1210212.us16.myftpupload.com Managed WordPress Site

Tag: campus safety

  • A Brief Report: Sexual Assault on Campus

    A Brief Report: Sexual Assault on Campus

    It’s a sad and disturbing fact that sexual harassment occurs on campus. It’s even sadder to think that many universities don’t do much in the way of aiding the victim; the accused walk free, people turn a blind eye, and often victims aren’t granted justice. It is hard enough when the victim is scared to tell anyone in the first place, let alone telling, and having nothing done about it.

    Macleans published an article discussing harassment and why so many universities don’t like to talk about it. U of T only reported two cases of sexual assault on its campus in 2013.

    The cases are endless, yet only a few are being reported. A table showing the reported assaults from the years 2009 – 2013 was published by CBC, with Ryerson University topping the list with 57 reported cases. York University followed in second with 52, and Dalhousie University was in third with 38.

    The Star drew attention to the fact that “the big three” universities in Toronto, York University, Ryerson University, and the University of Toronto, have yet to update their policy on sexual harassment.

    Some universities have taken the proper steps in talking about the issue and have provided information on who to call on campus, how to report it, and what the school is doing about sexual assault.

    “It’s Never Okay: An Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment” features a foreword from the premier and over 30 pages of content discussing how we can make the workplace and campuses safer through understanding that there is a problem and talking about it openly.

    Though despite the steps being made, not enough is being done to help the survivors and victims of assault. The number of cases reported and articles written has been staggering.

    It’s not just a few universities that need to get involved. Every university needs to step up to talk about the issue and offer its students a safe place to go for reporting these cases, and also for providing information on the topic.

    The stigma surrounding important issues is still present because people feel like they can’t talk about it. Others don’t want to. But we need to discuss these things to bring light to the fact that sexual assault happens on every campus, and unless every campus brings change, we’re standing still on the issues.

  • Campus Safety Tips: Things You Should Know

    Campus Safety Tips: Things You Should Know

    Your college or university campus might feel like a second home, but it is important to remember to keep safe, both during the day and at night. With a bit of consideration, you can ensure your student experience remains a positive and safe one.

    Know Your Campus Safety Resources

    Every college and university wants their students to feel safe and secure while on campus, and usually offer a comprehensive list of safety services and resources available to students. One of your first tasks should be to look up these resources in the student handbook or online, and familiarize yourself with what programs your institution offers, so that you know where to go and who to contact in case of any emergency. Depending on the school, services can include campus police services, safe escort teams to walk with you between campus destinations, first aid and first responder services, and emergency phones or kiosk stations installed across campus. All schools also offer prevention and counselling services for sexual harassment and other forms of harassment. Get to know where these services are located on campus, what their phone and other contact details are, and their hours of operation if applicable, so that you know your options if you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe on campus. These services, and the volunteers who run them, are there to help you, and their goal is your safety and the safety of the campus overall.

    Plan Ahead and Be Prepared

    Other ways to help ensure your safety on campus can include planning ahead when you know you will be on campus for class or studying, especially late at night when there are fewer people out and about. When you make your plans, know exactly where you are going, and how you will get there. Learn the location of your parking or public transit stops, and the best path to reach your destination, ideally through a brightly lit, busy street or building. Avoid any shortcuts, shadowed pathways, and unpopulated areas, and be aware of your surroundings. If possible, plan to walk with a friend, or arrange for your campus walking escort service to accompany you. It is also a good idea to carry a cell phone with the campus emergency services’ phone numbers saved in your contacts, and enough cash for a cab ride in case of emergency. Lastly, notify friends or roommates of your plans, including destination and what time you plan to return, and ensure you lock all the doors and windows of your residence room, house or car when you leave.

    Trust Your Instincts

    If you do ever feel unsafe on campus, trust your instincts and take preventative measures. For example, should you be harassed by someone, or feel that you are being followed, act immediately to get to a well lit and busy place, and call your campus security or police service, or 911. Nothing is more important than your safety, and these services are always available and ready to help.

    Campus safety doesn’t just mean safety outdoors. If you or you know someone who is being bullied or otherwise, on a daily basis, let your campus authorities know. The same goes for the online world; many students in university or college can be victims of digital harassment online while at school. Be aware or your surroundings, how much you reveal about yourself and to who.

    Sources:

    Western University – Campus Life: Safety and Police

    http://www.uwo.ca/campus_life/safety_police.html

    University of Toronto – Safety

    http://safety.utoronto.ca/

     

  • Discrimination on Campus

    Discrimination on Campus

    As with anywhere, there is discrimination that happens on campus, as much as we would like to hope there is not. According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, discrimination includes elements of “not individually assessing the unique merits, capacities and circumstances of a person, instead, making stereotypical assumptions based on a person’s presumed traits, having the impact of excluding persons, denying benefits or imposing burdens”. Discrimination happens on the basis of race, class, gender, sexual identity and/or orientation, social status or ability. Your campus will likely have a student union that will provide an array of services that will cater to persons who are discriminated against, which could be a good starting point for learning more about those who are discriminated against. Everyone has come across some kind of discrimination over their life time- whether it was based on gender, race, class or orientation. The services provided by your school will also allow you to better understand why people discriminate against others. The people who bully and discriminate others often have many underlying problems and stresses that drive them to act the way they do. If you feel you are experiencing discrimination, whether in the classroom or on your own time, make sure you talk to your friends, family and people who will be able to help you like your student services or counsellors. College and university is a time to learn and grow personally and professionally and discrimination has no place on campus, anytime.