One of the important functions of a Students’ Union is to ensure that all members receive fair and equitable treatment while they attend a post-secondary institution. A significant aspect of our work includes supporting members who feel that their rights may have been violated during the course of their studies or that they haven’t received fair treatment.

Since the University does not have staff solely dedicated to assisting with student appeals, disputes, complaints, as well as issues of rights and fairness, the Student’s Union provides advocacy  support to it’s student members.

If at any point during your studies, you have questions, or need support, you should refer to the University information provided in: https://www.ecuad.ca/people. If you would like support from the ECSU in navigating through these policies, you can email info@ecsu.ca and one of two staff can assist you.

We Will

• Listen to student concerns and provide an assessment of the situation presented;

• Provide information on university policies and procedures, as well as related student rights and responsibilities;

• Assist students in gathering information about their case;

• Discuss possible courses of action;

• Help students prepare for conversations with supervisors, instructors or administrators;

• Participate in meetings between students and faculty or university administrators as a witness; and,

• Refer students to service departments, or external agencies, for assistance and/or advice.

We Will Not

• Offer legal advice or answer legal questions;

• Offer counselling;

• Represent students to the University;

• Provide a testimonial at an academic hearing or other administrative tribunal convened by the University; and,

• Offer advice on how to initiate legal action against the University, or participate in a legal proceeding against the University.

Students have a right to a healthy and safe environment, and to be free from physical, sexual or mental harassment, indignity, injury or violence.

• You have a right to be informed of, prior to registration, the extent of University related expenses to be incurred during studies at the University.

• You have the right to refer to any documents contained in your student records. Additionally, you have the right to add documents to University student records, including written documentation refuting the contents of documents of a disparaging nature.

• You have the right to be provided with written course descriptions including means of student assessment and to be assured that these will not be substantially changed throughout the course of your semester.

• You have the right to be informed of methodologies, assignments to be handed in, penalties for delays, and the estimated waiting period for obtaining academic results at the beginning of the course.

• You have a right to attend class. If you cannot attend class for any reason, you can request the information that has been missed. You should not be penalized for missing any part of your class as long as you are fulfilling the attendance requirement of your course.

• All students have a right to freedom of opinion and expression in the classroom within the context of the course content.

• You have a right to proper and impartial evaluation of performance.

• Students have the right to be provided with instructors who possess appropriate knowledge and teaching skills in relation to their course of instruction.

• Students have the right to appropriate services and resources that support instruction and student learning.

• Students have the right to accompaniment at any and all meetings.

Additional information regarding Emily Carr University’s policies pertaining to students’ rights and responsibilities can be accessed by reviewing the University’s education + students policies on their website: https://www.ecuad.ca/about/leadership-and-governance/policies#4-.-academic-+-students

Confidential - Staff of the Students’ Union will maintain the confidentiality of information provided unless directed otherwise by the student providing the information. This confidentiality enables students to discuss matters and receive advice without taking action. Confidentiality will be deemed void if a student makes comments about doing harm to themselves or others, or if a student speaks about a criminal act. The staff of the ECSU are neither lawyers nor medical professionals, and there is no legal privilege in communication with them.

Impartial – The Students’ Union will not take sides in disputes, complaints or appeals but will work to ensure the rights of students are respected, and that both the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness are applied in dealing with student appeals, complaints and disputes.

Independent – The Students’ Union operates independently from Emily Carr University.

It is important for you to know what policies and procedures are in place at the University in case you have questions or face challenges. Here are some of the most pertinent policies for students. You can find these on www.ecuad.ca/about/leadership-and-governance/policies

3.6 Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and Misconduct

4.6 Student Conduct

4.7 Student Complaints

8.2.1 Student Employment Procedures

8.6 Harassment, Bullying + Discrimination

8.12.1 Safe Disclosure Procedures