Sexual & Gender-Based Violence Policies and Procedures - Students & Staff
New Sexual and gender-Based Violence Policy:
The University of Guelph's Board of Governors has approved a new Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy which comes into effect on August 17, 2026. The policy is available on the University Secretariat website and provides clearer guidance on available support, reporting options and the University's response processes.
Key Policy Changes:
1. One Policy for the Whole Community: Students, faculty, and staff will now have access to a single Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy, replacing seperate policies for different groups, and the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Office will now support faculty and staff as well as students.
2. Grounded in Emerging Best Practices: The Policy incorporates suvivor-centred, trauma-informed, equity-focused, inclusive and intersectional principles throughout.
3. Enhanced Support, Response Processes and Reporting Frameworks: The Policy provides new and clearer pathways for accessing support, requesting accommodations, addressing safety concerns and pursuing reporting or resolution options. These changes are designed to support a more coordinated, consistent, and trauma-informed response across the University.
4. Improved Clarity and Accessibility: The Policy uses clearer language and includes streamlined processes, making it easier for community members to understand their options, access resources, and make informed decisions.
How to Refer Students, Faculty, and Staff to Support:
Immediate Support: If you, or someone you know, has expereinces Sexual or Gender-Based Violence and require immediate medical care, please go directl to the Emergency Department at Guelph General Hospital and ask to see the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Team nurse. The team is available 24/7. No appointment is needed, care is confidential, and police will not be contacted unless the patient chooses to involve them.
Non-Urgent Support: Students, fauclty, and staff can access support through the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support and Education Centre. Individuals may self-refer or be connected to the Centre by another member of the University community. The Centre provides confidential support, information and assistance in navigatin available options and resources. To connect with the Centre, email svinfo@uoguelph.ca or call 519-824-4120 ext. 53020.
What to Expect Next:
The inmplentation of the new Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy will occur over the coming months. To support a smooth transition, the University will introduce a range of resources, guidance materials, and learning opportunities to help faculty and staff understand their roles and responsibilities under the revised Policy. These initiatives will include:
1. Supporting Resources: The University will release accompanying workflow guides and supporting documents that outline reporting pathways, response processes, roles and responsibilities, and options for support and resolution.
2. Education and Training: Training opportunities will be offered throughout the year for faculty, staff, and students. These sessions will focus on responding to disclosures, understanding reporting options, making apprpirate referrals, and applying trauma-informed, survivor-centred principles in practice.
3. Ongoing Communication: As additional resources and training opportunities become available, the University will continue to provide updates and implementation guidance to help faculty and staff navigate the transition and support members of our community.
Updates, training dates and support resources will be posted on the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support and Education Centre webpage as they become available.
If you would like to learn more about the Policy, or wish to arrange an orientation or training session, please contact svinfo@uoguelph.ca.
For more information about the Policy Review process, please visit Review and Revision of Sexual Violence Policy and Procedures.