The implementation of these guidelines is meant to ensure fairness in the policies and procedures enacted by McGill University’s School of Physical and Occupational Therapy. These guidelines are written in accordance with the guiding principles of the University - academic freedom, integrity, responsibility, equity, and inclusiveness – and in the spirit of procedural justice.
This information is intended to complement the policies and regulations approved by the University’s Board of Governors and/or Senate and does not supersede any other University policy or regulation.
Policies and procedures, and any decisions resulting from these, should be:
- Consistent; applied in the same manner for everyone to whom the policy and/or procedure applies.
- Transparent; have clear goals and expectations for their implementation, and clear record-keeping and communication with those affected.
- Impartial; informed by empirical evidence (when possible) and free of self-interest and other biases.
- Accountable; consider the needs, opinions, and contributions of all affected groups; decision makers must be guided by transparent reasoning and prepared to justify their decisions to those affected.
- Revisable; open to appeal, allowing the possibility for modification or repeal.
- Timely; applied in a timeframe that does not unduly disadvantage those affected.
Communication related to the development and enactment of policies and procedures must:
- Demonstrate consideration for the needs, opinions, and contributions of everyone involved.
- Be conducted in a respectful manner, making reasonable efforts to safeguard the dignity of everyone involved.
- Allow affected individuals to express their opinions and beliefs.
- Include a pathway through which the policy and/or procedure may be contested.
In the implementation of policies and procedures, those affected must be:
- Able to easily access the documentation regarding the policy and/or procedure (e.g., published on the SPOT website or available on a shared electronic platform).
- Informed of whom to contact (e.g., program director, committee chair) about the policy and/or procedure in question.
- Provided with the information and resources required to understand the implementation and/or decision-making process.
- Given the opportunity to express their interests, needs, and priorities, provide information to be taken into consideration during the decision-making process, and in some cases be included in the decision-making process.
References
Leventhal GS (1980). What should be done with equity theory? In Social exchange (pp. 27-55): Springer.
McGill University Policies and Regulations (retrieved September 7, 2023)
- Policy on Harassment and Discrimination
- Policy on Academic Freedom
- Statement of Principles Concerning Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Peaceful Assembly
Ruano‐Chamorro C, Gurney GG, Cinner JE (2022). Advancing procedural justice in conservation. Conservation Letters, 15(3), e12861.
Yale Law School Justice Collaboratory https://law.yale.edu/justice-collaboratory/procedural-justice (retrieved October 2, 2023)
