The College of New Caledonia has jointed post-secondary institutions province-wide in enacting a new sexual violence and misconduct policy and an accompanying set of procedures. The policy was formally approved by CNC’s Board of Governors on May 9 following more than eight months of research, consultation and community engagement.
“Sexual misconduct is never acceptable,” said Henry Reiser, CNC President, in a press release. “This process has reinforced our commitment to providing members of the College of New Caledonia community with a safe, supportive and respectful environment.”
The work to develop the policy was led by a committee co-chaired by the director of student services and the executive director of human resources, with student representatives including the CNC Student Union, and representatives from all employee groups: faculty, operational and administrative.
“This committee did an exceptional job of being inclusive of our College community, with feedback from a wide range of perspectives, including all six campuses. The result is a policy that reflects CNC’s dedication to a healthy place to live and learn,” said Reiser.
The policy provides clear definitions and outlines CNC’s commitments to dealing with matters such as jurisdiction and safety. It is accompanied by policy and procedures that outline more specific details, such as differentiating between reports and disclosures, process choices, and confidentiality and privacy restrictions. These procedures are designed to act as a living document that can be easily revised and updated to adapt to changing circumstances.
The policy is meant to help contribute to a broader and longer-term conversation about the issue of sexual violence and misconduct on post-secondary campuses in BC. It is also a response to Bill 23 – 2016: Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy Act, provincial legislation that mandates the creation of such a policy at all post-secondary institutions in British Columbia.
More information about CNC’s work regarding Sexual Violence and Misconduct, including complete copies of the policy and procedures, is available at: http://www.cnc.bc.ca/Exploring/Services/Administration/CNC_Policies.htm under the “All Education and Student Policies” section.