CMAHRO Workshops

Human Rights in the Academic Environment 

In the academic environment, barriers that arise as a result of human rights issues such as harassment and discrimination can interfere with learning, teaching and collegiality.  Early recognition of these barriers and an effective response can result in the restoration of an effective learning and working environment.
 

Human Rights in the Workplace (staff) 

Communication and collaboration are essential to success in the workplace.  Barriers that arise as a result of human rights issues can interfere with communication and prevent effective collaboration.  By dealing with these barriers early, an effective work environment can be restored and future issues can be prevented.  
 

Human Rights in the Workplace (supervisors) 

Managers and supervisors have a responsibility to ensure that their work area is free from harassment and discrimination.  Human rights issues such as harassment and discrimination can create barriers in the workplace that interfere with such critical elements as communication, relationships, teamwork and collaboration.  By recognizing and dealing with these barriers early, managers can facilitate the restoration of an effective work environment and the prevention of future issues. 
 

NOTE: Each of the above workshops are about 2.5 hours in duration.  Due to the small group format of the workshop, it is necessary to limit each session to 20 participants.  Equipment requirements for all workshops include a computer, a projector and a presentation screen along with a podium and good lighting at the front of the room.   The room use should allow for small group work.

We encourage  all attendees view the following videos on our website, “General Human Rights”, “The Ontario Human Rights Code and UW Policy”, “Harassment … What to Do if it Happens to You” and “Supervisory Responsibilities” (https://uwaterloo.ca/conflict-management-human-rights/presentations) in order to provide them with the background knowledge needed to participate effectively in the case study analysis.

TA Guidelines re: Harassment and Discrimination: Responding to an Initial Complaint - The authority that comes with the position of Teaching Assistant also brings an increased level of responsibility around identifying and responding to human rights issues.  TAs are informed of their responsibilities and how they should respond to a human rights complaint.  They are also reminded of the resources that are available to them on campus. 

Preparing to have a Difficult Conversation with Your Graduate Supervisor 

The unique relationship between a graduate student and their supervisor is especially susceptible to barriers that can prevent students from effectively responding when difficulties arise within this relationship.  By acknowledging the unique properties of this relationship and learning to recognize these barriers, graduate students can take early action toward relationship resolution.

Don’t Just Have a Difficult Conversation ... Manage It!!  …   Assess, Plan and Participate Actively 

Difficult conversations are a part of life.  Learning how to manage difficult conversations is an essential skill for all members of the university community.  This workshop takes participants step-by-step through the process of planning the context, setting and content of a difficult conversation.

Maintaining Effective Relations with Your Graduate Student

Graduate supervisors explore the impact of power imbalance on effective communication. They are presented with a step-by-step process for planning and conducting effective conversations with their graduate student around difficult issues.
 

NOTE: Each of the above workshops are about 2.0 hours in duration.  Due to the small group format of the workshop, it is necessary to limit each session to 20 participants.  Equipment requirements for all workshops include a computer, a projector and a presentation screen along with a podium and good lighting at the front of the room.   The room use should allow for small group work.

These courses can also be offered individually with prerequisites as indicated.

​WHPC Part 1 - Responding to Disrespectful Communication

How do I respond when someone makes an inappropriate or disrespectful comment?

• This interactive workshop focuses on understanding and responding to inappropriate comments in the workplace.  Through case study discussion, participants are introduced to tools that they can use when preparing an effective response.  Discussion includes barriers that may prevent an effective response and where to get help.
   

WHPC Part 2 - Responding to Difficult Behavior in the Workplace (prerequisite: Part 1) 

What can I do when someone’s behavior is making me uncomfortable or upset?

• This workshop focuses on responding to difficult behavior in the workplace.  Tools learned in “Responding to Disrespectful Communication” are applied to behavioral case studies.  Topics discussed include when difficult behavior becomes harassment, the role of a bystander, supervisory responsibilities and when and where to get help.