know your rights

One of the primary functions of a Students’ Union is to ensure that all members receive fair and equitable treatment while they attend a post-secondary institution. A significant aspect of our work is advocating alongside members who feel that their rights may have been violated during their course of their studies. If at any point during your studies you have questions, or need advocacy with grade or other appeals you can contact your Students’ Union by emailing the Office of the Student Advocate.

The Office of the Students’ Advocate

Sarah Segal

I have a passion for procedural fairness and just outcomes that is rooted in my belief that when process goes well, and people are heard, any situation can be improved, even if the desired outcome isn’t reached. Email Sarah.Segal@viusu.ca to book an appointment.

how does the advocate help students?

The Student Advocate shall assist members in addressing fairness issues, resolving disputes and filing appeals within the structures of Vancouver Island University, and shall work to ensure that in dealing with student appeals and complaints, Vancouver Island University is applying the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness to its processes and structures.

Operating Principles:

Confidential – the Students’ Union will maintain the confidentiality of information provided to the Student Advocate unless directed otherwise by the student providing the information. This confidentiality enables students to discuss matters with the Student Advocate and receive advice without taking action. Confidentiality will be deemed void if a student makes comments about doing harm to themselves or others, or if a student speaks to the Student Advocate about a criminal act. The Student Advocate is neither a lawyer nor medical professional, and there is no legal privilege attached to communications between students and the Student Advocate.

Impartial – The Students’ Union will not take sides in disputes, complaints or appeals but will work to ensure the rights of students are respected, and that both the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness are applied in dealing with student appeals, complaints and disputes.

Independent – The Students’ Union operates independently from Vancouver Island University and is responsible to VIU students who are Students’ Union members.

Whether you have a question about your rights, are looking for information about university policies and regulations, wanting to file a formal appeal, or just need someone to talk to, you can request an appointment with the students’ advocate.

The Students’ Advocate will:

  • Listen to student concerns and assess the situation presented;

  • Provide information on university policies and procedures, as well as related student rights and responsibilities;

  • Assist students in gathering information about their case;

  • Discuss possible courses of action;

  • Offer coaching and help students prepare for conversations with supervisors, instructors or administrators, or to prepare for formal hearings;

  • Participate in meetings between students and any member of the university, including staff, faculty, and officials to witness and advocate alongside; and,

  • Refer students to service departments, or external agencies, for assistance and/or advice.

The Students’ Advocate will not:

  • Offer legal advice or answer legal questions;

  • Offer counseling;

  • Represent students to the university;

  • Testify at an academic hearing or other administrative tribunal convened by the university; and,

  • Offer advice on how to initiate legal action against the university, or participate in a legal proceeding against the university.

While attending classes at VIU, you can reasonably expect that:

  • Students have a right to a healthy and safe environment, and to be free from physical, sexual or mental harassment, indignity, injury or violence.

  • You have a right to be informed of, prior to registration, the extent of University related expenses to be incurred during studies at the University.

  • You have the right to refer to any documents contained in your student records. Additionally, you have the right to add documents to University student records, including written documentation refuting the contents of documents of a disparaging nature.

  • You have the right to be provided with written course descriptions including means of student assessment and to be assured that these will not be substantially changed throughout the course of your semester.

  • You have the right to be informed of methodologies, assignments to be handed in, penalties for delays, and the estimated waiting period for obtaining academic results at the beginning of the course.

  • You have a right to attend class. If you cannot attend class for any reason, you can request the information that has been missed. You should not be penalized for missing any part of your class as long as you are fulfilling the attendance requirement of your course.

  • All students have a right to freedom of opinion and expression in the classroom within the context of the course content.

  • You have a right to proper and impartial evaluation of performance.

  • Students have the right to be provided with instructors who possess appropriate knowledge and teaching skills in relation to their course of instruction.

  • Students have the right to appropriate services and resources that support instruction and student learning.

  • Students have the right to accompaniment at any and all meetings.

Additional information regarding VIU’s policies pertaining to students’ rights and responsibilities can be accessed by reviewing the University’s education policies on their website.