Revision Date: June 25, 2024
1. Policy Purpose
Royal Pacific Institute is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment.
This policy outlines the institution’s responsibilities and procedures for preventing and responding to incidents of sexual misconduct involving students, staff, or visitors.
This policy is in compliance with the Private Training Act, the Sexual Misconduct Policy Standard, and the EQA Code of Conduct.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all students, employees, contractors, volunteers, and visitors of Royal Pacific Institute.
Sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
- Sexual assault
- Sexual harassment
- Stalking
- Indecent exposure
- Voyeurism
- Sexual exploitation
- Non-consensual distribution of sexually explicit images
- Any other behavior of a sexual nature that violates a person’s dignity or safety
3. Definitions
- Sexual Misconduct: Any unwelcome act of a sexual nature that affects the security, dignity, or well-being of a person.
- Consent: Active, informed, and voluntary agreement to participate in a sexual activity. Consent cannot be assumed or implied and can be withdrawn at any time.
- Complainant: The person who discloses or files a complaint regarding sexual misconduct.
- Respondent: The person alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct.
4. Reporting Sexual Misconduct
- Students who experience or witness sexual misconduct are encouraged to report the incident promptly.
- Reports can be made confidentially to:
- Vice-President of Student Affairs:Â admin@oshio.ca
- President’s Office: yin@oshio.ca
- Reports may be made in writing or verbally.
- Third-party reports (reports made on behalf of someone else) are accepted.
5. Institutional Response
Upon receiving a report, Royal Pacific Institute will:
- Acknowledge receipt within 3 business days.
- Conduct a fair, timely, and thorough investigation, respecting the principles of natural justice.
- Take appropriate interim measures if necessary (e.g., safety planning, schedule changes).
- Maintain confidentiality to the greatest extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct a fair investigation.
6. Protection from Retaliation
- Retaliation against any person who reports or participates in an investigation of sexual misconduct is strictly prohibited.
- Individuals found to have engaged in retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or expulsion.
7. Investigation and Resolution
- Investigations will be conducted by trained personnel or external professionals if necessary.
- Both the complainant and respondent will have the opportunity to present evidence and respond to allegations.
- Outcomes may include:
- Support measures for the complainant
- Disciplinary action against the respondent (including dismissal or expulsion)
- Education and prevention initiatives
The institution aims to conclude investigations within 90 calendar days, unless there are extenuating circumstances.
8. Support Services
Royal Pacific Institute will provide access to support resources, including but not limited to:
- Academic accommodations
- Medical support referrals
- Mental health counseling referrals
- Legal resources referrals
Internal counseling is available via the Student Services Office by appointment.
9. Training and Prevention
- Royal Pacific Institute is committed to promoting awareness and prevention of sexual misconduct.
- Orientation sessions for students and annual training for staff will include information about consent, bystander intervention, and reporting options.
10. Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed at least once every three years to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices.
Contact for Support and Reporting
- Vice-President of Student Affairs:Â admin@oshio.ca
- President’s Office: yin@oshio.ca
- Phone: +1 250 360 2700