Members of the BCIT community are encouraged whenever possible to resolve problems informally and, where necessary, to request assistance from the Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion office.
If you believe you are being subjected to harassment or discrimination, you should keep a written record of the incident or incidents of the harassment or discrimination including such information as dates, times, what happened and names of witnesses, if any.
Advise the individual you believe has harassed you or discriminated against you, that the behaviour is unacceptable and ask them to stop. If this is too intimidating or inappropriate, or if the attempt to stop the offending behaviour is unsuccessful, then you should seek assistance from the Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion office.
If the harassment or discrimination persists, or if the perceived discrimination is systemic or relates to an Institute policy, you should speak to any of the following:
- The Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion office,
- If you are a student, you should speak to the Instructor, Program Head, Department Head, Associate Dean, Registrar, a Counselor, and/or an Executive of the Student Association or the Director of the Student Association,
- If you are an employee, you should speak to your supervisor, or where the supervisor is the alleged harasser, the manager the supervisor reports to,
- If you are a member of a bargaining unit, you may also wish to speak to your shop steward, or individual responsible for human rights within your bargaining unit.
Instructors, Department Heads, Program Heads, Associate Deans, the Registrar, Counselors, the Vice President, Student Affairs of the Student Association, Supervisors, Managers or bargaining unit representatives who have been approached by a Complainant may contact the Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion office in confidence for advice on how to proceed or they may refer the Complainant to the Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion office.
Complaint Option Table
If you have concerns relating to bullying, harassment, or discrimination we encourage you to consider raising the concern directly with the person whose comments or actions are concerning, if you feel safe and comfortable doing so. If this does not resolve your concern or you do not wish to attempt this you can seek advice and assistance from the RDI office in trying to address the issue informally. However, in some cases an individual may choose to pursue a formal complaint of harassment, bullying, or discrimination. It is important to note that individuals can choose only one complaint process within BCIT to pursue a formal a complaint on this nature. Anyone considering pursuing a formal complaint is encouraged to discuss their options with their union representative or student advocate. This document is intended to provide a very brief overview of each formal complaint option.
Procedures and Limitations
The Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion (RDI) office is a resource to the BCIT community involving issues and concerns relating to discrimination, bullying and harassment and follows the procedure set out in BCIT Procedure 7507-PR1, Harassment & Discrimination.
The Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion office is not an advocate or representative for any party to a complaint.
When the Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion representative becomes involved in a complaint of discrimination or bullying and harassment, emphasis is placed on the pursuit of an informal, safe, and mediated resolution to the complaint, to the satisfaction of all parties.
When such an outcome is not available, the Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion representative may investigate the merits of the complaint and provide an opinion on whether discrimination or bullying and harassment occurred, and make recommendations where appropriate including recommendations for discipline.
Quick Links if you witness or experience harassment and/or discrimination
Services Available
For Everyone at BCIT
- Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion Office SW01 1550 604.432.8409 or respect@bcit.ca
- Safety and Security 604.451.6856
For Students
- Student Association Advocacy Office 604.456.1161 or 604.432.8279
- BCIT Student Life Office 604.432.8338
- Student Health Services 604.432.8608
- Student Counselling 604.432.8608
- Early Assist early_assist@bcit.ca
For Staff
- Human Resources 604.432.8384
- Union Representatives:
- Faculty & Staff Association 604.432.8695
- BCGEU Support Staff 778.996.9504
- BCGEU Faculty 604.456.1162