Information on Filing a Formal Complaint with the University

Before you submit a report there are 3 important things to consider:

• If you fear for your safety or are afraid of retaliation or don’t know what to do, contact:
  • Campus Safety-Security Services
  • Students email the Sexual Violence Prevention Educator at sexualviolenceinfo@uleth.ca 
  • Faculty and Staff email the Manager of Wellness and Recognition at human.resources@uleth.ca
• A copy of your Formal Complaint will be given to the person who you are accusing of sexual assault or violence.
• You can change your mind or withdraw at any point in the process. However, the university may continue to investigate or contact the police or other authorities without your consent if the university:
  • has a legal duty
  • believes there is a significant risk to other people

To receive more information about the University of Lethbridge's Sexual Violence Policy or to ask general questions, the following roles (and where they are located) can offer support: 

For Students:

• The Sexual Violence Prevention Educator: sexualviolenceinfo@uleth.ca or AH153. 
• The Associate Vice-President Student: AH148

If you want the University to investigate a sexual assault or other form of sexual violence, you need to submit a written statement to the Associate Vice President Student (email sexualviolenceinfo@uleth.ca for contact information). 

Submitting a Formal Complaint

To submit a Formal Complaint of Sexual Violence to the University of Lethbridge:

1. Write and sign a hardcopy of your Formal Complaint
2. submit a copy to the Associate Vice-President (Students) 
3. Send any supporting documentation such as screenshots, photos, or witness list in a separate email to the corresponding individual listed above. 

Remember, you can provide as much, or as little information as you choose. There are no time limits or restrictions about making a Formal Complaint.

After you Submit a Formal Complaint

1. The Associate Vice-President Student (in the case of students), will review your Formal Complaint to determine if the University has the authority and jurisdiction to investigate your allegations according to the Sexual Violence Policy

2. Whether or not the University has the authority and/or jurisdiction to investigate depends on a number of factors such as:

• if the respondent (the person you are accusing of Sexual Violence) is a member of the University Community eg. student, staff, faculty
• if the Sexual Violence experienced is included in the University's definition of “Sexual Violence”
• If the Sexual Violence experienced occurred on campus (including residences), or off-campus when part of a University course, or organized class activity, University-Sanctioned Event, or when representing the University regardless of geographic location. 

3. If the university has the authority to investigate, the Associate Vice-President Students, will meet with you to inform you that an investigation will proceed.

4.  If the University does not have the authority to investigate the Associate Vice-President Students, will provide a rational as to why.

5. The Associate Vice-President Students will give a copy of your Formal Complaint to the respondent.