The definitions we use in the policy can be complex and can mean different things to different people. This is why we have developed a definitions list below. These definitions are what we will use here at Langara. They are listed alphabetically, not in order of importance.
Academic or employment considerations – an informal change made to a person’s participation in a course or employment situation that does not change the basic requirements of a course or job duties.
Alternate resolution – any method of resolving a matter with the help of someone who is not directly involved before an investigation is started or completed.
Balance of probabilities – a way of deciding a case where something is more likely than not to have occurred.
College community – employees, students, volunteers, contractors, and other individuals who work, study, or engage in business or services at the College.
College response – any action or consequences imposed on an individual for breaching this policy.
Complainant – 1) a person alleging that they have experienced sexual violence or misconduct.
2) a person who has witnessed or knows about an incident of sexual violence or misconduct.
Confidentiality – the protection of private information from being disclosed to anyone who is not authorized to receive the information. Confidentiality is not the same as anonymity.
Consent – active, direct, enthusiastic, ongoing, informed, and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual or sexualized activity.
Disclosure – telling someone at the College about an experience or a concern around sexualized violence or misconduct to obtain support, guidance, information, and/or referral. A disclosure does not initiate an investigation unless a formal complaint is made.
Employee – in this policy, any individual who is or was employed at the College at the time the alleged sexualized violence or misconduct occurred.
Formal complaint – a written statement made by any member of the College community about an incident of sexualized violence or misconduct. The purpose of making a formal complaint is to have the incident investigated.
Interim measures – temporary actions taken by the College on a case-by-case basis to preserve the health and safety of individuals involved in an investigation or other members of the College community, and/or to maintain a safe and productive learning and working environment.
Investigation – a process of collecting and assessing information to determine the nature and circumstances of an alleged incident of sexualized violence or misconduct, and whether it is more probable than not that this policy has been breached.
Respondent – a person against whom an allegation of sexualized violence or misconduct has been made.
Sexual violence or misconduct - any unwanted action carried out through sexual means. See the Examples page for more detail.
Student – an individual who has applied for admission to the College, has been granted admission to the College, is enrolled in, auditing, or participating in any College course or program, or when not enrolled or registered for a particular semester, is eligible to enroll in future terms without seeking readmission. Individuals between academic terms; on a leave of absence; awaiting a degree or credential; on suspension; or having withdrawn from the College while a disciplinary matter is pending are considered students under this policy.
Support services – emotional, physical, advisory, or referral services available either on campus or in the community; does not include legal services.
Trauma-informed approach – a way of working with people who have experienced trauma that focuses on their physical and emotional safety, choice and empowerment, and healing. It recognizes that trauma is pervasive and that many people have experienced traumatic events in their lives. It emphasizes the importance of building trusting and culturally sensitive relationships, respecting boundaries, and providing non-judgmental support and validation.