Our Commitment
Nipissing University is committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment where all individuals can participate in recreation, fitness, wellness, and sport activities.
All Athletics Centre users are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values of dignity, respect, accountability, inclusion, and personal responsibility. These expectations align with the principles of the Nipissing University Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Respectful Workplace and Learning Environment Policy.
Who This Code Applies To
This Code applies to all users of the Robert J. Surtees Student Athletics Centre, including:
- Students
- Faculty and staff
- Alumni
- Guests
- Participants in Athletics and Recreation programs
- Spectators and visitors
The Code applies while using Athletics Centre facilities, participating in programs, attending events, or engaging in Athletics Centre activities, whether in person or through related online platforms.
Expectations of Facility Users
1. Respect Others
All users are expected to:
- Treat others with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
- Contribute to an environment where all individuals feel welcome and valued.
- Respect differences in backgrounds, identities, experiences, abilities, beliefs, and fitness levels.
- Communicate respectfully with participants, staff, instructors, volunteers, officials, and visitors.
2. Foster an Inclusive Environment
Users shall not engage in conduct that undermines the safety, dignity, or inclusion of others.
Prohibited behaviour includes, but is not limited to:
- Discrimination
- Harassment
- Bullying
- Intimidation
- Threats
- Violence
- Retaliation
- Hazing
- Hate speech or hateful conduct
3. Act Responsibly and Safely
Users are expected to:
- Follow posted facility rules and staff directions.
- Use equipment safely and as intended.
- Exercise care for their own health and safety and that of others.
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear as outlined in facility guidelines.
- Report unsafe conditions, injuries, or concerns to Athletics Centre staff.
4. Respect Shared Spaces
All users share responsibility for maintaining a positive facility environment.
Users are expected to:
- Return equipment to designated storage areas.
- Maintain cleanliness in activity areas, change rooms, and common spaces.
- Use lockers for day use only unless otherwise authorized.
- Respect the personal space and privacy of others.
5. Respect Privacy
Users shall respect the privacy and comfort of others in all Athletics Centre spaces.
Without permission, users must not:
- Photograph or record individuals in change rooms, washrooms, or other private spaces.
- Engage in conduct that may compromise another individual's privacy, dignity, or sense of safety.
6. Protect University Property
Users are expected to:
- Treat facility equipment and property with care.
- Report damaged equipment or facility issues.
- Refrain from vandalism, misuse of equipment, or behaviour that may damage University property.
7. Represent the Community Positively
Users are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that contributes positively to the Athletics Centre community and supports a welcoming environment for all participants.
Concerns and Reporting
Individuals who experience or witness behaviour that may violate this Code are encouraged to report their concerns to Athletics Centre staff.
Depending on the nature of the concern, matters may also be referred to:
- Director, Athletics
- The Office of the Assistant Vice-President, Students
- Human Resources
- Campus Security
- Other applicable University processes or policies
Student conduct concerns may be addressed under the Nipissing University Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, while concerns involving employees may be addressed through the Respectful Workplace and Learning Environment Policy.
Compliance
Failure to comply with this Code may result in corrective action, including:
- Educational or restorative conversations
- Verbal or written warnings
- Temporary suspension of facility privileges
- Removal from programs or activities
- Revocation of facility access
- Referral to applicable University processes or external authorities where appropriate
Responses to concerns will be guided by principles of fairness, safety, accountability, education, and community well-being. These principles are consistent with the University's restorative and holistic approach to conduct matters.
Our Shared Responsibility
The Robert J. Surtees Student Athletics Centre is a community space. Every user has a role in creating an environment where all individuals can learn, recreate, exercise, compete, and thrive.
