SGBV in Work-Integrated Learning Contexts
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 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 work 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.
Related policies
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy
Definitions
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Any definitions listed in the following table apply to this document only with no implied or intended institution-wide use. |
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Complaint: A type of disclosure made to a University official that alleges SGBV misconduct for the express purpose of initiating a formal University disciplinary process, including an investigation and decision on disciplinary action. |
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Discloser: Any person who discloses having been subjected to or witnessed discrimination or harassment, including sexual and gender-based violence. |
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Disclosure: Any verbal or written report or account by any person within the scope of this policy to a member of the University community that they have been subjected to SGBV, often for the purpose of seeking support or assistance. |
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WIL Administrator: A generic term for the university staff/faculty member whose role is to oversee WIL program(s). This may be the individual, for example, who makes the decision to remove a student from a WIL Experience for safety reasons. This term is a descriptor of the role, and is to be read as inclusive of a variety of titles or names. |
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WIL Experience: The portion of a WIL Learner’s program in which they complete their learning in a setting outside of the classroom. This term is to be read as inclusive of all types of work-integrated learning opportunities, whether paid or unpaid. The language may vary depending on the program and may include co-ops, internships, clinical practicums, field placements and others. |
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WIL Facilitator: A generic term for the university staff/faculty members whose role is to administer and facilitate work-integrated learning opportunities. In general, they bring the individual interests of the WIL Learner and WIL Partner together and help determine and manage the expectations and requirements of both the Learner and the Partner. This term is a descriptor of the role, and is to be read as inclusive of a variety of titles or names. |
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WIL Learner: A student who participates in any WIL experience as part of their program or academic requirements. |
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WIL Partner: The organization, or a department within the organization, that hosts WIL students. |
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Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Work- Integrated Learning encompasses various types of experiential education that combine academic studies with relevant work experience. The opportunities provide individuals the ability to practice the skills learned during instruction, in a real-world setting. This definition is to be understood as those experiences in which:
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