Safe, respectful workplace statement

All members of our Theatre Department’s community – including students, staff, instructors, coaches, professional guest artists and supervisors – are expected to engage with the spirit of professional theatre practice: a commitment to hard work and high-quality results, in an environment of courteous, respectful behaviour. Generosity, patience, and a strong focus on dynamic learning are therefore required from everyone involved. All performance projects at Concordia – whether large productions or modest class outcomes are teaching and learning environments in which professionals work with or alongside students.

Back to Our Guiding Principles page

The Department of Theatre is committed to providing safe, respectful studying and work environments for all students, faculty, staff, artists, technicians, and volunteers. This means that our classrooms, studios, stages, shops, and other places of work must be free from harassment, sexual violence of any kind, bullying, discrimination and other unwelcome behaviour. Conduct intended to undermine the dignity or self-esteem of any individual, and behaviours that create intimidating, hostile or toxic environments, are not tolerated.

The Department of Theatre wants all members of its community to know that they are safe to speak up about sexual violence and other problematic behavior, and that they will be heard. The Department of Theatre will provide support for individuals who have experienced, witnessed, or been harmed through sexual violence or other problematic behaviours. The Department of Theatre will take prompt action to address any allegations of such behaviour.

Healthy behaviour is respectful, consent-based, non-coercive, compassionate and kind, with room for warmth and good-spirited playfulness. Problematic behaviour is any of: unilateral (non-consensual), mean-spirited, controlling, disrespectful, demeaning, harassing, abusive, or violent.

Conflict Resolution

Interpersonal conflicts should, whenever possible, be resolved by those involved, as outlined in the Department’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee’s conflict resolution guide.

This resolution guide offers steps for participants to address conflicts with appropriate University representatives. You can also seek support to accompany you in the process of conflict resolution from the Student Representatives or Chair of our EDI committee from one of our department’s Academic Advisors; from the department Chair; or from an officer from the Ombuds or the Office of Rights and Responsibility.

Reporting Problematic Behaviour

The Department of Theatre’s commitment to providing safe, respectful workplaces operates in the larger context of Concordia’s Code of Rights and Responsibilities, BD-3, and under the Policy regarding Sexual Violence, PRVPA-3. If you have concerns, should you want more information, or should you want to report problematic behaviour, we encourage you to reach out to one or more of the following:

The Office of Rights and Responsibilities, which offers impartial, confidential, and independent services to those with concerns about the behaviour of any member of the Concordia community, and can be reached at rights@concordia.ca or 514-848-2424 ext. 8659;
The University’s Sexual Assault Resource Centre, which offers support services to Concordia students, staff and faculty who have been affected by sexual violence, and can be reached at sarc@concordia.ca or 514-848-2424 ext. 3353;
The Chair of the Theatre Department or to the faculty or staff member you are most comfortable with; or…

If you are in an emergency situation, call Campus Safety and Prevention Services at 514-848-3717 (on campus) or call 911 (off campus)

More information about these and other options of resources for addressing problematic behaviours are available in the Faculty of Fine Arts Guidelines for Raising Concerns (https://www.concordia.ca/finearts/student-life/raising-concerns.html).

*This text was created using the Equity (CAEA) “Not in Our Space” project resources as inspiration. It has been adapted to fit the needs of the Department of Theatre. Read the CAEA policy template.

On-campus Resources to Support Equity and Health

Access Centre for Students with Disabilities

https://www.concordia.ca/students/accessibility.html

Coordinates and arranges support services for students with disabilities, such as the provision of wheelchair accessibility, exam accommodations (e.g., providing extended time for a test or an alternative, quieter testing location), other services or auxiliary aids (e.g., a note-taker, tape recording of lectures), etc.

Equity Office

https://www.concordia.ca/equity/about.html

We champion diversity within and outside Concordia and work to embed equity in all facets of university life through:

Intentional action
Affirming and aligning equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility work and initiatives
Amplifying marginalized voices

Black Perspectives Office

https://www.concordia.ca/equity/black-perspectives-office.html

The Black Perspectives Office resources, supports, connects, and advocates for Black communities, perspectives, initiatives, and scholarship at Concordia University.

Indigenous Directions

https://www.concordia.ca/indigenous.html

This hub is a gathering place for Indigenous resources, courses, research, and projects within Concordia University and beyond.

Sexual Assault Resource Centre

http://www.concordia.ca/conduct/sexual-assault.html

Confidential, non-judgmental support to Concordia students, staff and faculty who have been affected by sexual violence.

Office of Rights and Responsibilities

http://www.concordia.ca/conduct/behavioural-integrity/rights-responsibilities.html

Impartial, confidential, and independent services to those with concerns about the behaviour of any member of the Concordia community. Details about what behaviours are expected and unacceptable, for all of us.

Health Services

http://www.concordia.ca/students/health.html

A broad range of medical services by appointment, or on a walk-in basis.

Counselling and Psychological Services

http://www.concordia.ca/students/counselling.html

Stressed, anxious, relationship problems? The professional licensed psychologists, psychotherapists, and counsellors at this office can help.

CU Wellness

http://www.concordia.ca/health/cuwellness.html

Lots of great free classes, counsellors and other wellness/mental health resources.

Student Success Centre

http://www.concordia.ca/students/success.html

Tutoring and other forms of learning support, as well as career planning services.