Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management

The Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management (OHRCM) promotes a respectful working and learning environment in which individuals are treated equitably and diversity is valued.

A student standing outside Migizii Agamik leans against a tree holding a folder with a University of Manitoba logo on it. Two other students smile as they walk by.

Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management

We are dedicated to providing support and services while upholding our commitment to confidentiality and privacy.

To access support:

Hours (remain the same): Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Our services, policies and procedure

Our services

If you have a concern regarding harassment, discrimination, sexual violence or conflict, we can help. We offer our services at all UM campuses, satellite campuses and UM rural locations.

When you meet with us, a Human Rights and Conflict Management Officer or Advisor will provide information and assistance.

We:

  • Provide information about UM's Respectful Work and Learning Environment (RWLE) and Sexual Violence policies and procedure
  • Provide advice and assistance on informal resolution and how to file a formal complaint
  • Handle all inquiries in strict confidence
  • Offer a respectful and safe environment for informal discussion of concerns
  • Provide flexible options about where and when to meet with you, including virtually, by phone, or in person.

Your first step toward resolution is to have a conversation with us about your specific situation, so we can help you explore your options.

Contact our office

Our policies and procedure

We administer the Respectful Work and Learning Environment and Sexual Violence policies, and we provide supports and resources for addressing discrimination, harassment, sexual violence and conflict for all members of the UM community.

Policies currently under review

Sexual Violence Policy

We are currently engaging with the UM community through various forums to receive feedback on this policy to help identify areas for improvement and potential gaps in resources. 

Share your feedback through the online form

This form will be available until December 15, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

 

 

Your options for resolution

Depending on the nature of your situation, you may choose an informal resolution option or a formal complaint process. We can help you determine which option is best for you and support you during the process.

Please review our process flowchart for a detailed breakdown of our informal resolution and formal complaint processes.

A. Informal resolution option

Anyone who has experienced harassment, discrimination, sexual violence or conflict can choose to try to resolve the matter informally. Informal resolution can involve a variety of different processes, depending on the needs of the people involved. We believe community members have the ability to solve many of their own conflicts.

This conflict management approach doesn’t involve an investigation or fact-finding. Rather, it is focused on finding a resolution that meets the needs of the parties involved.

Here are our various approaches to informal resolution.

One-on-one coaching

One-on-one coaching is an option for community members who are looking for help addressing a conflict or concern on their own. The OHRCM will meet with individuals and help them to think through resolution options, reflect on their own communication and conflict styles, plan for a conversation with the other party, and/or work on how they want to respond to the issue.

Mediation

Mediation is an option for those who want to address the issue directly with the other party. The OHRCM will meet with parties separately to help them prepare for the discussion, then bring them together to talk about their concerns in a structured and respectful way. The mediator does not take sides, but guides the conversation, and supports the parties in developing a resolution that meets their needs.

Conciliation

Conciliation is an option for those who do not wish to meet directly with the other party. The OHRCM can act as a go-between for sharing information and ideas for the resolution of the conflict, and help develop a plan for both parties to move forward in a positive way.

Facilitated group dialogue

Facilitated group dialogue is an option for situations involving more than two participants. The OHRCM offers a personalized process to enable all parties to share their concerns, develop a greater understanding of the impact of the situation, and work towards a resolution. Depending on the number of participants, and the level of complexity, this may involve multiple meetings.

Additional options

Additional options and processes may be available upon request, including culturally sensitive processes such as sharing circles or a variety of forms of Restorative Justice.

B. Formal complaint process

The formal complaint process allows UM community members to formally disclose discrimination, harassment, or sexual violence to the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management (OHRCM) as an official Complainant. The OHRCM will review the disclosure and, where appropriate, assign the matter to an investigator who will review the evidence available and make a finding as to whether there was a breach of university policies. The OHRCM can work with you to help you better understand the process.

Formal Complaint process documents

For complainants:
For respondents:

Support, education and services

Sexual violence support and education

The university recognizes that sexual violence can occur between individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or relationship status. The university also recognizes that individuals who have experienced sexual violence may experience mental, physical, academic and/or other difficulties.

The Sexual Violence Resource Centre, located at 537 UMSU University Centre on the Fort Garry campus, provides support, resources, information and referral services for any student, faculty or staff member who has been affected by sexual violence.

Find how to give and get support at UM's Sexual Violence Resource Centre.

Sexual Violence Resource Centre

Conflict management services

Our office can help you with matters of interpersonal or team-related workplace conflict that have not escalated to the complaint process. You can share your situation, get advice, and learn potential approaches to deal with the conflict. Discover our informal resolution approaches under your options for resolution.

For more information, contact us.

Resources

Annual reports

Contact us

Collection, use, and disclosure of personal information and personal health information by the university

Your personal information and/or personal health information is being collected under the authority of The University of Manitoba Act. The collection of the information you provide will be used by the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management for purposes including:

  • The administration of the Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy, the Sexual Violence Policy and the Disclosures and Complaints Procedure;
  • The accessing of complaint mechanisms within the university;
  • The facilitation of informal resolution processes.

Your personal information and personal health information will only be accessed by authorized individuals and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, unless permitted by The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA).

If you have any questions about the collection, use or disclosure of your personal information and/or personal health information, please contact the University of Manitoba’s Privacy Officer at: 204-474-8339 or by email fippa@umanitoba.ca

Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management
201 Allen Building
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

229 Brodie Centre
Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library
University of Manitoba (Bannatyne campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5

human.rights@umanitoba.ca
204-474-6348