Managing Conflict and Misconduct in APSC Student Groups
We have created this guide to provide students with an overview of how APSC is able to support students when conflicts or mistreatment occur, and steps that can be taken within the larger university structure. Please take the time to review the policies that guide our steps, as well as the tools/other proactive actions that student groups can set up to create a safe and welcoming space for all students.
A PDF version of all the information on this page is available for download here
Mistreatment Is Not Acceptable
Mistreatment towards anyone in our UBC Engineering Community is not acceptable.
Mistreatment is disrespectful or unprofessional behavior that has a negative effect on you or your learning environment or conduct that is contrary to the principles that support a respectful environment. This includes making demeaning, offensive, belittling, and disrespectful comments, using abusive language, engaging in bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
What APSC Can Do & When to Come to Us
APSC (Sara, Minoli) are here to support students with difficult conversations and can help with navigating conduct concerns and issues.
Some of the options that are available with this route:
- Give confidential consultations and advice on difficult situations and how to manage them on the team including the options for reporting
and the possible actions if a situation is reported - Non-academic misconduct disclosures or reports
- Work with you and your team to manage conflict or other team issues
We highly encourage members and Captains to reach out sooner rather than later, so that we can support students at the earliest point possible.
The best way to reach out is by sending an email (Sara.Buse@ubc.ca, Minoli.Navaratnam@ubc.ca)
What Actions Can You Take?
How to Use Your Team Agreement
- Students in student groups are highly encouraged to use Team Agreements as a way to set mutual expectations and transparency around:
- Ways the team can effectively work together
- What is appropriate behavior and the actions that could be taken if a team member behaves inappropriately
- Goals of the team
- Decision making and what happens if the terms of the team agreement aren’t being met
By making implicit expectations explicit, individuals have a better sense of what is expected and what will happen if something “goes wrong”. Consider and include the resolution process/steps (talking, warning, going to Minoli/Sara, etc.), as well how your team deals with a range of other issues (missing meetings, not hitting timelines/milestones, inappropriate conduct). Having these steps outlined in your team agreements will help you and your team members to navigate and deal with challenging situations
An important note about confidentiality: Best practice is to not share sensitive information or events beyond those who are directly involved. When in doubt, it’s best to check in with Minoli and Sara.
Difference between Disclosing & Reporting
More Resources
Who else can you turn to?
If there are others with the UBC Community (staff and faculty) with whom you have a good relationship and feel comfortable reaching to,
we encourage you to go to them.