UR Respect – making civility our go-to behaviour

By Katherine Cormack Posted: October 29, 2018 1:50 p.m.

[L-R] Sheldon Kennedy (co-founder Respect Groups Inc.), Dr. Timmons (President and Vice-Chancellor), Kelly Kummerfield (AVP, Human Resources), and Brad Blaisdell (Respect Group Inc.) with the University’s Eagle Staff at UR Respect launch. External Relations

Universities should not simply reflect the society in which we live. Universities should be a reflection of the society in which we want to live—a society that is free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, and incivility.

It starts right here. It starts with us.

This was the call to action shared by Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina at today’s launch of UR Respect, the University’s new and improved Respect in the Workplace program.

Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Regina, underscores the need for civility within universities and the larger world.

Sheldon Kennedy, at Oct.29 launch of UR Respect, celebrates University of Regina community for taking a leadership role in a global respect movement.

The program makes use of an interactive eLearning tool developed by Respect Group Inc. Co-founded by Sheldon Kennedy LLD (Honorary)'18 and Wayne McNeil, Respect Group offers programs that emphasis respect in sport, in the workplace, and in school—empowering people to recognize and prevent bullying abuse, harassment, and discrimination (BAHD) through interactive, online certification.

“This is not about policy – this is about setting priorities and shifting culture,” said Kennedy at the Oct. 29 launch. He praised University executive, faculty, and staff who are creating a culture of safety and of confidence in the workplace and setting students up for success during their studies and out in the world of work.

Kennedy believes that bystanders, those who witness BAHD behaviours, need to be equipped with tools to develop a confidence so that they have a sense of clarity as to their role in putting an end to disrespectful behaviour.

Kelly Kummerfield, Associate Vice-President (Human Resources) believes everyone needs to truly understand what constitutes disrespect in order to address it.

“It’s amazing. Before the 90-minute online session you ask folks if they engage in disrespectful behaviour. Very few people raise their hands. After the session, the number goes way up.  We often don’t see ourselves engaging in disrespectful behaviour. UR Respect is about education and giving good people the tools they need to become even better and inspire a global culture of respect.”

To date, the close to 1,000 U of R faculty, staff, and students have taken the online training become Respect Certified. Those who have already taken the program, can recertify using the revised program. Members of the University Executive are doing just that.

“It takes leadership to shift culture,” said Kennedy. “I’m honoured to be part of this work at the University of Regina, standing alongside those who are getting the training and saying, ‘We’re going to be better!’”

U of R faculty, staff, and students can find out more at Respectful University Services.