If you are a manager of staff whose work is not computer-based, please print this email and display it in a common work area for them to review.
UBC has retained Paula Butler of Butler Workplace Solutions as an independent reviewer to conduct a review of UBC’s response to concerns of sexual harassment and sexual assault raised by some UBC students about a fellow student, which became the subject of media coverage. A report will be ready in February and a summary will be made available to the UBC community.
A number of other initiatives to support the development of a sexual assault policy will be announced in January. Further information will be provided as it becomes available and regular updates will be posted to www.equity.ubc.ca.
As we head into the new year, I would also like to highlight that January is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). I encourage everyone to get involved in the 6th annual offering of SAAM, which features events and opportunities to participate in a dialogue about sexual assault and harassment. More details can be found at http://students.ubc.ca/livewell/topics/sexual-assault/sexual-assault-awareness-month.
Most importantly for all of our community, I want to remind you about the resources available should you, or someone you know, disclose that they have been sexually assaulted. People are likely to disclose to someone they trust, therefore it is important that each member of our community knows how to effectively refer those who disclose to resources for support, accommodations, and reporting. For students, resources can be found at http://students.ubc.ca/livewell/topics/sexual-assault and for faculty and staff http://www.hr.ubc.ca/health/safety/sexual-assault-resources/.
Sara-Jane Finlay
Associate Vice President
Equity and Inclusion