Equitable Conflict Response

EQUITABLE CONFLICT RESPONSE

This interactive panel session will provide an introduction to the newly formed Office of Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion. Following a brief overview of the functions of the Office, a typical case that would be handled by the Office will be presented. Amanda Cook and Lynn Long will provide context about the specific situation in the case, as well as any policies that may be associated with the case (i.e., Policy 33 and Policy 42). The session participants will breakout in to pairs/small groups and think-pair-share session to decide how they, themselves, would have handled the situation 1) if they were the person who had been impacted or 2) if they had received the complaint, or were made aware of the undesirable behaviour. Participants will have the opportunity to share their responses. Amanda and Lynn describe the processes that can be followed or engaged in, both formally and informally, and how each of their programs can facilitate this.

Moderated by Joanne Adair, the audience will have a chance to ask Amanda and Matt any questions that arose during the session. The session will conclude with a summary of the functions of the Office of Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion, and information for resources and support for members of campus.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Introduce staff to the Office of Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion
  • Make staff aware of Policy 33 and 42, and what a tangible breach of policy looks like
  • Make staff aware of available resources

Key Themes:

  • Communication
  • Conflict Management
  • Sexual Violence Resources

Presenter: 

Joanne Adair is part of the newly formed Office of Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion. She comes from the Faculty of Environment in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development, as the Experiential Learning and Business Engagement Coordinator, where she has worked for the past five years. Her role included, in part, to identify and build learning opportunities for the Environment and Business students with businesses and organizations, with a strong focus on effective team work and group dynamics to ensure an inclusive, productive experience for all parties involved. She also worked on a range of projects, including running large-scale events, marketing and communications, and graduate recruitment. Joanne has always had a strong commitment to create safe, equitable experiences for those she works with including colleagues and students. She undertook the course work to obtain OHD’s Inclusivity Certificate, and also created important workshops for International Students to understand the Canadian university experience and culture and how they can navigate through this transition. She has a special interest in gendered experiences around negotiation and personal branding (resumes), and the Body Positivity Movement.  Joanne’s role covers a wide scope of responsibilities including setting up this new unit, integrating budgets, communications, branding etc.; she will also manage events, and lead key initiatives associated with equity and inclusion on campus. Joanne was born and raised in Waterloo, and now lives in Kitchener with her partner Matthew, daughter, Florence and Son, Winston, their dog and cat (and the odd un-invited squirrel). 

As the University of Waterloo’s Sexual Violence Response Coordinator, Amanda Cook assists the University community with appropriate responses to sexual violence. Amanda’s role is to support students, staff and faculty on the main campus, satellite campuses and University Colleges, who have experienced sexual violence. This includes: providing a safe space for folks to speak in as little or as much detail as they wish about their experience; discussing resources, both on- and off- campuses, that could provide further support; and exploring potential next steps. Amanda is also available to speak with those who have received disclosures and need to talk about that experience, as well as anyone on campus that has a question about sexual violence, consent, etc. She is also a support to those who have been accused of perpetrating sexual violence. Amanda also identifies potential prevention initiatives to implement on campus, as well as education and training opportunities.

Lynn Long joined the Conflict Management and Human Rights Office (CMAHRO) in 2009.  As CMAHRO’s Senior Education Consultant, Lynn consults with departments across campus to provide customized educational programming for faculty, staff, and students on topics related to conflict resolution and human rights in the workplace.   Additionally, Lynn provides conflict coaching services and supports CMAHRO’s organizational human rights investigations through research and consultation.  Since May 2012, Lynn has instructed PD6: Problem Solving for the Waterloo Professional Development program.   She is currently in the process of obtaining certification in Conflict Management and Mediation through Conrad Grebel College and achieving the ADRIO Qualified Mediator designation.\

Lynn began her educational journey as a co-op chemistry student at UW and, prior to entering the field of adult education, worked in a variety of settings as an industrial chemist.  After obtaining her B.Ed. from UWO in 2001, Lynn worked for the Thames Valley District School Board, then instructed and designed online and face-to-face courses for Fanshawe College, and subsequently, joined UW’s Centre for Teaching Excellence as a Faculty Liaison.  Lynn has presented at a number of conferences on topics related to eLearning and experiential learning in higher education, as well as conflict resolution, equity and human rights.  


Sessions:

April 5, 2018
2:30 - 3:30 pm
STC 0050

April 6, 2018
9 - 10 am
STC 0050

Accessibility

The University of Waterloo is committed to providing barrier-free access and equal opportunities to all individuals with disabilities. We strive to create an inclusive environment that is welcoming and supportive of everyone, regardless of their abilities. OHD encourages a scent-free environment in our in-person learning and development events.

If you require any additional accommodations or have any questions about accessibility, please connect with our OHD Events and Programs Coordinator, Krystal Mittler at krystal.mittler@uwaterloo.ca. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in our learning and development event. Please note that certain accommodations may require time to arrange.


The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within our Office of Indigenous Relations