Removing Concerning Comments
Step 1: Reporting
Any individual (e.g., instructor, Chair, or administrator) can submit a student comment for review by emailing cesurvey@sfu.ca with the course name, semester and concerning comment.
Step 2: Review and Decision
The Associate Vice-President, Learning and Teaching (AVP-LT) will review the comment and determine whether it should be removed. This decision will be guided by the following policies:
- Response to Violence and Threatening Behaviour (GP25)
- Human Rights Policy (GP18)
- Bullying & Harassment Policy (GP47)
The AVP-LT may consult with relevant campus units as needed, including:
- Learning Experiences Assessment and Planning (LEAP)
- Human Rights Office (HRO)
- Office of Student Support, Rights and Responsibilities (SSRR)
- Safety and Risk Services (SRS)
- Health and Counselling
Step 3a: Comment Retained
The AVP-LT may determine that the comment does not meet the threshold for removal and is within the participant’s right to express, even if strongly worded or critical. The decision and rationale will be shared with the reporting party.
Step 3b: Comment Removed
If the comment is found to be disrespectful, discriminatory, or to contain exclusionary undertones or stereotypes, it will be removed. If a participant’s response is removed from the survey, they will receive a confidential email from LEAP explaining the decision. The goal of this communication is not to penalize expressions of limited perspective, but to encourage greater reflection and personal growth.