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During its study, the task force conducted an online survey of students and held open consultations with students, the administration, community-based organizations and experts in the field of sexual violence. It also sought input from working groups at three other Canadian universities that addressed similar issues and reviewed existing research to identify best practices.

The task force has recommended efforts to:

• educate students about the nature of consent to sexual activity and the need to respect and look out for each other;

• train senior managers and staff on harassment and sexualized violence;

• put in place a policy and protocol that includes a clear statement of values as well as expectations of behaviour for all university members;

• devise and apply a fair and transparent process when it is alleged that someone has fallen below the expected standards.

Rock noted that some recommendations might take as long as six months to enact; others can proceed immediately.

Online surveys were sent to 5,000 students. Task force chair Caroline Andrew said 1,000 responded and, of that group, there was what she described as a small percentage of students who “do not support the culture of equality and respect.”

For instance, nearly one in four male students surveyed said they would laugh at a rape joke. Five per cent of women surveyed said they would do the same. More than one in five men and women said they would do nothing if they heard a student bragging about having sex with a “wasted” woman.