Yorkville University (the “school”) is committed to creating and encouraging a learning community that is a safe and equitable environment for everyone to pursue their educational goals regardless of their personal circumstances, beliefs, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or expression. We strive to foster a community that is based on trust, mutual understanding, respectful communication & behaviour where everyone has a voice and is treated respectfully.
We encourage you to read this website carefully and familiarize yourself with its contents.
If you have any questions or concerns about your rights or responsibilities as a student, please contact us.
The Student Code of Conduct (sec. 5.6.5 Academic Calendar) regulates the behaviour of students learning with the school. The Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities (OSRR) is charged with undertaking investigations of potential conduct breaches of the Code of Conduct. These potential breaches are also known as non-academic misconduct. Where the OSRR finds allegations substantiated by the evidence it may
The OSRR may also intervene immediately when it is made aware of a serious imminent risk of harm to students, faculty, staff, or school assets; up to and including the direct intervention of external authorities.
Complaints of misconduct may come from several sources, the student body, faculty, or staff.
Following a complaint, the OSRR determines if the circumstances fit the scope of the office. Where the details of the allegation do not fall within the scope of the office the complainant is contacted, and the complaint is either; a) referred to a more appropriate office/organization or; b) the complainant is advised on the next steps available to them.
Certain complaints or incidents carry a higher risk of harm than others to students studying in a campus/school setting. In these cases, it may be necessary to either move a student into a different class/group, or issue a notice of temporary suspension, pending the results of the OSRR investigation.
Cases that are accepted by the OSRR are passed to a case manager/student liaison for investigation and a finding, related to the evidence available in the case. It is normal practice during the course of these investigations to interview complainant(s), respondent(s), and any appropriate witnesses to the complaint.
Where an allegation is substantiated the OSRR may impose a sanction or refer their finding to the Student Conduct Committee (SCC). After reviewing the case the SCC will determine if the allegation is substantiated, and if so, impose a sanction they feel is appropriate.
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A number of sanctions are possible as outlined by the Student Code of Conduct (sec. 5.6.5.3 Academic Calendar).
| Resolution by mutual consent/mediation | Warning |
| Apology (verbal and/or written) | Probation period (with agreement to not reoffend) |
| Non-academic training / education | Loss of privileges |
| up to 25 hrs ‘Community’ Service | Up to 5 Days temporary suspension |
Additionally, by referral to and review by the Student Conduct Committee, other more onerous sanctions are possible, up to and including expulsion.
Students may appeal the findings/sanctions of the OSRR in accordance with the policies outlined by the Student Code of Conduct (sec. 5.6.6.1 Academic Calendar).
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If you believe that you have witnessed or experienced an incident of non-academic misconduct, then you can report this to the OSRR.
Include a brief description of your complaint, when the incident(s) happened and your contact details so we can arrange an interview as soon as practicable.
Please see the school’s Code of Conduct for a list of actions constituting non-academic misconduct. However, specific actions or incidents that you may have experienced will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the OSRR. Presented below are some of the categories that may help you determine if you have a complaint.
| Threatening Behaviour / Words | Sexual Violence |
| Racist Behaviour | Anti-2SLGBTQ+ behaviours |
| Unauthorized Misuse of School Property | School Property or Asset Damage / Threats |
| Non-compliance with School Conduct Standards | Incitement |
| Disruption of school functions | Hazing Behaviour |
| Assault or violent behaviour | Misconduct related to use of alcohol / drugs |
| Causing Harassment, Alarm or Distress | Dangerous Activity |
| Discriminative Behaviours | Theft or unauthorized possession |
| Bullying | Cyber-Bullying |
| Committing a criminal act on school property or at a school site/function | Possession of real or replica firearms on school property or at a school site/function |
The school encourages the community to learn through the free exchange of ideas in respectful and constructive ways. During your time with the school, you will hopefully find some of your ideas, assumptions and even biases challenged by opposing perspectives and viewpoints.
It is not the intention of the school to use any policy to stifle debate or curtail the freedom to speak, respectful disagreement, robust debate and the exchange of opposing ideas are not forms of misconduct. However, at times, such disagreement can become heated and may ‘cross a line’ into misconduct.
Students should always consider how they interact and communicate with each other; it is important to remember that how another hears or perceives you may well be very different to what you intend.
If you wish to talk to one of the team at the OSRR, to get information, seek advice or review your complaint prior to making a report there are a number of ways to book an appointment with us;
Violence of any kind must be dealt with very seriously. Sexual violence, or threat of sexual violence should always be dealt with as soon as possible, with care and respect for the victim. If you believe that you have been a victim of threats or actual sexual violence, please don’t wait to get help.
Contact us as soon as you can at the following E-mail addresses;
Remove yourself from the situation/location/people that make you feel unsafe.
The Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities (OSRR) employs a multifaceted approach in supporting students across all campuses to ensure their rights are respected and they receive the support they are entitled to.
To ensure the wellbeing of the school community, including your own rights, students have the following responsibilities:
