Sexual Violence policy

Career College Sexual Violence Policy (Revised for Compliance with O. Reg. 415/06, s.36)

Policy Application:

This Policy applies to all career college students of A1 Transportation Academy.

1. The Scope

A1 Transportation Academy has adopted this Sexual Violence and Student Complaint Policy, which defines sexual violence and outlines its training, reporting, investigative, and disciplinary responses to complaints of sexual violence made by its students or other faculty or administrative staff members. It also incorporates the required Student Complaint Procedure in accordance with Ontario Regulation 415/06, Section 36 under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.

A1 Transportation Academy is committed to providing students with an educational environment free from sexual violence and ensuring all student complaints are addressed promptly, fairly, and transparently.

2. Definition of Sexual Violence

This Policy prohibits sexual violence, which means any sexual act or act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity, or gender expression, whether physical or psychological, committed, threatened, or attempted against a person without consent. This includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism, and sexual exploitation.

3. Training, Reporting, and Responding to Sexual Violence

A1 Transportation Academy shall:
– Include a copy of this Policy in every contract made between the college and its students.
– Provide copies to management, instructors, staff, and contractors.
– Train all such individuals on reporting, investigating, and responding to complaints of sexual violence.
– Publish this Policy on the college website.

All staff and management must report incidents or complaints of sexual violence to the Campus Manager immediately upon becoming aware of them.

Students affected by sexual violence should contact the Campus Manager for assistance or support services.

4. Student Complaint Procedure (O. Reg. 415/06, s.36)

Purpose:
This procedure ensures that all student complaints, including but not limited to those related to sexual violence, are handled fairly, promptly, and in compliance with the law.

4.1 Submitting a Complaint

– All complaints must be made in writing and submitted to the Campus Manager by email or in person.
– The written complaint should include the complainant’s name, student number, details of the issue, relevant dates, and the desired outcome.

4.2 Review and Decision Authority

The Campus Manager (or a designated alternate, such as the Vice President of Human Resources) will:
– Determine whether to dismiss the complaint, investigate further, or refer it for additional action.
– Make a recommendation or decision based on findings.
– May appoint an Independent Investigator if appropriate.

4.3 Complaint Process

1. Acknowledgement: The complaint will be acknowledged in writing within five (5) business days.
2.  Oral Submissions: The student will have the opportunity to make oral submissions in support of their complaint.
3. Support Person: The student may have a person of their choice present at all stages and may authorize that person to speak or make submissions on their behalf.
4. Investigation: The Campus Manager or Investigator will interview relevant parties, review evidence, and maintain records of all proceedings.
5. Recordkeeping: All complaints, submissions, and decisions will be securely documented.

4.4 Decision and Timeline

– A decision will be issued within thirty (30) calendar days of the complaint being submitted unless exceptional circumstances arise.
– The student will receive a written decision with reasons, outlining the findings and any actions to be taken.

4.5 Appeal / Review Procedure

– If dissatisfied, the student may appeal in writing to the Vice President of Human Resources within five (5) business days of receiving the decision.
– The appeal will be reviewed, and a final written decision will be issued within ten (10) business days.

4.6 Record Retention and Student Access

– Records of complaints, submissions, and decisions will be kept for a minimum of three (3) years from the date of the final decision.
– The student who made the complaint will receive a copy of the full complaint record upon request.

4.7 Escalation to the Superintendent

If a student is not satisfied with the college’s resolution, they may refer the matter to the Superintendent of Career Colleges, including a copy of the college’s complaint record.

5. Investigation Result and Disciplinary Measures

Following the investigation, the Campus Manager or Independent Investigator will review all evidence, determine whether sexual violence occurred, and decide what disciplinary action is appropriate. Actions may include:
– Expulsion of a student;
– Termination of employment for staff or instructors;
– Restrictions on access to facilities; or
– Any other corrective measures deemed necessary.

All decisions will be communicated in writing, with reasons provided.

6. Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation

All complaint-related information will remain confidential and shared only with individuals involved in resolving the matter. Retaliation or threats against any person who files or participates in a complaint are strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

7. False Statements

Knowingly making a false complaint or providing false information will result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion or termination.

8. Review

This Policy will be reviewed every three (3) years or sooner if legislative changes occur.

9. Collection of Student Data

A1 Transportation Academy shall collect and provide, upon request, such information as required by the Superintendent under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.

Appendix 1: Resources

Resources

Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centers Ontario Assaulted Women’s Helpline

Toll Free: 1-866-863-0511

#SAFE (#7233) on Bell, Rogers, Fido or Telus mobile TTY: 416-364-8762 www.awhl.org

Appendix 1: Resources

Sexual Assault Centers (Ontario) AND SERVICES

Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centre (ONTARIO)

English:

Assaulted Women’s Help Number        Toll Free: 1-866-863-0511

NumberSAFE (Number7233) on Bell, Rogers, Fido or Telus mobile

TTY: 416-364-8762

You Can Contact Other Helping Centers.   These Include: