The Senior Management Committee met on January 29, 2025, and December 17, 2024, to review and approve of the following policies:
Carleton University approved a revised Human Rights Policy and Procedures as of January 31st. The new Human Rights Policy articulates Carleton’s commitment to Discrimination and Harassment prevention and response and addresses the Ministry of Colleges’ directives on anti-racism and anti-hate. It also serves to affirm the human rights and dignity of every Carleton community member.
The updated Procedures establish a process for all complaints of harassment and/or discrimination pursuant to the University’s Human Rights Policy. They also provide a fair and impartial mechanism to assert and respect everyone’s human rights in accordance with the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness.
Emergency Notification System Policy
The Emergency Notification System (ENS) Policy at Carleton University outlines the procedures for activating the ENS during emergencies to ensure the safety and well-being of the university community. The system disseminates critical information through various channels, including computer monitors, email, and mobile app notifications, to facilitate rapid response and recovery.
The major change that is reflected in this policy is that responsibility for the ENS has shifted from Campus Safety Services to the Office of Risk Management.
Environmental Health and Safety Policy
Carleton University is committed to fostering a culture of risk awareness, preventing injury and illness, and promoting a safe and healthy workplace and study environment. The university complies with all environmental and occupational health and safety legislation, implement best practices that exceed minimum standards, and continually strengthens its health and safety program. This policy also ensures the university meets and exceeds its legal obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Notable updates include broadening the scope of the policy to encompass flexible work arrangements, field activities, and remote work. Managers and supervisors now have clearly defined responsibilities for implementing safe work practices and addressing hazards to reflect alignment with the ISO 45001 standard.
Workplace Harassment Prevention Policy
Carleton University’s Workplace Harassment Prevention Policy underscores the university’s dedication to maintaining a respectful and harassment-free work and learning environment. The policy addresses harassment, including sexual harassment, in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and supports the university’s broader human rights and equity objectives.
The updated policy expands its scope to include all campus activities, off-campus events, and social media interactions. Procedures for reporting harassment have been clarified, with specific instructions for handling emergencies both on and off campus. The revisions also align the policy with Bill 190 and ISO 45001 standards, further enhancing Carleton’s framework for workplace health and safety.
Workplace Violence Prevention Policy
The Workplace Violence Prevention Policy at Carleton University establishes measures to prevent, address, and resolve incidents of violence within the university community. The policy affirms Carleton’s obligation to provide a safe environment for work and study in compliance with provincial legislation.
Recent updates expand the scope to include contractors, remote work, and fieldwork, ensuring the policy applies to all university-related activities. Reporting procedures have been refined to guide employees on handling emergencies, particularly off-campus. Additionally, definitions of workplace violence and sexual violence have been clarified to enhance understanding and enforcement. These changes strengthen the policy’s effectiveness in fostering a violence-free environment at Carleton.
Distribution of News and Information Publications Policy (Repealed)
Carleton University has repealed the Distribution of News and Information Publications Policy, which previously governed the distribution of hardcopy publications on campus. The policy is no longer relevant in a predominantly digital age, where most publications have transitioned online. The decision to repeal the policy aligns with the university’s sustainability goals by reducing the need for physical print distribution. This change also reflects the evolving state of media and communications, ensuring Carleton’s policies remain modern and applicable to current practices.
VPARC approved policies:
Graduate Supervision Appointments
This policy outlines the criteria for supervising graduate students at Carleton University, detailing who is eligible, the conditions under which they can supervise and the roles they can assume.
This policy outlines the procedures, requirements, and criteria that happen before, during, and after a thesis dissertation defence at both the master’s and doctoral level applies to all thesis examinations at Carleton University.