Security
Kwantlen is concerned with the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors on campus. The Office of Emergency Planning is responsible for security and Facilities is responsible for first aid at all campuses. Security personnel are available to escort any member of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University community from campus buildings to their vehicles. Advance notice is appreciated, but not required.
Security awareness is encouraged. Faculties, particularly those teaching evening cflasses, are actively encouraged to use a "buddy system". Students are advised to walk with a friend or, if possible, travel in groups to parked cars or to other locations, or get a ride to their vehicle if they are parked away from others.
Please report all security incidents to an onsite, uniformed Security Officer.
If you have any Occupational Health & Safety concerns, please contact a member of:
- the Health and Safety Committee from your campus or
- Manager Occupational Health & Safety at 604-599-2924
The following Kwantlen policies dealing with these and other related issues are available by hardcopy and internet.
- C.21 Student Conduct
- E.21 Emergency Response to Inappropriate, Disruptive, or Threatening Behaviour
- G.23 Violence in the Workplace
- G.2 Human Rights
These may be viewed on Kwantlen's policies webpage.
Faculty Safety
Can I require a student to leave the classroom?
Yes. Policy C21, Student Conduct outlines expectations of appropriate student conduct. If a student is disruptive and not following reasonable instruction from you, they can be asked to leave the class. You can use this policy statement or simply ask the student not to return until the next class, to make an appointment to meet with you at your office or meet with you and the Dean. Your request for the student to leave the class should be clear and may be done with the assistance of a Security Officer if required.
What if the student refuses to leave?
If a faculty member finds themselves in a situation that they deem to require this action, they may remove themselves as outlined in the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Faculty Association Collective Agreement.
If the situation allows, the faculty member could take any of the following actions in addition to removing themselves or:
- Advise the student that you will be required to have Security remove them if they will not leave, then send another student to get Security to remove the student from the class.
- Dismiss the class and leave with the non-offending students to the security area.
- Leave the class and move to the security area with a request for the removal of the student.
What happens next?
If Security is involved, they will file an incident report with the Office of Emergency Planning & Judicial Affairs.
If Security is not involved, you should report the incident to the on site Security Officer, or the Office of Judicial Affairs . The Office of Judicial Affairs may confirm a suspension (for up to 2 weeks).
What if I want the matter investigated?
The Office of Judicial Affairs will determine what action is warranted. If an investigation takes place, due process requires that the student is provided with written allegations and given an opportunity to respond to them. One result of an investigation may be recommendation to the President for a longer suspension. Students can appeal that suspension to the Board.
This sounds like a lot of trouble, why should I bother to report an incident?
The safety of our employees and students is very important to us. You may be willing to put up with disruptive or threatening behaviour, or you may feel that asking the student to leave may aggravate the situation. Unless you take some action, the student involved will not learn that their behaviour was unacceptable. If you have a student who is persistently problematic, please consult with your Dean or with the office Judicial Affairs for advice. A student who is acting out in your class may be acting out in other classes and in service areas - in this case the office of Judicial Affairs would be alerted to a problem by the quantity of reports which would lead to further action being taken. If this is the case, other individuals would be left at risk by your failure to report.
I've heard that little action is taken, so what is the point?
All incident reports are reviewed. The office of Judicial Affairs will get back to any faculty who submit a complaint or report a situation. If the faculty member is concerned for their safety, Security checks, escorts and even classroom Security provisions can be arranged. Students have received reprimands and suspensions following classroom incidents.
What if I don't know who the student is?
You can report their description. You can require them to produce their library card. It is best to call Security before you do this. If someone not known to you as one of your students is present in the classroom at any time, you are permitted to ask the person for identification and to ask them to leave if they are not a student in your class.
Violence
Where Kwantlen Stands on Violence
Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to the prevention of violence and the promotion of a violence-free environment.
Any act of violence or threatening behaviour against employees or other students, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
What is Violence?
Violence is the attempted or actual exercise by a person of any physical force so as to cause injury, and included any threatening statement or behaviour which gives, one reasonable cause to believe that one is at risk of injury.
Violence can also come in the form of obscene or threatening telephone conversations and messages.
Who Does this information Apply To?
The information outlined in this brochure applies to all students and employees of Kwantlen Polytechnic University and all other individuals accessing Kwantlen Polytechnic University property.
It applies to those directly involved in an incident and also those who witness an incident or see an incident evolving over time.
What will be done if you're involved in an incident?
- An incident investigation will be done
- If deemed necessary, disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with Kwantlen's Policies or Collective Agreements.
- Appropriate victim support services will be offered to assist in recovery.
What Should I Do If I Am Involved In An Incident?
Always remember these 3 words: Secure - Report - Contact
Secure yourself by calling campus security. Provide complete details of the situation; where appropriate, a referral will be made to the police. Campus security, where appropriate , will immediately attend, intervene and shall, if necessary, effect the removal of the individual from the campus and shall call on the assistance of appropriate services for the individuals involved.
If you receive an obscene or threatening telephone call or telephone message on a University telephone, do not delete it. Skip the message instead (press "#" ) and call local 2118 for further assistance.
Report the incident in writing including as much detail as possible. Remember: who, what, where and when when preparing your report.
Important Definitions
Incident - An incident will exist where an individual exhibits behaviour including but not limited to the following:
- Threats to the physical safety of the individual or others.
- Verbal threats to, or abuse of students, university personnel or others accessing Kwantlen property.
- Recurring and/or willful damage to Kwantlen Polytechnic University property.
- Conduct disruptive to the teaching/learning process.
Emergency - An emergency will be deemed to exist where a student, employee or any other person involved in an incident exhibits inappropriate, disruptive or threatening behaviour that does or may constitute a threat to the well-being of others on campus or a threat to the person's own well being.
Continuing Suspension (students only) - A continuing suspension is a suspension effected while an investigation is being conducted. It is not a disciplinary action.
Preventative Steps to Take
- Don't provoke angry people to continue in a confrontational discussion.
- Notify colleagues and administration of a disruptive person, seek their advice, make them aware of the situation.
- If confronted by a potentially violent person, calmly excuse yourself and contact campus security or a colleague, or have someone else contact security for you.
- If you are threatened, make colleagues and administration aware, tell them the details, describe or show them a picture of the person.
- Avoid being alone in an office, parking lot, or classroom. Security escorts are available on all campuses.
- Read and understand this information, Kwantlen's Policies on this and related topics, and be aware of the procedures for reporting an incident.
Harassment and Discrimination
Human Rights at Kwantlen
Kwantlen Polytechnic University affirms your right to work and study in an environment free from harassment and discrimination.
Members of the Kwantlen Community are responsible for treating each other with dignity and respect. Any form of discrimination or harassment is a serious violation of an individual's fundamental human rights and will not be tolerated!
What is Discrimination?
Discrimination is defined as: unfavorable treatment of a person based on his or her membership in a category, class or group. In human rights legislation, these are referred to as the prohibited grounds and are based on:
- Race, national or ethnic origin, skin colour, religion, or political beliefs.
- Age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, mental or physical disabilities, or conviction of a criminal offence unrelated to employment.
What is Harassment?
Harassment is defined as; unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature having an adverse effect on the work or study environment. Examples of sexual harassment may include:
- Unwelcome remarks, jokes, innuendoes or taunting (about a person's body, attire, age, marital status, etc.) known as "unwelcome conduct" harassment.
- Verbal abuse, threats, leering, invitations or other gestures.
- Physical contact such as touching, patting, pinching, or embracing.
Can It Happen To Me?
Yes, it can happen to anybody regardless of race, gender, age, or physical appearance. It can happen between students, colleagues or peers.
This information applies to all students and employees of Kwantlen Polytechnic University and all other individuals accessing Kwantlen Polytechnic University property.
It applies to those directly involved in an incident and also those who witness an incident or see an incident evolving over time.
What Can I Do If It Happens to Me?
Discuss the incident with the other party and ask them to stop the offfensive behaviour.
Describe the incident with "I" statements; 'I feel uncomfortable with..." "Stop it, I don't like that" or a similar statement.
Use assertive body language; eye contact, a serious expression, or lack of fidgeting.
Speak to a counsellor, administrator, union representative for help with eliminating discrimination and harassment.
Seek emotional support from Counselling or the Employee Assistance Program.
Read and understand this information, Kwantlen's Policies on this and related topics, and be aware of the procedures for making a complaint.
What Will Be Done If I Make a Complaint?
- An incident investigation will be done.
- If deemed necessary, disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with Kwantlen's Policies, or Collective Agreements.
- Appropriate support services will be offered to you.
Are You Afraid to Complain because:
- You'll suffer retaliation from the initiator?
- People may think you brought it on yourself?
- You've misread the initiators intentions?
- You feel responsible for causing the problem?
These are some of the fears often reported by people who've suffered from discrimination or harassment. If you can not resolve the problem yourself, we encourage you to seek assistance. (Confidentiality will be appropriately applied).
Making a complaint about discrimination or harassment is the right of every student and employee of Kwantlen Polytechnic University. This right may be exercised without fear of retaliation.
Students Can Be Harassers Too!
Students may be the victims of discrimination or sexual harassment. However, they can also be the initiators. You can avoid being accused of this by remembering:
- Be sensitive to other people's feelings
- Listen carefully to what other's say
- Homophobic or racist language is offensive
- Friendly physical contact can be misjudged
- "NO" means "NO"
Security Tips — Bulletin
Theft of Personal Property
- Keep personal property with you at all times.
- Never leave anything unattended in any area even for a short period of time such as a brief break.
- Do not carry large sums of money.
- Maintain a list of personal property, including credit cards and identification numbers. In the event of thefts, a list helps you identify and recover your property and file insurance claims.
- If something is stolen, call the police and Campus Security and report it immediately.
Challenging Strangers
Kwantlen is private property but our grounds are open to the public. The pleasant atmosphere and safe climate here can attract unwelcome trespassers that commit 'crimes of opportunity'. It is important to be vigilant.
- Always challenge someone in a non-aggressive way by asking them if they need assistance.
- By challenging strangers it lets them know they are in a restricted area.
- If a stranger had a criminal intent they may be deterred if challenged.
- By challenging a stranger they know that you can identify them if they return.
- If you have doubts about someone's behaviour call Security.
Security Bulletin: Vehicle Crime
Please be aware: Theft of vehicles and of items from vehicles is an ongoing challenge. Please act to keep our campuses safe.
Below are some vehicle theft prevention tips:
- Close windows and lock doors. Take your possessions with you. Do not leave them visible in your automobile.
- Invest in a good anti-theft device including use of a steering wheel lock.
- Park in well-lit areas near pedestrian traffic and visible.
- If you see any suspicious person or activity near a vehicle, call Security immediately. Report ALL incidents and thefts to Security.
- Engrave your stereo and other on-board valuables with your driver's license number. Install an anti-theft device to protect your stereo, or buy a unit that's removable and take it with you when you park.
- Keep your spare keys in your wallet, not in your car.
- Visit the ICBC website
