SPPGA Commitment to Equity

Your health, safety and wellbeing are also important to us. If you have experienced behaviour that violates UBC policies and codes of conduct, the most important thing for you to know is that you are not alone. Equity and Wellness Liaisons are volunteers here to support and assist you. They take regular training and maintain strong relations with relevant offices across campus. While we cannot take action on anyone’s behalf, such as filing a formal complaint or mediation, we can offer a listening ear, help identify different pathways for reporting and resolution, and guide you to different UBC supports and services. Upon your request, we can accompany you to university offices and meetings. SPPGA Equity and Wellness Liaisons can help guide you to a number of resources and services available on campus, such as the UBC Wellness Centre. If your health concern is urgent, please contact 9-1-1 and the UBC Crisis Centre.

Contact SPPGA Equity Liaison:
Erin Baines, Professor, SPPGA

Note: Disclosure vs reporting an incident

Discussing an experience where discrimination, sexual assault, bullying and/or harassment has occurred without the goal of filing an official complaint is referred to as disclosure. Disclosure is confidential and intended to assist the student in deciding whether or not to file a report. No electronic or physical records are kept in reference to a student’s disclosure.

1. If you are comfortable approaching the alleged violator:
• If you feel comfortable in doing so, you may wish to try and resolve the issue directly with the person concerned - such as another student, mentor, teaching assistant, staff member or faculty - by addressing their behaviour that is offensive and unwelcome.

2. If you are not comfortable approaching the alleged violator or if the behaviour continues:
• Contact your immediate supervisor or the administrative head of your unit to report the behaviour or incident.

3. If the person of concern is the alleged violator:
• Contact the Faculty of Arts, Union/Association representative, or your Human Resources Advisor.

4. If you observe one of your co-workers or peers being harassed or their rights are being violated:
• Report what you have observed to your immediate supervisor or the administrative head of your unit.
• Contact the Faculty of Arts, Union/Association representative, or your Human Resources Advisor.

Note on Documentation: It is good practice to keep a journal of each incident, noting the time, date, location, and a brief description. Try to be as accurate as possible. Also, be sure to note the names of those who directly observed each incident.

Note on MPPGA Program Academic Misconduct or Appeals: Academic misconduct processes and appeals of grades should be directed to your immediate professor or the graduate program director or manager for consideration and address.

UBC has a number of formal pathways through which you can file complaints, depending on your specific situation. Please see below for a list of resources and offices you may wish to contact directly, or with the support of the Equity and Wellness Liaisons.

Office of the Ombudsperson for Students
Works to ensure students are treated fairly and can learn, work and live in a fair, equitable and respectful environment. The Office also provides referrals and resources. The office provides resource information, makes referrals, identifies university processes & policies, and more. Independent and confidential.
Contact:
Phone: 604-822-6149
Email: ombuds.office@ubc.ca
C.K. Choi Building, 181 - 1855 West Mall, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z2

Fairness Toolkits on reporting and conflict resolution.

AMS Advocacy and Ombuds
Advocacy and Conflict Resolution for non-academic misconduct, disciplinary committees, harassment or other concerns. Independent and confidential.
Contact:
Phone: 604-822-9855
Email: advocate@ams.ubc.ca
The Nest, Rm 3118-6133 University Blvd. Vancouver, BC

UBC Investigations Office  
Impartial investigations into sexual misconduct and discrimination. Independent and confidential.
Contact:
Phone: 604-827 2060
Email: investigations.office@ubc.ca
#7 - 5958 Webber Lane (Second Floor), Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6S 0J9

EDI Conflict Engagement Office
Conflict resolution, conflict management, conflict intervention, conflict investigation, conflict exploration, and/or conflict transformation. Their approach to conflict engagement is guided by their conflict engagement framework. Independent and confidential.
Contact:
Phone: 604-827-1773
Email: admin@equity.ubc.ca
Brock Hall, Room 2306-1874 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2

Human Rights Advising Office
Advice and support to persons with concerns related to discrimination on the basis of one or more of the 14 grounds protected by the BC Human Rights Code. Protected grounds include real or perceived: age, ancestry, colour, family status, marital status, physical or mental disability, place of origin, political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and criminal conviction unrelated to employment. Independent and confidential.
Contact:
Phone: 604-827-1773
Email: humanrights.advisor@equity.ubc.ca
Brock Hall, Room 2306-1874 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2

Bullying and Harassment Prevention
How to prevent bullying and harassment in the workplace; how to handle and report bullying and harassment; and how to support a respectful environment in the workplace.
Contact:
Phone: 604-827-1773
Email: humanrights.advisor@equity.ubc.ca
Brock Hall, Room 2306-1874 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2

Office of the University Counsel
Advising on discrimination and conflict resolution, and capacity building and facilitation of difficult conversations. Provides education across UBC about mutual respect and inclusion.
Contact:
Phone: 604-822-1897
E-mail: university.counsel@ubc.ca
Brock Hall, Room 2306-1874 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2

Human Resources
Human Resources provides support and advice to UBC departments and a range of services for faculty and staff, including recruitment and employment, training and development for faculty and staff, labour relations, benefits administration, and the development of human resource policies.  It also supports healthy workplaces.
Contact:
Phone: 604-822-8111
E-mail : hr.info@ubc.ca
600 - 6190 Agronomy Road, Vancouver, BC Canada, V6T 1Z3

Faculty Association 
The UBC Faculty Association is committed to promoting the interests of UBC Faculty and UBC, upholding principles of academic freedom and freedom from discrimination and harassment. The UBCFA acts as the bargaining agent of all faculty members employed by the University of British Columbia and regulates relations between the faculty members and the University through collective bargaining.
Contact:
Tel: 604-822-3883
Email: faculty.association@ubc.ca
112 – 1924 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2

We aim to make SPPGA a healthy and safe space for all students, staff and faculty. On this page you will find a number of well-being resources and by providing information about relevant well-being events.

If you need immediate care, are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else, please call the emergency services line 911, the BC health advice hotline at 811 or go to the nearest emergency room at a hospital near you.

For UBC health services, please contact the following:

UBC Student Health Service 604.822.7011

UBC Counselling Services 604.822.3811

The following UBC services are available to support you:

Wellness Centre
The UBC Wellness Centre believes that a healthy mind, body, and spirit are foundations for students to achieve their personal and academic goals. Located in the UBC Life Building, the Wellness Centre is a friendly, peer-hosted space offering a range of wellbeing programs for students.
Contact:
In-person drop-in service: Visit the Wellness Centre Info Desk in the UBC Life Building from Monday to Friday, 11 am to 4 pm PT.
UBC Life Building, 6138 Student Union Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
Virtual Zoom drop-in sessions: Starting Tuesday, Sep 21, access the Zoom meeting room using the passcode 123456 on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 9:30 am to 11 am PT.
Submit a question online: You can also complete the online form and receive an email response within 2 business days.

Counselling Service
Students can call Counselling Services to schedule an appointment by phone. First-time appointments are booked for the same day.
Contact: 604-822-3811

Student Health Service
Student Health Service offers a wide range of health assessments and treatments provided by doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses.
Contact: 604-822-7011

Wellbeing Champions Program
The vision of becoming a health and wellbeing-promoting campus is one they are approaching collectively and collaboratively, supported by passionate Wellbeing Champions—students, faculty, and staff who are committed to helping UBC achieve this vision by helping to embed and promote wellbeing in their workplaces, learning environments, and portfolios.
SPPGA Wellbeing Champions include Professor Erin Baines and Andrea Reynolds, Student Academic Services Manager.

Assisting Students in Distress
Faculty and staff can find support and resources for assisting students in distress.

Early Assist
With Early Assist, faculty, staff and TA’s can identify their concerns about students sooner and in a more coordinated way. This gives students the earliest possible connection to the right resources and support, before difficulties become overwhelming.

Centre for Accessibility
Provides support and program initiatives designed to remove barriers for students with a disability or ongoing medical condition. A variety of support is available for eligible students. This includes academic accommodations such as exam adaptations or the production of alternate-format material. They also provide non-academic services including mobility training and priority placement for on-campus housing.

Sexual Assault Support Centre
Since 2002, the AMS Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC) has been committed to the education, support, and empowerment of people of all genders who are survivors of sexualized violence, as well as their friends and family. We serve UBC students, staff, faculty, and people with a connection to the UBC campus through various resources and services.
Contact:
Phone: 604-827-5180
Email: sasc@ams.ubc.ca

Law Students Legal Advice Clinic
LSLAP is a non-profit run by law students at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. We provide free legal advice and representation to clients in the Lower Mainland who would otherwise be unable to afford legal assistance.
Contact: 604-822-5791

LGBTQTSI on campus
Find resources specifically for LGBTQTSI students, connections to communities that support sexual diversity, and how to be an ally on campus.
For Two-Spirit, trans and/or non-binary student, staff or faculty, contact: trans.inclusion@equity.ubc.ca

Positive Space Campaign
Launched in 2002, the Positive Space campaign is a campus-wide initiative intended to raise awareness and visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, two-spirit, trans and queer students, staff, faculty, alumni and allies at UBC. The aim of the campaign is to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, respectful dialogue on campus for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities by identifying spaces where sexual and gender diversity is supported and valued.

Pride Collective
The Pride Collective is an AMS resource group that offers educational and social services dealing with sexual and gender diversity to the UBC community, including but not limited to students, staff, and faculty.
Contact: prideubc@gmail.com

AMS Peer Support
Peer Support provides free, confidential, one-on-one peer support for UBC students and staff facing a wide variety of challenges.

The Health Student Caucus 
A forum for health and human service (HHS) student leaders to discuss common education issues, provide feedback on the development, implementation and evaluation of interprofessional learning opportunities, and ­­­­contribute to the advancement of Interprofessional Education (IPE) at UBC.

Indigenous Portal
Your pathway to learning about UBC’s commitment to Indigenous engagement at its Vancouver campus and an information resource for Indigenous students, faculty and the wider community.

Religious and Spiritual Life on Campus
Learn about or join a spiritual practice.

UBC emergency alerts
UBC Alert is the university’s mass notification system to send alerts in urgent situations that pose an immediate safety or security risk to the community.

Campus Security
Campus Security is committed to ensuring the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors. Patrol officers patrol the UBC Vancouver campus 24/7 and assist the campus community with first aid, safety concerns, finding campus resources and information, and directions or access to our buildings.
Contact: 604-822-2222

UBC emergency procedures and information
Stay aware of all UBC urgent safety alerts and notifications and follow correct procedure.

UBC Blue Phones
Blue Phones can be found across the Vancouver campus, and available 24/7. If you see a crime being committed, need immediate assistance or directions, you are encouraged to use the Blue Phones.

AMS Safewalk
You don't have to walk alone. If you feel unsafe getting from point A to Point B on campus after dark, our walking and driving teams can accompany you. Travel with a greater sense of security with Safewalk.
Contact:
On-shift Phone: 604-822-5355
Coordinator’s Office: 604-822-2181
Email: SAFEWALK@AMS.UBC.CA

Transit for UBC
Public Transit is the most popular way to get to and from campus. 15 bus routes link UBC to Metro Vancouver’s municipalities, and two on-campus routes serve the on-campus community.

Through the Lens
Through the Lens is a series of interactive workshops designed to enhance UBC staff, faculty and community members’ understanding of diversity, while offering practical ideas for creating a more equitable and inclusive campus.

EDI Training and Education
This UBC education and training program includes customized presentations, briefings, panel discussions, and educational programming delivered to students, administrators, faculty, staff, representatives from unions, employee associations, departmental equity committees and the wider community.

UBC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office
UBC EDI provides a full range of services that support employment equity, education, leadership and proactive initiatives while building resiliency and a respectful environment through Informative Resources; Knowledge & Skills Development; and, Conflict Engagement.

CTLT Indigenous Initiatives
Indigenous Initiatives at the UBC Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology develops and offers programming, resources, and consultations focused on Indigenous engagement in curriculum, pedagogy, classroom climate, and professional development. To facilitate respectful and meaningful dialogue in learning spaces on campus and within the communities it works, it provides support and professional development for faculty, teaching assistants, and graduate students who are teaching in face-to-face, blended, or online classes.

Inclusive Teaching at UBC
This UBC course was created for instructors in all disciplines interested in creating more inclusive learning environments, but are not sure of where to start. Online tool-kits.

Guide for Inclusive Teaching at Columbia
The guide, developed at Columbia University, offers five inclusive teaching principles derived from research and evidence-based practices. In addition, the guide contains practical, accessible, and usable strategies that instructors can use immediately.

Resources on Indigenization
Supporting the systemic change happening across post-secondary institutions with decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization, the open education resources include a Foundation guide and audience-specific guides, to include leaders and administrators; teachers and instructors; front-line staff, advisors and student services; researchers; and curriculum developers. (BC Campus)

Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
The Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC) is a Survivor-centred and trauma-informed space on the UBC Vancouver campus, the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam). The Centre facilitates access to records related to Canada’s Indian Residential School System. Drawing on community engagement, emergent technologies, and creative and collaborative structures, the RSHDC aims to facilitate a variety of engagements and support informed dialogue and more transparent information practices, research and pedagogy. Explore exhibitions, browse the collections, listen to Survivors, attend an event and learn about the on-going legacy of residential schools in Canada.

UBC First Nations House of Learning
The First Nations House of Learning exists to make UBC's resources more accessible to Aboriginal People and to improve the University's ability to meet the needs of Aboriginal students, staff, faculty and communities.
Contact:
Phone: 604-822-5023
Email: cwasiak@fnhl.longhouse.ubc.ca
1985 West Mall, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z2

X̱wi7x̱wa Library
X̱wi7x̱wa Library is a centre for academic and community Indigenous scholarship. Its collections and services reflect Aboriginal approaches to teaching, learning, and research. Everyone is welcome to visit X̱wi7x̱wa Library.
Contact: Closed to the public until Fall 2022. The collections can be accessed by ordering through the online catalogue.

Cultivating Inclusive Classrooms
Ongoing student activism at the University of Michigan and across the United States has been a catalyst for renewed faculty engagement in issues of diversity and inclusion. In response to that activism, and in order to build upon existing efforts within the College of LSA to address climate concerns, we commit to providing innovative teaching methods and tools that foster success for students through inclusive teaching practices.

Accessible Syllabus
Accessible classroom resources promote student engagement and agency (Tulane University).

Anti-racism in academia
A non-exhaustive list of key considerations for educators wishing to cultivate anti-racism and solidarity in their teaching practice.

Crisis Centre BC
The Crisis Centre of BC is dedicated to providing help and hope to individuals, organizations, and communities.

UBC Codes of Conduct for Students, Faculty & Staff

The UBC Code of Conduct (CoC) holds all students, staff and faculty responsible to uphold the terms of the CoC whether on or off campus. These Codes are found here:

• Student Code of Conduct
• Faculty & Staff Code of Conduct

UBC Policies on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

UBC resources and policies related to harassment, discrimination and respectful environments. Please see below for further reading on these policies:

• UBC Student’s Guide to Discrimination and Harassment
• UBC’s Discrimination and Harassment Policy
• UBC’s Statement on Respectful Environment: UBC Respectful Environment Statement for Students, Faculty and Staff speaks to our freedoms and our responsibilities, and provides the guiding principles to support us in building an environment in which respect, civility, diversity, opportunity and inclusion are valued.
• Accommodation for Students with Disabilities (Policy LR7)
• Financial Aid Policy (Policy LR10)
• Response to At-Risk Behaviour Policy (Policy SC13)
• Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment (Policy SC3)
• Sexual Misconduct Policy (Policy SC17): Should a student feel they have experienced sexual misconduct, they should report it to the UBC Sexual Violence and Response Office. Also see the reporting options. UBC’s policies around sexual misconduct aim “to support all members of the UBC community who are affected by sexual misconduct, to provide a central site for information regarding the resources and options available to those affected by sexual misconduct, to create and make available programs and resources to educate its community on the prevention of sexual misconduct, and to provide a process to respond to and investigate allegations of sexual misconduct.” The university defines the terms and policies under the newly updated (1 July 2020) UBC Sexual Misconduct Policy #SC17. The policy states “Sexual or intimate relationships between individuals ... where there is a supervisory role or where an individual has influence over a student’s current or future academic activities, working conditions, or career advancement are Prohibited Relationships.”
  

The Indigenous Strategic Plan
The Indigenous Strategic Plan sets out a series of eight goals and 43 actions the university will collectively take in order to advance our vision of becoming a leading university globally in the implementation of Indigenous peoples’ human rights.

The Inclusion Action Plan
This plan presents an opportunity for UBC to continue to develop its potential as a ground-breaking 21st century institution, including its leadership in creating global influence through its equitable, diverse, and inclusive campuses.

The Wellbeing Strategic Framework
The Wellbeing Strategic Framework is our shared vision for UBC as a health-and-wellbeing- promoting university where all people, places and communities can flourish.

Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence at UBC
Equity, diversity and inclusion are necessary conditions for attracting and retaining the best and brightest students, faculty and staff from around the world. This requires that we create inclusive environments free from racism in which to work, learn and live. Diversity makes us stronger. It enhances innovation and increases the complexity of our knowledge. With that knowledge, we can transform systems of oppression and injustice, and support emerging leaders to help shape not only our campuses but workplaces, communities and the broader society. This website provides one accountability mechanism for UBC’s efforts. It is a call to action for all community members to confront hatred, oppression, violence and injustice and to support and elevate those who are traditionally, systemically and historically marginalized.

Trans, Two-Spirit and Gender Diversity Task Force
As part of efforts to advance UBC’s commitments to inclusion, a Trans, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diversity task force provides strategic direction to UBC’s senior leadership in the area of gender identity, gender expression and human rights.

Vice Presidential Strategic Implementation Committee for Equity and Diversity
The Vice-Presidential Strategic Implementation Committee for Equity and Diversity (VPSICED) provides advice and recommendations to a vice-presidential oversight group as they lead university’s implementation of equity and inclusion plans.

UBC Black Caucus
The mission of the UBC Black Caucus is to promote a greater sense of community, advocate progress and maintain ongoing support for Black students, staff, and faculty at UBC in an effort to enhance anti-racism and cultural diversity within the University and support the academic mission of the institution.
Contact: black.caucus@ubc.ca

Mental Wellness Pilot Project for Black Students, Faculty and Staff
The UBC Black Caucus is excited to announce a pilot project focused on wellness for Black faculty, staff and students at UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. Black counsellors from within the community have collaborated with us to provide virtual counselling at no cost to participants on a limited, first-come, first-served basis during the month of March.

CRCs: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Requirements and Practices
The Government of Canada and the Canada Research Chairs Program (CRCP) are committed to excellence in research and research training for the benefit of Canadians. Achieving a more equitable, diverse and inclusive Canadian research enterprise is also essential to creating the excellent, innovative and impactful research necessary to seize opportunities and for responding to global challenges. As such, the program is committed to the federal government’s policies on non-discrimination and employment equity.

Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada
The Government of Canada program addresses obstacles faced by, but not limited to, women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority/racialized groups, and members of LGBTQ2+ communities. It provides public recognition for institutions committed to achieving increased EDI.

The Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund
The Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund supports implementation of the 2020 Indigenous Strategic Plan. Funds are available to support projects that advance UBC’s Indigenous Strategic Plan priority actions across both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. A total of up to $4 million dollarsin ISI funding is available in 2022.

NSERC: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada are committed to excellence in research and research training. Achieving a more equitable, diverse and inclusive Canadian research enterprise is essential to creating the excellent, innovative and impactful research necessary to advance knowledge and understanding, and to respond to local, national and global challenges.