Sheridan is committed to building and maintaining a culture that does not tolerate sexual violence, abuse or misconduct and that promotes consent and respect. Sheridan aims to better support victims/survivors by making information easier to find, making the reporting process clearer, and detailing what supports are available. To this end, we are excited to announce 3 new related developments:
1. The creation of the “Sexual Violence Response Specialist” position. The Sexual Violence Response Specialist serves as a confidential support for disclosures of sexual violence on campus for both staff and students as a first point of non-emergency contact. The Sexual Violence Response Specialist is also a helpful resource for any questions relating to Sexual Violence. You can reach the Sexual Violence Response Specialist during business hours at:
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- 905-845-9430 ext. 8430 or svrs@sheridancollege.ca
2. With invaluable input from our students and employees at Sheridan, information obtained from the Student Voices Campus Climate Survey and recommendations from community stakeholders, SRRO and CEI have teamed up to create an updated and enhanced Sexual Violence Policy. Some of the updated and enhanced changes include:
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- Name change of Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Policy to the Sexual Violence policy to cover all the forms of Sexual Violence.
- Two clearly defined Procedure documents: one for students and one for employees.
- The Scope of the Policy has been expanded to be more inclusive in its approach to supporting survivors.
- Expansion of our definitions, including the types of Sexual Violence.
- An addition of “Overarching Principles” which outlines Sheridan’s commitment to its Members on the topic of Sexual Violence.
- More survivor-centric friendly language.
- The Procedures contain additional resources on- and off-campus, which are web-linked for easy reference.
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The new Policy and its Procedures are effective as of January 2020 and are accessible on the Sheridan PolicyTech server:
3. The repopulation of the Sexual Violence Taskforce. The Taskforce is comprised of Sheridan students, faculty and staff and is integral to the ongoing education, awareness, and prevention of Sexual Violence at Sheridan. The Taskforce will work to develop initiatives that foster an environment in which Sexual Violence is not tolerated, and where the safety and well-being of all Members of the Sheridan Community is prioritized.
We would like to thank the individuals who have contributed to these important changes at Sheridan as we continue to move towards building a collective community that will work towards maintaining a supportive environment that is safe and respectful.
