Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Contexts

Relevant Policy

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy

Also applicable

Discrimination and Harassment Policy

Capitalized terms below are defined in policy.

The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy is grounded in Trauma-Informed, Intersectional, survivor-driven practice to reduce harm to those who have been subjected to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). The orientation has shifted from a Complaint-based response to a “Disclosure and options” approach, in which a Discloser is able to seek options to assist them in overcoming the barriers they encounter as a result of an experience of SGBV.

Because it centres on Disclosers/survivors, application of the SGBV policy is not limited to those situations in which the University of Alberta has jurisdiction to investigate and apply disciplinary measures.

Guiding principles

• The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy applies to WIL Learners in their WIL Experience. 
• The university provides information and tools to support WIL Partners in meeting their obligation to provide a safe Working and Learning Environment for WIL Learners, free from SGBV and other forms of workplace Harassment and violence. 
• WIL Facilitators provide resources and/or coach WIL Learners on the skills they need to set boundaries, recognize SGBV and other forms of workplace Harassment, take steps and/or seek support in addressing it as soon as possible.
• Efforts to address SGBV in WIL Experiences begin with prevention, including awareness and preparation to respond appropriately when a WIL Learner does disclose an incident.

Toolkit

The university has developed a toolkit for WIL Administrators and/or Facilitators to assist in these efforts.

Toolkit for SGBV in Work-integrated Learning

In addition to links to relevant university information, supports and resources, the toolkit contains guidance for WIL Administrators, Facilitators, Learners and Partners on awareness, prevention, preparation, Disclosure and response. 

• Each tool is a customizable Google Doc, which allows WIL Facilitators to substitute generic terms with their own language, and add or delete content to reflect their specific programs.
• Tools must include an indication at the top of the page when they have been modified from the original.
• Tools can be shared with WIL Learners and/or Partners, as appropriate, at the discretion of the WIL Facilitator.

Limits

• The university does not have jurisdiction to receive or administer Complaints about individuals who are not affiliated with the university, nor does it have the authority to instruct WIL Partners on what they must do. Rather, collaborative efforts with WIL Partners are encouraged to clarify roles, promote understanding of the university’s responsibilities, and ensure that WIL Learners are informed of existing safety measures and available complaint mechanisms in the WIL environment. 
• The toolkit is specific to off-campus WIL Experiences which are a required part of the student’s program, but may be applied more broadly to other types of experiential learning, as well as to other forms of interpersonal harm beyond SGBV, such as Harassment and Discrimination.
  .