Community Guidelines
A Learning Community of Generous Hospitality and Mutual Respect
CMU commits to being a hospitable and welcoming learning community. Its diverse student body represents a broad range of backgrounds, faith journeys, and convictions. At the same time, CMU is enlivened in its identity as a Christian university in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. All students who choose to study here are expected to honour the community's ethos and well being, and to respect the Community Guidelines, whether on or off campus.
The diversity of the CMU community enriches the university in many ways. In order to foster a healthy and dynamic learning community and to negotiate differences, various common understandings and forms of accountability are needed. The primary expectation is that all students care for the interests and dignity of each other, and that a spirit of love and concern permeate all interactions. This means being supportive of each other while also holding each other accountable for the choices we make.
In addition to respecting other people, students are expected to care well for space and property and to nurture sustainable uses of the earth's resources.
Behaviour, whether on or off campus, that is not in keeping with the CMU guidelines is cause for community concern. In such cases, students may be asked to participate in an accountability process. Students are expected to be open to dialogue and willing to give and receive counsel in this process.
Process of Accountability
University students will be exposed to a wide range of experiences and challenges. One of CMU's goals is to help students learn and choose responsible lifestyles. As part of this learning process, CMU asks students to be guided by respect and consideration for each other.
If students make choices that compromise Community Guidelines, they are to be held accountable by peers, student leaders, and/or staff as appropriate. CMU's Community Council is tasked with nurturing and promoting the health of the community; at times this Council will be called upon to address instances of misconduct.
CMU processes of accountability are based in restorative justice practices. These practices follow the teachings of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 18. This passage demonstrates the virtue of approaching instances of dishonour through relationship, and with an attitude of love and concern for all persons affected by the behaviour.
Accountability processes at CMU begin with dialogue. This dialogue may be initiated by either students or staff. Depending on the nature of the situation, other students or staff may be drawn in to the conversation. Disciplinary situations are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and are viewed as valuable learning opportunities, not only for the individual(s) involved but also for the community.
Some situations may call for further action if the accountability process does not result in a satisfactory resolution or if the health and/or safety of the broader community is deemed to be at risk. When these situations occur the Student Issues Committee (SIC) will take the leadership in finding an appropriate solution. The SIC is comprised of a faculty member from Community Council, a Student Life Team member, and an additional staff or faculty member from CMU. Students will be invited to conversation with the SIC and the SIC will recommend solutions for rectifying any issues. The result in these situations may be the temporary or long-term suspension of the student(s) from the residence or the academic program. Decisions made by the SIC can be appealed to the Dean of Student Life.
Process of Accountability
University students will be exposed to a wide range of experiences and challenges. One of CMU's goals is to help students learn and choose responsible lifestyles. As part of this learning process, CMU asks students to be guided by respect and consideration for each other.
If students make choices that compromise Community Guidelines, they are to be held accountable by peers, student leaders, and/or staff as appropriate. CMU's Community Council is tasked with nurturing and promoting the health of the community; at times this Council will be called upon to address instances of misconduct.
CMU processes of accountability are based in restorative justice practices. These practices follow the teachings of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 18. This passage demonstrates the virtue of approaching instances of dishonour through relationship, and with an attitude of love and concern for all persons affected by the behaviour.
Accountability processes at CMU begin with dialogue. This dialogue may be initiated by either students or staff. Depending on the nature of the situation, other students or staff may be drawn in to the conversation. Disciplinary situations are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and are viewed as valuable learning opportunities, not only for the individual(s) involved but also for the community.
Some situations may call for further action if the accountability process does not result in a satisfactory resolution or if the health and/or safety of the broader community is threatened. The result in these situations may be the temporary or long-term suspension of the student(s) from the residence or the academic program.
Community Council
The goal of Community Council is to encourage positive living and community development among the CMU body. It works at incorporating that which we learn in the classroom with how we apply it to community life. Community Council meets weekly to discuss issues and concerns that affect the CMU community. This council is unique because it includes Student Life staff, teaching faculty, Maintenance staff, a Student Council member, Residence Assistants, Commuter Assistants, and an International Student Council member.
Scent-Free Campus
In recognition of individuals with asthma, allergies and severe environmental/chemical sensitivities, CMU strives to be a scent-free campus. Students, staff and guests are asked to refrain from wearing fragrances and scented personal products at CMU. This includes perfume, cologne, aftershave, and scented hair products. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated by those affected.
Release of Information
All grades and fee statements are posted directly to students through the CMU Portal. Any further communication regarding academic and financial matters will be through the CMU Student Email. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) prohibits releasing such information unless a student explicitly gives permission.
If you would like your financial information to be released to a third party such as a parent, guardian, spouse, or funding agency, please contact the Financial and Student Services Advisor for the appropriate forms.
If you would like grades or other academic information to be released to a third party such as a parent, guardian, spouse, or funding agency, please contact the Registrar's Office for the appropriate forms.
Dress Code
Appropriate apparel, including footwear and shirts, must be worn at all times in public buildings, including the Dining Hall and folio café.
Healthy Sexuality
CMU acknowledges sexuality as a gift from God and encourages healthy relationships in both dating and marriage. In accordance with the confessional statements of CMU's constituent church bodies, CMU recognizes sexual intimacy as a blessing of human sexuality, and affirms marriage as its healthiest expression. Students are expected to act with maturity in both public and private, treating one another with honour and respect.
Pornography
CMU strives to be a pornography-free campus. Pornography is exploitative, demeaning and undermines the dignity of human beings. CMU recognizes the power of pornography's appeal and its potential for harmful addiction. Students who struggle with this issue are encouraged to speak to someone and find support. Below are some on-line resources that may be helpful:
Sexual Violence
CMU is committed to fostering a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment for all community members. This commitment includes creating and sustaining a culture where sexual violence and its impact are understood, survivors are supported, and those who commit incidents of sexual violence are held accountable. CMU will not tolerate any form of sexual violence. Those who commit sexual violence and perpetuate a culture where Sexual Violence develops will be held accountable.
Sexual violence is a broad term used to describe unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. The term sexual violence includes, but is not limited to, behaviors often described as sexual harassment, sexual assault, and the threat of sexual assault. Sexual violence can occur in any sex or gender configuration, regardless of sex and gender identity. Sexual violence may vary in its severity and consists of a range of behaviours
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination. It includes comments or conduct involving unwelcome sexual advances or other comments or conduct of a sexual nature when such conduct might reasonably be expected to cause insecurity, discomfort, offense, or humiliation to another person or group.
Some examples of sexual harassment are:
- Displays of pornographic or other sexual materials in the form of degrading pictures, graffiti, cartoons, or sayings;
- Repeated or persistent unwelcome flirtations, advances, or propositions;
- Acts of leering, staring, or making sexual gestures;
- Sexual advances with actual or implied work or education-related consequences
Sexual Assault is defined as sexual activity or touching by any object or body part of another person without consent or by force. Not only is sexual assault prohibited at CMU, it is also an offence under section 265 of the Criminal Code of Canada.
What to do if you experience any type of Sexual Violence:
- Consider speaking with a staff or faculty member at CMU whom you trust. They are available to provide resources and support.
- Consider speaking to a counsellor.
- If you would like to receive an accommodation due to sexual violence, please speak to: the Coordinator of International and Accessibility Services, the Residence Director, or Coordinator of Commuter Programs.
- For more information please see CMU's Sexual Violence Policy and related FAQ.
Alcohol and Cannabis
CMU is an intoxicant free campus (including alcohol and non-medicinal cannabis in any form). Students who choose to consume alcohol or cannabis off campus are encouraged to be healthy and responsible in their conduct.
CMU encourages caution in the use of cannabis as it may be dangerous to human health and may impede brain development in adolescents. Similarly, drunkenness, whether on or off campus, is unhealthy and inappropriate. Students who are known to use alcohol or cannabis irresponsibly will be held accountable. Students who struggle with an issue are encouraged to speak to someone and find support. Some resources are listed below:
- Alcohol: www.ncadd.org/index.php/learn-about-alcohol/alcohol-abuse-self-test
- Canabis: cannabissupport.com.au
Illegal Drugs
Illegal drugs are not permitted on campus. These substances can create dependencies, invite unhealthy escapism, and damage relationships and community. Students who are known to use illegal drugs will be held accountable. Students who struggle with this issue are encouraged to speak to someone and find support.
Here are some on-line resources that may be helpful:
Smoking
Smoking of any kind (cigarettes, cigars, vape, e-cigs, hookah, etc.) is not permitted on campus. Smoking is harmful to an individual's health and creates an unpleasant and unhealthy environment for others, especially those with asthma, allergies and severe environmental/chemical sensitivities. Students, staff, and guests are also asked not to smoke on the public sidewalks or roadways adjacent to the campus. Some resources for quitting smoking are listed below:
Fire Policy
No open fires of any kind (including in barrels and in fire pits) are permitted on the CMU campus. Due to the location of the CMU campus adjacent to the Assiniboine Forest, there is risk that an open fire could spread to the woods. In addition, CMU is accountable to the Winnipeg Fire Department's restrictions on the presence of open fires within city limits. Students who wish to have a fire may use the designated fire pits located in Assiniboine Park. These pits are available for use 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Students must supply their own fire wood and ensure that the fire is fully extinguished before leaving.
Assiniboine Forest
CMU is located adjacent to the Assiniboine Forest and thus assumes some responsibility for its health and care. In addition to our call to responsible stewardship, the City of Winnipeg has laws that have been established to protect both the public and the forest. These laws include, but are not limited to:
1) No open alcohol on public property
2) No fires within the forest – the consequences to each individual involved may include:
- First offense – $1,000 fine and the possibility of six months in jail, and an institutional fine of $5,000 to CMU (which may be passed on to the individual).
- Second offense – $10,000 fine and the possibility of 1 year in jail, and an institutional fine of $25,000 to CMU (which may be passed on to the individual).
Individuals who choose to participate in such activities may be reported to the authorities and thus be held accountable to the laws of the city, province, and country. Members of the CMU community are expected to abide by these laws.
Weapons
Firearms, dangerous goods, and any lethal weapons are not permitted on campus.
Other Forms of Misconduct
Any conduct that is harmful to other persons, that undermine the health of the CMU learning community, or that seriously disrupt the educational activities of the university will be subject to a process of accountability. These actions include but are not limited to the following: disturbing the peace; physically assaulting another person; fighting; vandalizing; stealing; setting fires in public places; imposing emotional, physical, or sexual abuse; writing or distributing hate literature; bullying or any other form of harassment; posting inappropriate images.
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