The Policy includes a number of procedural safeguards, some of which are described below. 

It is also designed to be compliant with provincial legislation such as the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Personal Health Information Protection Act.  

The Policy acknowledges that students have personal autonomy regarding their health and wellness. A student to whom the Policy applies or is being considered is entitled to seek the support of a health professional, a legal advocate, and/or a family member or other support person at any time. Additionally, at any time during the application of the Policy the student may submit new information for the Vice-Provost, Students to consider.   

Specific student rights or protections under the Policy include:  

• The right to have the Policy applied in a manner that fully complies with the Ontario Human Rights Code, including (where applicable) the duty to provide reasonable accommodations to the point of undue hardship. 
• Confidence that personal information will only be used in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protections of Privacy Act and the Personal Health Information Protection Act. 
• Rights to provide information and to have that information considered, including: 
  • The right to provide additional information they think is relevant for the Vice-Provost, Students to review about their situation at any point during the application of the Policy. 
  • The right to provide independently sought medical documentation to the University for consideration.  
  • The right to have input on the creation of the specific terms and conditions of their Leave, and to seek clarification on terms and conditions. 
• The right to seek the support of a health professional of their choice, a legal advocate and/or a family member or other support person at any time during the application of the Policy. [Many students have access to legal advice to Downtown Legal Services through their student society fees] 
• To be connected with a Student Case Manager to help them navigate the Policy and provide on-going support throughout their Leave and following their return to studies. 
• The right to request to return to studies and initiate that process with the University when they feel ready.   
• Rights of review and appeal: 
  • The right to request that the Provost review of the decision to place them on a Leave. 
  • The right to appeal the Provost’s decision to continue their Leave.