University of Manitoba - Office of the President - Respect - The President's Advisory Committee on Respect: Terms of Reference
The President's Advisory Committee on Respect: Terms of Reference

PURPOSE

At the President's request, this committee has been formed to assist in the coordination of activities designed to promote a respectful work and learning environment at the University of Manitoba.  Activities of the committee will be directed to the entire university community; faculty, staff and students.  The committee should focus on the promotion of respectful, collegial and civil behavior among members of the university community, as well as encouraging inclusion and diversity.

LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS

The committee is seen as an important mechanism to help the university achieve a number of goals described in Taking Our Place: University of Manitoba Strategic Plan 2015-2020 (the "Plan").

Relevant concepts such as "respect", "integrity" and "equity and inclusion" are listed in the Plan as among the core values of the university.

The Plan goes on to list five strategic priorities for the institution.  The work of the committee will touch on each of these priorities to varying degrees.  With reference to the five priorities, some of the relevant goals are described as follows:

Inspiring Minds

  • Provide accessibility and reasonable accommodation in all of our programs for students with disabilities.

Driving Discovery and Insight

  • Foster the inclusion of Indigenous perspective in research, scholarly work and other creative activities.

Creating Pathways - to Indigenous achievement

  • Foster a greater understanding of Indigenous knowledge, cultures and traditions among students, faculty and staff.
  • Build a culturally rich, safe and supportive learning and work environment in which an increasing number of Indigenous students, faculty and staff succeed.
  • Celebrate achievements by Indigenous faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners.
  • Weave Indigenous knowledge, cultures and traditions into the fabric of our University.

Building Community - that creates an outstanding learning and working environment

  • Increase student, staff, faculty and leadership diversity that reflects society, especially with respect to the inclusion of women, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, gener and sexual minorities, and racialized minorities.
  • Increase student, staff, and faculty satisfaction with the learning and work environment - create initiatives designed to promote a respectful work and learning environment.
  • Develop a culture of continuous dialogue, collaboration, and consensus building to improve communication and inform institutional development.

Forging Connections

  • Enhance engagement, and build and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities.

THEMES

The committee may consider pursuing one or more themes or projects through its work.  Without limitation, some of the themes it may consider include:

  • Consultation on and development of clear community standards related to respectful behavior.
  • Refreshing of the policy on a Respectful Work and Learning Environment.
  • Enhancing collegiality in academia.
  • Educating faculty, staff and students on human rights obligations and issues of respect.
  • Educating the university community on methods to build strong teams and a feeling of common purpose.
  • Educating the university community on better managing and resolving conflict.
  • Promoting understanding and inclusion of the Indigenous community and other diverse groups reflective of the university population.

COMPOSITION

The committee will be co-chaired by the Associate Vice-President (Human Resources) and the Vice-Provost (Students).  The co-chairs may recommend to the President members for the committee, who will invite such members as he/she deems desirable.  The membership should represent a diversity of viewpoints relevant to faculty, staff, and students.

Sub-committees and working groups may be formed at the discretion of the co-chairs, and include members from the committee, as well as other members of the university community.

MEETINGS

Meetings will be held at the call of the co-chairs, and are expected to occur at least monthly.  The President will be invited to committee meetings, although will only attend occasionally.

REPORTING

The co-chairs will report on progress to the President periodically.  At appropriate times, the co-chairs will provide a written report to the President outlining the major initiatives undertaken, and making relevant recommendations.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The committee is advisory to and accountable to the President.