Reporting Sexual Assault & Harassment at the University of Guelph-Humber/Humber College

Soraya Jackson
Nov 13, 2021
3 min read

A reminder that however you choose to process this experience is valid. Reporting or participating in an investigation is up to you. Use this article as a tool to help you understand the process of reporting sexual assault or harassment at the University of Guelph-Humber(GH) and Humber College. You do not need to report an incident to use student support services.

GH uses Humber college policies related to sexual violence. If the complaint is towards a University of Guelph employee working at GH, you may use Guelph’s policies.

The University of Guelph Sexual Violence Policy

You may want to complete a medical examination (if possible); it can be used as further evidence. Avoiding changing clothes, bathing, brushing your teeth can also be used as evidence.

Understanding the Code of Conduct Violation

Humber/GH does not tolerate any form of sexual violence. Therefore, any action that is a form of sexual assault or violence is classified as a level 4 incident.

Humber Policy:

"All forms of sexual violence are unacceptable and will not be tolerated at Humber. Humber is committed to challenging and preventing sexual assault and sexual violence. The College is committed to creating a safe learning, working and living environment for everyone in the College community. This policy aims to encourage individuals who have been affected by or witnessed incidents of sexual assault and sexual violence to make a report to the College. All reported incidents of sexual assault and sexual violence will be investigated in a manner that ensures due process."

Definitions for related sexual assault and harassment terms.

Humber College Reporting Procedures: Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Flowchart

The process of a student filing a complaint against another student:

Humber/GH - SASV Procedure

Note: There is a difference between filing a report against another student versus a “non-student,” meaning faculty or staff member. This article will focus on complaints against students. A complaint towards faculty or staff includes the Department of Human resources and Organizational Effectiveness.

Student sexual assault and sexual violence procedure

While reflecting on the matter may be intense, having a friend or peer for support might make the process more comfortable.

The SSIC can support you with meeting with the Office of Student Community Standards staff to provide your formal statement and attend any follow-up meetings, if and as required. In the meantime, if you require support with accessing academic considerations or other supports, the SSIC will help coordinate that for you.

To report an incident got to the department of safety (security). Security will be a crucial component at the beginning of the process. Their primary focus is campus safety; they will only collaborate with the police if needed. Security will work with the Office of Student Conduct to build a case. When under investigation, the Office of Student Conduct will evaluate contract breaches and instigate said complaints under the code of student conduct.

Police are likely to get involved earlier if the respondent is not a member of the college community or if the student would like to press charges under the Criminal Code of Canada. Additionally, a third-party investigator may be introduced.

The respondent will be notified of the complaint and asked by the investigating officer for a written and possibly verbal response to the complaint. During the investigation, potential witnesses will be interviewed.

The only reason an investigation may not take place is on the occasion of an ongoing legal proceeding; any party's well-being, safety, academic or employment status is at risk; or intention of the complaint is unclear.

The facts gathered will be put under review for a final decision regarding the possible action or sanctions being taken. Multiple sanctions can be imposed. Additionally,

“All community members including students are subject to all local, municipal, provincial, and federal laws. In cases where the College is aware of the potential violation of criminal law, the College may refer the incident to the appropriate law enforcement agency.” - Code of Student Community Standards

Possible Outcomes and sanctions