If you are feeling harassed in your co-op workplace

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How do I know if what I am experiencing is harassment?

If you are experiencing behavior that is having a negative impact on you, that is a problem. It is important that you get some help whether the behavior has been identified as harassment or not.  

  • Where can you get help?

    • At your place of employment: talk your supervisor and determine whether there are other resources to help you (e.g. human resources).

    • From Co-operative Education (CEE): contact your co-op advisor.

    • On the University of Waterloo campus: contact the Conflict Management Office or Campus Wellness.  

  • If you are feeling unsafe or threatened, you can contact Special Constable Service or your local police, but it is important that you also advise CEE of your situation.

If you want to know more about harassment and what it is, you can also visit the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s website. They have some great e-Learning modules that can help you learn more e.g. Human Rights 101.

The Conflict Management Office has also created a number of presentations that provide more details about harassment, discrimination, stereotypes and prejudice. They describe what these are and how they can negatively impact our campus.

I heard someone mention the term “poisoned or hostile environment”. What does this mean?

A poisoned environment (also known as a hostile environment) is an environment in which you find it difficult to work, learn or live comfortably.  It can be created by comments or behavior that make you feel  demeaned or disrespected.  

If your environment is interfering with your ability to work or learn, it is important that you seek help.

If you want to know more about poisoned environment and what it is, you can also visit the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s website.  They have some great e-Learning modules that can help you learn more e.g. Human Rights 101.

The Conflict Management Office has also created a number of presentations that provide more details about harassment, discrimination, stereotypes and prejudice.  They describe what these are and how they can negatively impact our campus.

What will happen if I ask to meet with someone at CMAHRO?

When you arrange to meet with someone from our office the first thing we will do is listen. After listening to your concerns, our staff will share information about policy and resources available at the University of Waterloo. They will also discuss what options are available to address your concerns either formally or informally.

Often people are afraid that when they come to us, they will lose control of the situation. It is important to understand that you only need to share with us the information that you feel comfortable sharing. In fact, you don’t even need to tell us your name if you don’t want to.

We will explain what options and resources are available to you, but you get to decide what happens next.

At the end of your meeting we want to ensure that you:

  • Have been heard and understood;
  • Are aware of the policy on campus that is applicable to your concern;
  • Are aware of different options available, both formal and informal;
  • Are aware of the different services available at the Conflict Management and Human Rights Office;
  • Are aware of other applicable resources on campus;
  • Understand that the Conflict Management and Human Rights Office can provided direction regarding who would be responsible for addressing your complaint (department/faculty); and
  • Are aware that we are available to meet with you as many times as necessary to accomplish the above.

What if I am far from campus?

Both CEE and CMAHRO are prepared to help you no matter where you are. We can work with you to ensure that you receive the help you need whether you are on-campus, across the city, in a different province or a different country.

How can I contact CMAHRO?

Contact: Jeremy de Boer, Senior Case Consultant, Conflict Management and Human Rights Office