safety

Community Safety Office

laurie.bulchak — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 15:38:44 +0000

Community Safety Office laurie.bulchak Mon, 09/02/2024 - 11:38

URL

https://www.communitysafety.utoronto.ca/

U of T releases guiding principles for sexual violence education and prevention

lanthierj — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 14:30:36 +0000

U of T releases guiding principles for sexual violence education and prevention

lanthierj Fri, 06/23/2017 - 10:30

Rachel Halpern

Author legacy

Rachel Halpern

Topic

Our Community

safety

The ��߲ݴ�ý has released its guiding principles for sexual violence education and prevention – and is taking steps to implement them.

Read Guiding Principles for Sexual Violence Education and Prevention Initiatives

The principles were developed by an expert panel chaired by Professor Gretchen Kerr, vice-dean, academic in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education.

“We’re grateful to all the students, staff and faculty across the three campuses who took the time to provide insights and feedback to the panel,” Vice-President and Provost Cheryl Regehr said. “This is the result of many hours of hard work and extensive consultation.”

As part of the university’s action plan to prevent and respond to sexual violence, the panel was asked to provide principles for the development of evidence-based training and education and to provide advice and guidance on updating the content and delivery of existing programs. The principles are the results of both research and consultation, Kerr said.

“We’re taking a collective and purposeful approach to shifting the culture on campuses around sexual violence,” Kerr said. “This includes recommending educational initiatives for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff members.”

Terry McQuaid, U of T's executive director, personal safety, high risk, sexual violence prevention and support, said the University has reviewed the guiding principles and will be forming an implementation group as a next step.

“The implementation group will be looking at curriculum development, research and modes of delivery in the key areas identified by the expert panel,” McQuaid said. “This group will develop a timeline for the overall implementation of the guiding principles for the University.”

The guiding principles focus on four key areas:

Curriculum of sexual violence education and prevention initiatives, providing all members of the University community with foundational education on the contents of the ��߲ݴ�ý’s Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment. Advanced levels of education will be provided for students as well as identified staff and faculty groups with student- or employee-facing responsibilities. The curriculum content will be derived from theory and supported by evidence.
Development of sexual violence education and prevention initiatives, to be informed by tri-campus consultation with key stakeholders. The education and prevention initiatives will reflect the ways in which intersectionality, inequities, power, and biases affect the occurrence, reporting, and disclosure of sexual violence.
Delivery of sexual violence education and prevention initiatives, derived from theory and supported by evidence. This includes training for facilitators to deliver education and prevention initiatives, and providing education to all students at different points throughout the course of their programmes to create a continuum of education. Faculty and staff will also receive training at regular intervals across all three campuses.
Evaluation and revision of sexual violence education and prevention initiatives, ensuring that after the curriculum and education and prevention initiatives have been implemented, they will be rigorously and systematically monitored, assessed, evaluated, researched, and revised accordingly.

“My research is in the area of sexual violence and it’s a pervasive issue not only on campus but in the broader society,” said Kate Stewart, a graduate student at U of T’s Rehabilitation Sciences Institute and a member of the panel.

“These guiding principles demonstrate that U of T recognizes the importance of addressing sexual violence and prevention and is committed to supporting a cultural shift around sexual violence at the university.”

With a secondary mandate for education and prevention, the Tri-Campus Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre is directly affected by the guiding principles, McQuaid said. On each campus, key administrators and divisional representatives will assist with local implementation.

Read about the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre at U of T Mississauga

“We will be working with the Centre’s staff to roll out next steps and collaborate on training measures,” said McQuaid. “We’ve already received a number of requests for training from student, staff and faculty groups.

“It’s great to see members of the university community being proactive on such an important issue.”

The Tri-Campus Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre is open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and by phone (416-978-2266):
St. George campus – Room 606, Claude T. Bissell Building, 140 St. George Street, moving to 702 Spadina Ave. on July 11, 2017
UTM – 3094G, Davis Building
UTSC – Room 141, Environmental Science & Chemistry Building

You can also call Campus Police to make a report at 416-978-2222 (St. George & Scarborough Campus) or 905-569-4333 (UTM).

After hours support is available at Women's College Hospital SAAC (416-323-6040), Scarborough Grace Sexual Assault Care Centre (416-495-2400), and Trillium Hospital Sexual Assault Care Centre (905-848-7100).

Police investigating online threats to individuals in U of T's transgender community

lanthierj — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 17:26:58 +0000

Police investigating online threats to individuals in U of T's transgender community

lanthierj Fri, 10/14/2016 - 13:26

Topic

Our Community

safety

Provost

The ��߲ݴ�ý is alerting students, faculty and staff about recent online threats made against some individual members of its transgender community.

An email was sent to members of the U of T community on all three campuses Friday by Vice-President and Provost Cheryl Regehr and Vice-President, Human Resources & Equity Kelly Hannah-Moffat to advise them of the threats and to condemn the action.

“We deplore the targeting of individuals and communities on the basis of gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, religion or any other ground of prohibited discrimination,” said Regehr and Hannah-Moffat.

The University is working closely with campus police, the Toronto Police Service and the U of T Community Safety office to support those individuals who have received threats. The situation is being actively monitored.

The anonymous threats are under investigation and details are not being released to protect those individuals who are targeted.

“We stand behind members of our community who feel vulnerable or threatened at this time,” said Regehr. “We are proud of our diverse community. We want our campuses to be a safe environment for all of our members.”

These online threats come at a time when the issue of gender identity has gained increasing prominence at U of T and at campuses across North America. The rights of transgender students at U of T have been hotly debated in recent weeks. One professor posted a series of videos to express his opposition to the use of genderless pronouns such as “they.” Other professors responded, posting their own videos, speaking with reporters and organizing a Trans-Positive Teach-in at the Mark S. Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies.

If you or anyone you know has safety concerns, please visit http://safety.utoronto.ca/ or contact the Community Safety Office, the Sexual & Gender Diversity Office, the Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office, or the Campus Police on all three campuses.

Executive director, personal safety, high risk and sexual violence prevention and support: Terry McQuaid

lanthierj — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 17:04:19 +0000

Executive director, personal safety, high risk and sexual violence prevention and support: Terry McQuaid

lanthierj Wed, 09/28/2016 - 13:04

Cutline

Terry McQuaid joins the university on October 11 (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Topic

Sexual Violence Prevention

Support

It’s the latest step in the ��߲ݴ�ý’s efforts to improve and integrate support for those affected by sexual violence: filling a key new post to lead the initiative on all three campuses.

Terry McQuaid is joining U of T in the newly created role of executive director, personal safety, high risk and sexual violence prevention and support.

“The ��߲ݴ�ý is taking a leadership role in looking at safety more broadly – considering threats, safe spaces and addressing issues of sexual violence,” Provost Cheryl Regehr said. “We are excited to welcome Terry. Her varied background and her skills make her ideal for this role.”

McQuaid comes from Seneca College, where she was the director of counselling and accessibility services for the past four years. She begins her new job Oct. 11.

The new role, created earlier this year in response to advice from an expert committee, is the latest in a series of actions taken by the university to address sexual violence. It comes as the university considers a new draft policy on sexual violence that includes a centralized system to access support and for reporting and investigating all complaints.

The new executive director post is central to those changes, Regehr said, along with plans for a new Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre, which will have a presence on all three campuses by January.

Halifax-born McQuaid, who has a doctorate in clinical psychology, has worked as a counsellor, psychotherapist, and clinical psychologist. She takes her new job at a time when sexual violence on campuses across North America is gaining increasing attention.

Here in Ontario, new legislation requires that all post-secondary campuses have a sexual violence policy in place by January of 2017.

“This is a pivotal time” McQuaid said, noting that the changes at U of T are a result of more than two years of work and consultations.

“That speaks volumes to the commitment of the university,” McQuaid said. “It is top of mind for the leadership. I think that is amazing.”

McQuaid said she has much to learn from U of T staff and plans to build on and enhance existing services.

“We need to provide support to a very diverse group of vulnerable people and help them navigate systems to get the support and services they need,” she said.

U of T also has named Laura Bradbury as the new director of the Office of Safety & High Risk under a one-year secondment. Bradbury has been the manager of the Community Safety Office at the university since 2008. In her new role she will report to the new executive director and work closely with the vice-president of Human Resources & Equity, the vice- provost of Students, and the vice-provost of Faculty & Academic Life.

The university is also recruiting a director for the new Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre.

#UofTBTS16: Bookmark these student services

ullahnor — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 20:05:23 +0000

#UofTBTS16: Bookmark these student services

ullahnor Mon, 08/29/2016 - 16:05

Cutline

Volunteer note takers are among the many student services and supports offered at U of T

Rachel Halpern

Author legacy

Rachel Halpern

Topic

Starting at a new school can be overwhelming. From finding classrooms to buying textbooks, there’s a lot to think about. As you’re heading back to school, here’s 10 things you should know about supports and services offered by U of T:

1) Safety

The safety of students, faculty and staff is a top priority at U of T. The university has offices, programs and campaigns that address violence and harassment, safety on campus, environmental health and safety, fire prevention and emergency housing.

Visit the U of T Safety website for information to help you stay safe on campus. And be sure to register for emergency alerts from the university via telephone, email and text.

2) Sexual and Gender Diversity

The Sexual & Gender Diversity Office (SGDO) provides education, programming, resources and advocacy on diversity for students, staff, faculty and the LGBTQ community. This includes the university’s Positive Space campaign, a program that seeks to create and identify safer and more inclusive spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersexed, queer, questioning and Two-Spirited students, staff, faculty, alumni and allies at U of T.

3) Multi-Faith Spaces

If you're wondering where to pray or meditate, U of T offers rooms for people of all faith communities to practice their religion, their traditions and rituals.

Multi-Faith Spaces (St. George)
Multi-Faith Spaces (UTM)
Multi-Faith Prayer Room (UTSC)

4) Indigenous Students

For those wanting to explore their Indigenous roots, U of T provides programming, services and resources for Indigenous students, providing them with a variety of supports to help them succeed. The university community is also invited to come and participate at events across the three campuses to learn more about Indigenous cultures and traditions.

Aboriginal Student Services/First Nations House (St. George)
Indigenous Centre (UTM)
Indigenous Outreach Program (UTSC)

5) Health and wellness

U of T offers a wide range of health and wellness services. These include general health services (e.g., health check-ups, prescriptions, nutritional care) and mental health services (e.g., psychotherapy, group therapy, assault counselling).

Health & Wellness Centre (St. George)
Health & Counselling Centre (UTM)
Health & Wellness Centre (UTSC)

6) International students

Whether you’re an international student studying at U of T or a domestic student considering a study abroad program or research opportunity, the university provides support and resources.

Centre for International Experience (St. George)
International Education Centre (UTM)
International Student Centre (UTSC)

7) Accessibility

Working to create a safe and comfortable community for students to navigate their disability and related barriers, the university provides students with a network of resources, both inside and outside the classroom.

Accessibility Services (St. George)
AccessAbility Resource Centre (UTM)
AccessAbility Services (UTSC)

Photo by Jason Krygier-Baum

8) Academic success

Whether you want to improve your study habits, better manage your time, work on essay-writing skills or learn how to research, U of T offers workshops, programs and tools to help you with your academic success. The university also offers writing centres where students can get individual consultations with trained writing instructors.

Academic Success Centre (St. George)
Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre (UTM)
Academic Advising and Career Centre (UTSC)

Photo by Jason Krygier-Baum

9) Financial support

There are many sources of financial aid available to help you cover the costs of your U of T education. Find out more information about financial assistance programs and view the video below.

10) Get connected

Be sure to follow U of T on social media to learn more about your campus, events and resources:
Twitter, Instagram or Facebook
Twitter, Instagram or Facebook (UTM)
Twitter, Instagram or Facebook (UTSC)

Photo by Ken Jones

For additional info on navigating services and resources, you can also check with your college, faculty or campus student life departments.
Student Life (St. George campus)
Centre for Student Engagement (��߲ݴ�ý Mississauga)
Department of Student Life (��߲ݴ�ý Scarborough)

TravelSafer, Campus Safety

sgupta — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 20:47:21 +0000

TravelSafer, Campus Safety sgupta Thu, 01/07/2016 - 15:47

URL

https://www.campussafety.utoronto.ca/travel-safer

Walk Safe and Work Alone Programs

sgupta — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 20:47:21 +0000

Walk Safe and Work Alone Programs sgupta Thu, 01/07/2016 - 15:47

URL

https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/campus-police/walk-safe-and-work-alone-programs

Campus Safety

sgupta — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 20:47:11 +0000

Campus Safety sgupta Thu, 01/07/2016 - 15:47

URL

https://www.campussafety.utoronto.ca

Upcoming test of UT Alert mass messaging system

sgupta — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 15:46:42 +0000

Upcoming test of UT Alert mass messaging system sgupta Fri, 11/13/2015 - 10:46

Cutline

��߲ݴ�ý's Alert System allows the University to quickly send important messages via telephone, email and text

Subheadline

Add your mobile phone number to make sure you get important University messages

The ��߲ݴ�ý will be testing its mass messaging system across all three campuses on Thursday, November 19 – and students, faculty and staff are being reminded to log in to the system to update their contact information before the test.

The service allows U of T administrators to send time-sensitive messages via telephone, e-mail and text message within minutes.

“The safety of our community members is paramount,” said Professor Angela Hildyard, vice-president, Human Resources & Equity. “Emergencies are rare at U of T, but the mass messaging system helps get people the information they need.

“It’s an important part of overall campus safety measures.”

Geography and travel patterns make emergency messaging at universities particularly complex, Hildyard said.

“Over a hundred thousand people study or work at U of T – and most students and faculty move among different classrooms, labs, libraries and offices throughout the day. This system allows the University to reach people quickly, wherever they are.”

Could U of T reach you in the event of an emergency?

Manage your message settings and update your contact information at http://alert.utoronto.ca

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sites/default/files/2015-11-13-alerts-system-testing.jpg

safety

Community Safety Office

Tags

U of T releases guiding principles for sexual violence education and prevention

Read Guiding Principles for Sexual Violence Education and Prevention Initiatives

Read more about the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre at U of T Scarborough

Read about the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre at U of T Mississauga

Police investigating online threats to individuals in U of T's transgender community

Executive director, personal safety, high risk and sexual violence prevention and support: Terry McQuaid

Read more at Human Resources & Equity

#UofTBTS16: Bookmark these student services

1) Safety

2) Sexual and Gender Diversity

3) Multi-Faith Spaces

4) Indigenous Students

5) Health and wellness

7) Accessibility

8) Academic success

9) Financial support

10) Get connected

TravelSafer, Campus Safety

Tags

Walk Safe and Work Alone Programs

Tags

Campus Safety

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Upcoming test of UT Alert mass messaging system