Graduate Learners

Green completed
Yellow in progress
Red  pending

 

  Recommendation Status
19 That SGS [School of Graduate Studies] convene a working group of graduate officers and graduate students (including Faculty of Medicine members) and others to review the following policies: Respectful Workplace Policy; Non- Academic Appeals; and Student Code of Conduct and assess whether they are appropriate and adequate for the reporting and resolution of issues related to intimidation, bullying and harassment in the various learning and research environments of graduate students. The CoE Project Team was advised that the establishment of a working group to review the listed documents in recommendation 19 was unnecessary as the documents already fall under the jurisdiction of other offices at Memorial University.
20 The working group (described above) develop a process for conflict resolution for graduate students. This process would facilitate the informal resolution of conflicts, unrelated to harassment and intimidation that may result from the unique learning and research environments of some graduate students. SGS has posted a conflict resolution guide and a "dealing with Online Harassment and Bullying guide"on their website. Guidelines and policies | School of Graduate Studies | Memorial University of Newfoundland (mun.ca)
21 In collaboration with other appropriate units and faculties at the university, SGS develop resources such as education and skills training in mediation and conflict resolution for graduate student officers to better enable them to handle concerns about intimidation, bullying and harassment informally at an early stage. Work on the Professionalism in Practice (Academic) module for graduate students is ongoing and will address conflict resolution as one element (Recommendations 5 and 24). 

Some of the EDGE (SGS) workshops address this area tangentially (Working well in inter-professional teams; Leadership skills; Principled Decision Making; Communicating Effectively). These diverse workshops are optional for graduate students and topics are brought forward on a varied schedule. Workshops & Events | Enhanced Development of the Graduate Experience (EDGE) | Memorial University of Newfoundland (mun.ca)
22 The SGS review its communications strategy including its website to enhance the visibility of SGS to graduate students in the Faculty of Medicine (and other faculties and schools). The SGS website could also have a Respectful Learning Environment webpage with links to on-line resources about respectful behaviour, academic bullying, conflict resolution, etc. The webpage could have a link to all Memorial policies and procedures related to the reporting and resolution of intimidation, bullying and harassment of graduate students including the Sexual Harassment Policy and procedures. This page should be linked to the faculty website. The Research and Graduate Studies (RGS) website is currently being updated. This is an opportunity to bring together the support resources for graduate students in one collective place.

In terms of the SGS resource pages, RGS will suggest a replication the appearance of the conflict resolution and bullying guides so they are easily accessible. 
23 The faculty's RGS office enhance communication and visibility about the supportive services available to all graduate students including those provided by the Assistant Dean as graduate student officer. Students need to be aware that they can come to RGS to seek advice and support if they are concerned about an issue of intimidation and harassment. This information needs to be prominently displayed in all orientation materials provided to graduate students in all ten programs offered by the faculty. The RGS website is currently being updated.
24 All graduate students and faculty who teach or supervise graduate students in the faculty be required to participate in a class or module on professional conduct so that everyone has the same information and understands the resources and policies concerning bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, etc. The Professionalism in Practice (Academic) module (Recommendation 5) is currently in development. Key themes have been identified and the working group has been tasked to populate specific elements. 
25 Review the undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum regarding LGBTQ issues. In order to better prepare trainees for respectful, non-judgmental, knowledgeable clinical encounters, the faculty might consult with recognized leaders in the field of LGBTQ issues. The undergraduate curriculum and postgraduate programs have been reviewed for content related to 2SLGBTQIA+ issues. There is also a movement at the national level for a standardized set of proficiencies in Canada to address the health of 2SLGBTQIA+ patients.
26 To encourage more integration of all graduate students within the broader student body in the faculty, work with the Medical Graduate Student Society, the Medical Student Society, medical student interest groups, journal clubs and appropriate others to explore ways to share clinical, research and other professional experiences to enhance everyone’s learning and professional development. This Recommendation has been met and is continually ongoing. The Dean has attended pandemic-related Town Halls for graduate students and Academic Unit Planning launches for the graduate programs. The Dean has created orientation and convocation videos for graduate students and graduate student achievements are featured in the Dean's Blog and the FOM home page.