Information on Harassment Issues

UCanDance is committed to creating and maintaining a social dance environment that is free from any form of harassment. This page provides information on how best to let us know about any harassment issues you are having so that we can address issues as quickly and fairly as possible.

What is harassment?

Harassment includes any behaviour (physical, verbal, visual or any other form) that is unwelcome, hurtful or offensive to another person. Harassment may be of a sexual nature or based on gender, marital status, religion, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation or any other grounds.

Who can I talk to about an issue?

We recommend talking to one of the club's two harassment officers, who are most prepared to handle these issues. However, if you'd prefer, you can talk to anyone else on the UCanDance committee. To see who the harassment officers or other committee members are, check our committee page.

How can I make a complaint?

There are several ways to make a harassment complaint. The best way depends on whether or not you want to stay anonymous.

  • In person: You can talk to a committee member or harassment officer about an issue. See the previous section.
  • Online: If you'd prefer, you can contact us online using our contact form, or by sending a message to a specific committee member. Contact forms are read by the harassment officers.
  • Anonymously online: Use our contact form, leaving out your name and email address, to make an anonymous complaint. See the next two sections for more details.

Can I make an anonymous complaint?

Yes, using our contact form, and by including all the information listed in the next section. It can be harder to pursue disciplinary action based on anonymous complaints, however it is often suitable for less serious issues.

What information should I include in an anonymous complaint?

While we accept anonymous complaints, we can't always act on them if they don't include enough information - remember, when it's anonymous, we can't ask you for more information later! You should make sure to include, at a minimum, the following information:

  • The identity of the harasser
  • Details of the incidents or harassing behaviour
  • Permission to perform disciplinary action (if applicable)
  • Permission to inform the rest of the committee, if you request disciplinary action

Will my complaint be kept confidential?

Yes, all complaints are held in strict confidence with the person or people you communicate with. Only with your permission will others be informed. In particular, the alleged harasser will not know your identity (unless you request that they be informed).

Am I overreacting?

No! Issues can often go unreported even when they affect multiple people. Committee members are happy to help with issues of any severity - whether you just want someone to talk to, whether disciplinary action is required, or anywhere in between.

What are the club's powers?

The club has the power to issue friendly warnings, give official reprimands, bar individuals from club events, or ban members from the club. Sometimes all that's needed is for a committee member to have a quiet word with the member to let them know that their behaviour is inappropriate. Other times, disciplinary action may be necessary. This must be approved by the committee, and is subject to approval by the UCSA in certain cases. Disciplinary action will only be pursued with your permission.

For serious issues, or issues that occur outside the club, we recommend also informing campus security and/or the police.

What can I do if I don't think an issue was handled appropriately?

The club is open to complaints of misconduct if you believe that it has dealt with harassment in an inappropriate manner. You should first make a complaint to the president or secretary (either in person or by using our contact form). If you are not satisfied with the club's response to your complaint, you can contact the UCSA.

More Information