EXCPE 1522 - Trauma-Informed Administrative Investigations
Course Description
This course is for internal or external investigators of sexual and gender-based violence complaints in the Alberta post-secondary sector, including both student conduct and workplace investigations. It is grounded in the Alberta regulatory and legal context, and informed by evidence-based best and promising practices, particularly as outlined in the national Courage to Act program. It does not purport to train investigators, but aims to assist with re-framing their investigations to infuse a trauma-informed approach, ensure procedural fairness and, as a result, reduce harm to all involved. In addition, the principles in this training are applicable to any allegation of interpersonal harm and need not be limited to sexual and gender-based violence.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is for any individual tasked with investigating a complaint of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) or any other form of interpersonal harm in the post-secondary institution. It is for internal or external investigators, whether investigating allegations against students, staff or faculty.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- 🗸 Understand the components of an administrative investigation.
- 🗸 Recognize the impact of trauma on participants' ability to provide information.
- 🗸 Apply trauma-informed practices to conduct procedurally fair investigations minimizing harm.
- 🗸 Consider the specific requirements of student conduct and human resources investigations.
Notes
- 🗸 This course was designed to align with Alberta's legal framework, including but not limited to the Alberta Human Rights Act, the Post-Secondary Learning Act, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- 🗸By incorporating strategies to minimize harm, address trauma, and adopt principle-based approaches, the course aims to go beyond legal compliance and create a supportive environment for participants in complaint processes.
Prerequisites
If you would like register into any of the following courses at the same time as the prerequisite, please contact the OHS Program Office at ohs@ualberta.ca, and we will get you registered in the course(s).
EXCPE 1522 - Trama-Informed Administrative Investigations
EXCPE 1523 - Making Decisions in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Complaints
EXCPE 1524 - Hearing and Deciding Student Appeals
Recommendations
The information provided in this course is dense and may be sensitive. It is recommended that learners take ample time and breaks to fully absorb the concepts and material.