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. The definitions listed below are what we will be using here at Langara. They are listed alphabetically, not in order of importance.
Academic or employment accommodation
A reasonable modification made to a person’s academic program 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 legal standard applied for deciding the outcome of a case; the probability that an event occurred is greater than fifty percent.
College community
Employees, students, volunteers, contractors, and other individuals who work, study, or engage in business or services for the College.
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.
Consent
In this policy, agreement to engage in sexual or sexualized activity. Consent must be active, direct, ongoing, informed and voluntary.
Disclosure
Telling someone at the College about an experience or a concern around sexual violence or misconduct to obtain support, guidance, information and/or referral. A disclosure does not initiate an investigation (see Formal Report).
Employee
In this policy, any individual who is or was employed at the College at the time the alleged sexual violence or misconduct occurred.
Formal report
A formal statement made by any member of the College community about an incident of sexual violence or misconduct. The purpose of making a formal report is to have the incident investigated or to seek an alternate resolution to a situation.
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 sexual violence, and whether it is probable that this policy has been breached.
Legal duty to report
The obligation to make a report to relevant authorities where required by legislation (e.g., where a person under 19 years of age is at risk of being harmed, including self-harm or harming others). Respondent – a person against whom an allegation of sexual violence or misconduct has been made.
Sanction
A consequence imposed for the conduct.
Sexual violence or misconduct
Any unwanted action carried out through sexual means. See Appendix A for full definitions.
Support services
Emotional, physical, advisory, or referral services available either on campus or in the community; does not include legal services.
Student
In this policy, a person who is or was registered in a course or program at the College at the time the alleged sexual violence or misconduct occurred.
Trauma-informed approach
An approach based on an understanding of and responsiveness to the impact of trauma that emphasizes physical, psychological and emotional safety.