OICC Respectful & Fair Treatment of Students Policy

Oxford International Career Colleges is committed to ensuring that its learning environment promotes the respectful and fair treatment of all students.  

Purpose of Policy 

At Oxford International Career Colleges, the purpose of this policy and practice are to maintain an environment that is free of abuse and harassment and provides access to dispute resolution for students, faculty, and staff. Oxford International Career Colleges across Canada are dedicated in promoting a working and learning environment that encourages teamwork and supporting employees and in this commitment. Oxford International Career Colleges operates in accordance with the following acts:  

• The Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. This Act prohibits discrimination in certain activities including the provision of or access to services and facilities, accommodation, publications, and employment.   
• The Ontario Human Rights Code. This Code gives everybody equal rights and opportunities without discrimination in areas such as jobs, housing and services.  
• The British Columbia Human Rights Code. The purpose of this Code is to foster a society in British Columbia in which there are no impediments to full and free participation in the economic, social, political and cultural life of British Columbia. Being treated fairly is your right. If you have any complaints, you can contact the Ombudsperson (Office of the Ombudsperson) to investigate complaints from the public about unfair administration.

To Whom the Policy Applies  

This policy applies to all people associated with Oxford International Career Colleges across Canada and includes staff, students, advisors, mentors and/or any casual/contracted/temporary positions.   

  This policy applied to the non-academic behavior of a student or group of students that takes place:  

1. On College property 
2. Off College property, including online or virtual activities, in circumstances where:  

• A student’s behavior compromises the rights, safety, or well-being of an individual’s learning, living or work environment. 
• A student participating in a sanctioned College activity, regardless of where the activity takes place. 
• A student represents, claims to represent, or would reasonably be perceived to be representing, the College. 
• In the context or an academic program, including conduct that occurs when a student is participating in:  

- Any class activity, including a lecture, tutorial, lab, or classroom discussion both in person and online with an approved OICC learning and communication platform. 

- Any off-campus learning, including without limitation field work and work experience placements.  

This policy applies to the behavior of staff and students while outside working hours are expected to uphold Oxford International Career Colleges’ expectation of professional and ethical practice.   

The rights and responsibilities of staff and students to contribute to a respectful workplace and safe learning environment. All persons associated with Oxford International Career Colleges across Canada are responsible for maintaining the well-being of themselves and others by not engaging in behaviors that may jeopardize a person’s physical or mental state. Everyone has the right to be treated with consideration, fairness, dignity and respect which supports a workplace environment where people feel safe and secure.  

Prohibited Activities 

While on any of the Oxford International Career Colleges premises or in the course of activities or events hosted by Oxford International Career Colleges, the following activities are prohibited:  

1. Bullying. Refers to offensive, abusive, intimidating, or insulting behaviour which makes the recipient feel upset, threatened, humiliated and/or vulnerable, which undermines the recipient’s self-confidence and/or reduces their feelings of self-esteem and self-worth. 

Conflict is not, on its own, bullying; however, conflict may escalate to the point where it becomes bullying. A single incident of unreasonable behaviour or incivility is not, on its own, bullying but is also not acceptable and could be in breach of this policy. Reasonable management actions such as giving fair and reasonable feedback, including academic feedback, is not bullying. 

2. Cyberbullying (also known as Electronic Bullying). Also referred to as electronic bullying, is a form of bullying that occurs using technology. This can include the use of a computer or other electronic devices, social networks, text messaging, instant messaging, websites, email, or other electronic means. 

A person participates in bullying if they directly conduct the behaviour or assists or encourages the behaviour in any way. 

3. Discrimination. Behaviour that excludes individuals or treats them unfairly because they are members of specific groups. According to the Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Ontario Human Rights Code, individuals cannot be discriminated against in services and facilities based on their race, color, creed, ethnic, national or aboriginal origin; religion; mental or physical disability; age; sex (including pregnancy); sexual orientation; marital or family status; political affiliation, belief, or activity; irrational fear of contracting an illness or disease; association with protected groups or individuals, political belief, affiliation, or activity; and source of income. 

4. Harassment & Sexual Harassment. Behaviour that is unwelcome, offensive, or intimidating. Harassment can be in verbal or written form. Harassment is often a behaviour that offends someone such as unwelcome remarks, jokes, slurs, innuendo or taunting towards an individual relating to any of the above-mentioned areas; distribution or display of derogatory, offensive, racist, or sexist pictures, graffiti, or materials; threatening comments or conduct; and verbal, written, or physical assault. 

Harassment may consist of a repeated or persistent pattern of behaviours, direct or indirect, that when taken together constitute harassment; or a single act of sufficient severity to constitute harassment.