Human Rights Policies

AFFIRMING STATEMENT OF FAITH

We of the St Stephen’s College community share values that shape our response to changing rural, urban and global perspectives, and define our life together. These values are characterized by inclusiveness and justice in language and practice for all persons, regardless of race, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation or physical abilities. We recognize the challenges facing our church, our society, and our world, and we endeavor to dissolve the barriers to deep spiritual reflection and study caused by homophobia and gender restrictions. We strive to create a safe space, within a climate of respect and trust, for all people to be open and honest (personally and intellectually) regarding their life experiences. We open ourselves to Sacred Spirit to guide our lives within this community.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

Degree Program Committee members and permanent faculty will step back from any decision-making responsibility concerning a degree candidate when the candidate is a family member, a close professional colleague, a current or previous therapy client or therapist, or a current or previous clinical supervisee or supervisor. When this policy impacts on permanent faculty, the College’s Dean, in consultation with the Degree Program Committee, will appoint a person who will assume responsibility, on behalf of the college, for all decisions which the permanent faculty member would have made.

STUDENT RECORDS: CONTENTS, ACCESS, USE, AND PROTECTION

St Stephen’s College policy concerning Student Records is set out below. This policy is compliant with the Province's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP).

Collection of Personal Information

Information that forms part of the student record is collected in accordance with Section 32(c) of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy   Act,   (FOIPP Act).   It is used to determine eligibility for admission, to advise students about academic programs and to provide College services. The student record is disclosed to academic and administrative staff of the College.

Student Access

Students' access to their own information is governed by the FOIPP Act.

Student Records

  1. Official transcripts: Official transcripts are issued by the Office of the Registrar only upon the request of the student. They are issued to the student personally or to whomever the student designates. An official transcript bears the signature of the Registrar and the official seal of the College. An unofficial transcript  or  copy of the  student's  academic  record does not bear the Registrar's signature, nor is it sealed with the official seal of the College.
  2. Letters of Reference: The contents of letters of reference collected implicitly or explicitly in confidence with the consent of the student, for the purposes of determining admission to a program, may be revealed to the student in accordance with the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Letters of reference will be used only for the express purpose(s) for which they have been supplied. Letters of reference will be retained for at least one year.
  3. General Assessment of a Student’s Ability and Character: Assessment information contained in a student's record may only be divulged by an administrative officer of the College to third parties (such as institutions, agencies or prospective employers) with the student's consent. When asked by such institutions, agencies or prospective employers to express an opinion concerning a student's academic ability, character and personality, a faculty member may do so only with the consent of the student, in which case, a record of the opinion so expressed will be retained for a minimum of one year by the faculty member.
  4. Records of Disciplinary Action: The only disciplinary action that will be documented on a student's permanent academic record is one involving suspension, or expulsion from the College.

Public Information Concerning Students

The following information is defined as the student's public record: name; faculty of registration; dates of registration or convocation; and degree, diploma or certificate awarded. This information may be issued to third parties (such as other educational institutions, appropriate government agencies, or prospective employers) on a need to know basis.

Security of Student Records

The College must protect students' personal information by making reasonable security arrangements against such risks as unauthorized access, collection, use, disclosure or destruction.

SEXUAL ABUSE POLICY

As people of God we are called to respect the value and worth of each person and the integrity of the community. The primary vocation of the College is to encourage and support the creative growth of each individual. Sexual abuse impedes that growth and distorts relationships which can lead to alienation and distrust. As a community of faith we are called to denounce injustice and to work for right relationship with all God’s people. That which demeans or diminishes an individual is cause for concern. Sexual exploitation is an abuse of power and cannot be tolerated. Our call is to treat each person as a being created in the image of God and due the respect and honour we would give God. Nothing less than this is acceptable.

Sexual abuse is described as any attempt to coerce anyone into a sexual relationship, to subject a person to unwanted sexual attention, or to punish someone for refusing to comply with sexual demands. It may involve a wide range of behaviours from verbal innuendo and subtle suggestion to overt sexual demands and physical abuse.

St Stephen’s College is committed to provide a safe environment for its staff and students. The Sexual Abuse policy is for the protection of staff, students and faculty of St Stephen’s College, and is confidential support for individuals who experience unwanted and inappropriate sexual advance by any member of the St Stephen’s community. The College will take all complaints seriously, investigate the complaint as quickly as possible, and using informal procedures strive to bring resolution and restitution.