At Capilano University, we are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming campus environment for our students, employees and community members.
Gender Diversity Audit (2018)
In December 2018, Capilano University and the Capilano Students' Union (CSU) jointly released a report entitled, Gender Diversity Audit of Capilano University (pdf). The report contains the findings and recommendations that arose from the gender diversity audit conducted by TransFocus Consulting from August to November 2018.
The audit included interviews with 11 administrative stakeholders and one student organization, reviews of documentation and survey results from 30 students of which 10 identified as Transgender, Non-Binary and Two Spirit (TNB2S).
A total of 36 recommendations were outlined in the report, divided into three categories:
- 14 recommendations for students;
- 12 recommendations for employees; and
- 10 recommendations for both students and employees.
Each recommendation connects to supporting actions and changes to policies or procedures, information dissemination and training sessions for the University community.
These are the key supporting actions that provide the foundation for the identified solutions:
- Develop guidelines for changing student records;
- Create an information sheet regarding change to chosen and legal names;
- Generate a data use plan for collecting and using expanded gender categories;
- Develop a gender transition checklist for University employees
- Conduct training of University employees on respectful interactions with TNB2S students and employees;
- Create information sheet on TNB2S employee supports;
- Develop a facilities standards document; and
- Update and integrate communications style guide with TNB2S-specific language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students can update their personal information through their myCapU account. To update legal fields, students can provide verified legal or notarized documentation supporting their request – this could be government ID, as well as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, name change certificate, etc.
View the how-to video below to learn more.
Employees can do the same through their myCapU Account. To learn more, employees can visit the HR Diversity page on Frontlines.
For students
A preferred name will appear on class rosters and informal communications between students and employees.
A legal name must be used for:
- Official letters, including but not limited to: admission, enrolment and award letters and student loans.
- Tax forms
- Transcripts
- Credentials and graduation book
For employees
A preferred name can be used in:
- Student and employee communications
- Employee reports
- Campus directory
- Email addresses and email signatures
A legal name must be used for payroll and benefits information, including:
- Bank information
- Tax forms
- Pension
- Extended health and dental benefits
As indicated with signage, you can find all gender washrooms in the following locations on the main campus:
- Birch Building, room BR138, BR319 and BR407;
- Washrooms in the newly renovated Library space;
- All the accessible washrooms in the Bosa Centre for Film and Animation are gender inclusive.
Facilities and Campus Planning are in the process of redesigning the Centre for Sport and Wellness shower and locker room area to create a much larger gender-inclusive universal space. The redesign will allow users to share the common amenities while having a private space to change.
For updates, visit Campus Master Plan & Capital Projects.
We want our students and employees to feel supported. There is more information below about where you can reach out for assistance.
Resources for students
If you have any questions or concerns (on your behalf or on behalf of someone else), encounter inconsistent information on other CapU webpages, or if you find yourself in a situation where CapU's policies are not being followed, please contact:
Ebru Ozturk
Student Rights & Responsibilities Advisor
Student Affairs
604 986 1911 ext. 3184
Library Building, room LB116F
ebruozturk@capilanou.ca
Resources for employees
Employees can seek assistance from their supervisor or manager, human resources advisor or union representative.
If you need to resolve a conflict or disagreement, Keiron Simons, conflict resolution advisor at CapU, is also available to help.