identifying the prohibited ground involved (see Human Rights – Education Initiatives and Complaint Resolution Procedure 21.03.001 s.2.1) and, where possible, the date and location of the alleged discriminatory or harassing actions;
- The name of the person making the complaint (Complainant), the person against whom the complaint is made (Respondent), and where applicable, any witnesses;
- Any supporting documents or other supporting materials; and
- A written request that the University respond to the Complaint under the terms of the applicable policy.
The written Complaint should also be dated and signed by the Complainant when submitted to the Director.
For more information and to review the Human Rights or Personal Harassment Policies and Procedures, please see Relevant Policies.