Community Consultation: Bullying and Harassment Policy (GP 47) Review
This following message is sent on behalf of Margarita Fullerton, University Secretary.
Dear University Community,
Policy GP 47, “Bullying and Harassment Policy,” is under the authority of the University Secretary and establishes a framework for education, prevention, and response to bullying and harassment within the University Community, in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety provisions under the . The University Secretary will remain the policy authority for GP 47.
New amendments to GP 47 reflect feedback from key partners at the University and would formally document operational updates, including transitioning the Bullying & Harassment Central Hub to the SFU Human Rights Office, updating intake roles, and introducing the Conflict Resolution & Investigation Specialist role. Outdated references would be revised, and the policy would be aligned with Sexualized Violence Policy (GP 44) and Human Rights Policy (GP 18) to improve clarity, consistency, and accessibility for the university community. The key changes include:
- Allowing for a new section to allow for the intake of a GP 47 complaint once an individual is no longer a member of the University Community up to one year, in line with GP 44.
- Formalizing procedural fairness requirements in the policy.
- Establishing of the Bullying and Harassment Central Hub within the Human Rights Office to provide education, prevention, reporting, and support, with an annual report presented to the Board of Governors.
- Aligning procedures with the Human Rights Policy (GP 18) and Sexualized Violence Policy (GP 44), including the introduction of the Conflict Resolution and Investigation Specialist (CRIS) for informal resolutions.
- Adding a new clause clarifying that the University reserves the right to initiate investigations without a formal complaint if community safety concerns arise.
- Updating definition of “University Community” to include “or agreement”:
2.15 University Community means all students and employees of the University and all people who have a status at the University mandated by legislation or other University policies, or agreement including research assistants, post-doctoral fellows, members of Senate and the Board of Governors, volunteers, visiting and emeritus faculty, and visiting researchers.
GP47 Policy included here (PDF)
GP47 Procedures included here (in PDF)
GP47 Appendix A - Definitions included here (PDF)
GP47 Appendix B - Guidelines for External Investigators included here (PDF)
We invite you to review the amendments to GP 47. Please send your feedback humanrights_office@sfu.ca by May 15, 2025.
Information Sessions: GP 18 & GP 47 Policy Review
The Human Rights Office is hosting two information sessions with Q&A on GP 18 and GP 47 policy review. These sessions will be held in a hybrid format, with the option to attend in person or join online via Zoom. Each session will begin with a brief overview and followed by time for attendees to ask questions.
Session Dates:
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | 3 PM – 4 PM
Location: WMC 3510
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Thursday, May 1, 2025 | 12 PM – 1 PM
Location: WMC 3510
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We appreciate your involvement as we work together to support a safe, respectful, and inclusive community at SFU.
Input provided is collected under the authority of the , , and SFU Policy on University Policies and Procedures (B 10.00). This information is collected for the purpose of engaging in community consultation, which may result in recommended changes to a policy. If you have any queries about the collection of this information, please contact privacy@sfu.ca