If you have a question that isn’t answered by the brief Q&A below, please contact the Department of Human Resources or the Office of Rights and Responsibilities.
What is harassment?
Read article 28 of the Code of Rights and Responsibilities for the official Concordia definition. Here’s a summary:
- Harassment is all forms of repeated or ongoing unwelcome and distressing conduct, including but not limited to sexual harassment, psychological harassment or harassment based on a ground prohibited by law.
- A single, serious incidence of such behaviour may constitute harassment if it has the same consequences of repeated or ongoing conduct and has a lasting harmful effect on a person.
- Harassment has the effect or purpose of unreasonably interfering with a Concordia community member's right to pursue their work, study or other university activities in a safe and civil way or of creating an intimidating or hostile environment for such activities.
What should I do if I think I am being harassed?
Take action as soon as possible. There are lots of ways you can proceed. Here are some options:
- Speak directly to the person who is harassing you, identify the behaviour and ask them to stop and correct it.
- Discuss the situation with a manager or supervisor.
- Contact the Department of Human Resources, specifically the Labour Relations unit at labour@concordia.ca.
- Speak with your union representative (if applicable)
- Seek assistance or advice from the rights and responsibilities advisor
What if I’m not sure if the behaviour is harassment, or I’m not sure what my options are?
You can get advice from any of the following offices or people:
- The Department of Human Resources, specifically the Labour Relations unit at labour@concordia.ca
- Your union representative (if applicable)
- The rights and responsibilities advisor
The rights and responsibilities advisor can give you information, advice and support, explain options for resolving an issue and help decide on a course of action.
Don’t worry — everything you discuss with these individuals is confidential.
Why do we have this policy?
One of Concordia’s top priorities is to safeguard a healthy environment for its community. Concordia is committed to the values of civility, equity, respect, non-discrimination and an appreciation of diversity.
Concordia’s Policy on Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Psychological Harassment (HR-38) guides the university's practices and helps ensure that we comply with laws, regulations and government requirements concerning harassment.
It is imperative that situations of harassment stop as soon as possible and that we prevent harassment from happening again. The policy addresses ways to prevent harassment, as well as where to find support and redress when harassment occurs.
Can students visit the Office of Rights and Responsibilities?
Any member of the university (student, staff or faculty member) who has a concern regarding the behaviour of a staff or faculty member that may constitute a form of harassment can consult the rights and responsibilities advisor.
The advisor can assist with informal dispute resolution procedures or with a formal resolution process, as described in the Code of Rights and Responsibilities.
What if I am being harassed by a student?
The Code of Rights and Responsibilities outlines the different processes that are available to deal with complaints against students. Please also consult the rights and responsibilities advisor in this case.
How can I get in touch with the offices you mentioned?
Office of Rights and Responsibilities
In person: Room GM-1005, Guy De-Maisonneuve (GM) Building, 1550 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
Telephone: 514-848-2424, ext. 8659
Email: rights@concordia.ca
Department of Human Resources
In person: Room FB-1130, Faubourg (FB) Building, 1250 Guy St.
Telephone: 514-848-2424, ext. 3666
Email: hr-reception@concordia.ca
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