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The University of New Brunswick released its finalized sexual assault policy and procedure documents today. The following is a memo that was released from UNB President Eddy Campbell to students, faculty and staff of the University.

Media Contact: Natasha Ashfield

Dear members of the UNB community:

I am pleased to report that UNB's sexual assault policy and procedures documents are now finalized. After reviewing other campus policies and consulting with many of you, we now have a policy that will help us provide a safer and more welcoming environment for all members of our university community and our visitors.

The policy and procedures documents were created using recommendations from sources like the Ontario Women's Directorate and the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault. They ensure that those who experience sexual assault on our campuses are treated respectfully and provided with support. They ensure that processes are in place that protect the rights of all individuals and hold individuals who commit a sexual assault accountable. Finally, they ensure that UNB is providing awareness, educational and risk management programs that contribute to a safe environment.

The policy and procedures documents will be used in conjunction with the University’s existing regulations on discrimination, sexual harassment, harassment, the student disciplinary code and provisions within collective agreements. We are working with the Fredericton Sexual Assault Centre to have a sexual assault support advocate on our Fredericton campus. Student Services on the Saint John campus is identifying an individual to serve as the suppport advocate on that campus. Our hope is that these campus advocates will foster an environment in which anyone who experiences a sexual assault feels safe and supported to come forward.

Our policy and procedure documents will serve as an overarching guide for how we respond to sexual assaults at UNB; however, we fully recognize that more needs to be done than the creation of a stand-alone policy. One of our next steps is to make key elements of the policy available and accessible to the university community. This will be done through a consent/education campaign to be rolled out this fall along with the creation of a website. I'm pleased that this policy along with the other existing initiatives underway at UNB will give our students a better place to live and study.

Thank you to those of you who provided input throughout this process. A special thanks to those faculty and staff on both campuses who worked hard to see this policy through to completion.

Sincerely,

Dr. H.E.A. (Eddy) Campbell,
President and Vice-Chancellor