The Trinity College Board of Trustees approved the adoption of the Trinity College Community Standards Policy (April 4, 2022) on April 28, 2022.
Preamble
General Standard
Scope of the Community Standards
The Basics
Contact Information
Policies
– Alcohol, Smoking & Illegal Drugs
– Cannabis
– Noise
– Common Areas
– Guests
– Safety & Security
– Buildings, Property & Damages
– Fire Safety
– Dignity & Community Respect
Processes
– Sanctioning Process
– Outcomes
– Right to Appeal
Additional Information
As members of the Trinity College community, we have the responsibility to treat the community and all its members with dignity and respect. This document details the Community Standards that all community members (residents, non-resident Trinity students, guests, and others) must learn and follow in order to build and maintain a healthy and inclusive College community.
Trinity College is above all, an academic community. Students must respect this, and are expected to conduct themselves in such a way that other members of the College can study, work and rest.
The Trinity College Declaration states:
Trinity College within the University of Toronto is an academic community in which everyone, Fellows, Associates, employees, students and graduates, has freely chosen membership, thereby choosing to respect and uphold its standards and objectives. Participants in this community are expected to value the fostering of friendship, civic responsibility, civility and mutual respect through courtesy to others, the free interchange of ideas, and the sharing of ideals and interests in common effort to sustain these purposes.
The student acknowledgement states:
I acknowledge that by registering at Trinity College in the University of Toronto, I am joining a community that stands for academic and personal excellence, community involvement, respect for others and stewardship of property.
SCOPE OF THE COMMUNITY STANDARDS
The purpose of the Community Standards is to build and maintain a healthy and inclusive College community for all its members. Due to the strong student community at Trinity College and the mixed-use nature of our residence buildings, residents and non-resident students often enjoy the space together. With this in mind, the Community Standards apply not only to residents but also to non-resident Trinity students while they use the College’s facilities.
Accordingly, primary responsibility for administration of the Community Standards and management of student conduct rests with the Dean of Students. In most circumstances, the responsibility for investigating and sanctioning for an offence will take place by the Assistant Dean of Students – Residence Life, but the Dean of Students may appoint a person to act as a designate in this role, including themselves.
Office of the Dean of Students: 416-978-3612 or deanofstudents@trinity.utoronto.ca
In case of an emergency, contact the Welcome Desk: 416-978-2522.
ALCOHOL, SMOKING & ILLEGAL DRUGS
Areas of Consumption: Alcohol may be consumed only in student residence rooms and the four residence Common Rooms, currently located on the 2nd floors of Whitaker, Macklem, Massey, and Kirkwood houses. Open alcohol of any kind is not permitted in any other area of residence including hallways, stairwells, public areas, kitchens, study spaces, or any other common area/room not otherwise indicated.
Alcohol Consumption in Residence Common Rooms: There are four Common Rooms across residence, currently located on the 2nd floors of Whitaker, Macklem, Massey, and Kirkwood houses. Reasonable and responsible consumption of alcohol by students of legal drinking age is permitted in these Common Rooms. No more than three (3) standard drinks per person may be present in a Common Room at any time. Consumption of alcohol in these spaces is a privilege and can be modified by the Dean of Students if they determine circumstances to warrant change (i.e. health and safety, community management etc.).
Underage Drinking: You must be of legal drinking age (19 years) to consume alcohol in residence. Supplying underage individuals with alcohol is prohibited.
Mass Consumption: Activities or accessories which result in or encourage the rapid consumption of large amounts of alcohol are not permitted anywhere in residence. This includes all drinking games, alcohol paraphernalia such as funnels, brewing or winemaking equipment, and common source or large volume alcohol containers. Prohibited alcohol containers/volumes include but are not limited to kegs of any size, Texas Mickeys, 60-ounce bottles of spirits or other unreasonably large volumes of alcoholic products.
Provision and Distribution of Alcohol: The sale or large-scale distribution of alcohol is not permitted anywhere in residence. For additional information, consult the Trinity College Alcohol Policy.
Delivery of Alcohol: The Welcome Desks will not accept deliveries of controlled substances, including alcohol, as they are not able to confirm proof of age upon delivery. If you would like to purchase alcohol products online, one option would be to investigate Flexible Delivery options through Canada Post.
Smoking: Trinity College adopted the University of Toronto’s Smoke-Free Policy in 2019 (PDF). Smoking of any kind, including simulated smoking activities such as e-cigarettes or vaping, is not permitted in any indoor area of the College, or outdoors on College property.
Illegal Drugs: The possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia is not permitted in residence, and is a violation of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Possession: Under the Province of Ontario’s Cannabis Act (2017), individuals of legal age may possess up to 30 grams (1 ounce) of legal cannabis. It is illegal to be in possession of more than 30 grams of cannabis. Students who are of age may possess up to 30 grams of cannabis in residence. Cannabis must be stored in a sealed container to minimize the impact of the smell on the surrounding community.
Areas of Consumption: No person shall consume cannabis in any form, in a public area of a residence building (e.g. kitchens, laundry rooms, study rooms, dining halls, common rooms other than 4 residence Common Rooms). Smoking of any kind is not permitted in any indoor area of the College or outdoors on College property.
Paraphernalia: Use of cannabis related paraphernalia, including but not limited to vaporizers, hookahs, and pipes is prohibited in residence. Residents may store cannabis related paraphernalia in their residence room.
Transportation of Cannabis: Students wishing to transport cannabis must do so in a sealed container to minimize impact on the community.
Edible Cannabis Products: While smoking is not permitted indoors, legally obtained edible cannabis may be consumed only in student residence rooms and the four residence Common Rooms, currently located on the 2nd floors of Whitaker, Macklem, Massey, and Kirkwood houses.
Promotion of Cannabis Related Activities: Promotion or participation in events that promote excessive cannabis consumption is prohibited.
Cultivation of Cannabis Plants: The cultivation of cannabis plants or cannabis related products is prohibited in residence and on the Trinity College campus.
Cooking of Cannabis: Cooking cannabis in any residence or campus space, including but not limited to residence kitchens, kitchenettes, common rooms, dining halls, residence rooms, study rooms, suites etc. is prohibited.
Delivery of Cannabis: The Welcome Desks will not accept deliveries of controlled substances, including cannabis, as they are not able to confirm proof of age upon delivery. If you would like to purchase cannabis products online, one option would be to investigate Flexible Delivery options through Canada Post.
Medical Use of Cannabis: Medical cannabis is subject to different regulations than recreational cannabis. Students who require the use of medical cannabis should contact the Office of the Dean of Students and register with Accessibility Services. An Accessibility Advisor will work with you to develop an accommodation plan through working with the Office of the Dean of Students.
Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are in effect at the College during the following hours:
Consideration Hours: At all times, residents and guests must maintain a reasonable level of noise and disruption, in consideration of their neighbours and other community members.
Noise in Common Areas: Excessive noise, such has very loud music, is not permitted at any time. Facing speakers out of windows or into hallways is not permitted.
Use of Common Areas: Common areas around the College, including public common spaces and Common Rooms, are meant to be safe and inclusive spaces for all community members. Their use should always reflect this purpose. Prohibited activities include large parties, events that create unreasonable levels of noise, or activities that enable or encourage the contravention of other Community Standards.
Residence Common Rooms: The use of residence Common Rooms is a privilege. Repeated misuse of a Common Room may result in access to the space being limited or prohibited.
Visitors to the College: Visitors to the College are required to know and respect all Community Standards at all times. Visitors should always be accompanied by a host who is a member of the Trinity College community. Please note that while visitors are usually welcome under these circumstances, there may be times in which the Dean of Students or other members of the College Senior Administration may need to restrict visitors to the College (i.e. health and safety, community management etc.).
Guests in Residence: Guests in residence are defined as anyone who does not live in one of Trinity’s residence buildings, and who is present in any areas that are only accessible to residence students. Guests are welcome and should always be accompanied by a host, who is a member of the Trinity College residence community. Please note that while guests are usually welcome under these circumstances, there may be times in which the Dean of Students may need to restrict guests to the residences either to individual students or the residences as a whole (i.e. health and safety, community management etc.).
Host Responsibilities: A host is responsible for the actions of their guest. The host must inform their guest of relevant Community Standards.
Restricted or Unauthorized Areas: Access to restricted or unauthorized areas, such as private offices, facilities areas, or the roof of any College building, is not permitted. Travelling through any window is also prohibited.
Windows: Objects may not enter or leave a room through a window. Throwing or tossing items out windows, or affixing objects to the side of a building, or out a window is not permitted.
Locks & Keys: Tampering with or changing a lock, or adding a lock, locks or any other security device to a door is prohibited. Copying keys to any Trinity College lock is prohibited. As per the Residence Agreement, students will be charged a fee for any replacement keys needed.
Security Doors: Tampering with or propping open security doors compromises the security of the community and is prohibited.
Trespassing: Access to another student’s residence room without their permission is not permitted.
Theft: Theft of personal items, College property, or community items such as kitchen appliances is not permitted.
Weapons: Weapons or items that can be mistaken as weapons (such as realistic toy guns) are not permitted in residence. Such items include firearms of any kind, ammunition, air or paintball guns, swords, slingshots, hunting knives, or prohibited weaponry.
Respect of Property: Respect for the buildings, the property of other students, and College property is required at all times.
Property Damages: Any damage to property, whether intentional or unintentional, may be subject to restitution. Damage, which is deemed intentional, may also be subject to additional sanctions. After student move-out, each residence room is checked for damages to the building or furniture. Students may be billed for the repair of damages, or the replacement of furniture in the event that the item cannot be repaired. Normal wear and tear of College property will not be billed.
Decoration: Student residence spaces and Common Rooms may be decorated if the decorations do not damage or interfere with the use of the space. Decorations that are not permitted include wall hangings or installations, which damage the wall/floor/ceiling or the painting of walls.
Furniture: College furniture is assigned to specific areas (residence rooms, Common Rooms, etc.) and may not be removed from that location without prior permission. Students are not permitted to bring their own furniture. Furniture or belongings of any kind may not be placed in a hallway or stairwell.
Prohibited Items: Prohibited appliances and items include hot-plates and induction burners, open-flame equipment, halogen lamps, toasters/toaster ovens, microwaves, coffee makers, rice cookers, electric heaters, large fridges, or air-conditioning units. Only one bar-type fridge is permitted per residence room.
Pets: Animals/pets of any type are not allowed in residence without the written permission of the Dean of Students. Trained assistance animals are not considered pets and students who require their assistance should contact the Office of the Dean of Students and register with Accessibility Services. An Accessibility Advisor will work with you to develop an accommodation plan through working with the Office of the Dean of Students.
Dining Hall: The Dining Hall (Strachan Hall), as a College common area, should be treated as an inclusive and welcoming space. Activities that detract from anyone’s ability to utilize the space, such as throwing food, streaking, or unfair treatment of community members including Dining Hall Staff, are not permitted. Removing food, dishes, or utensils is prohibited.
Fire Safety Training: All residents are required to complete the fire safety training facilitated by the Office of the Dean of Students at the beginning of their time in residence.
Evacuation: All community members are required to evacuate the building in the event of a fire alarm at any time. Evacuation should be done expeditiously and in a manner that does not endanger the health or safety of others.
Flammable Materials: Possession or use of flammable materials (fireworks, gas/propane tanks, cooking equipment, etc.) is not permitted on College property without prior permission and appropriate safety precautions.
Use of Fire Safety Equipment: In the event of a fire emergency, community members are encouraged to utilize the fire safety equipment in a safe fashion. Activities that jeopardize the fire safety of the building are prohibited. Such activities include tampering with, misusing, or removing fire safety equipment (fire alarms, extinguishers, smoke/heat detectors, fire exit signs, hoses, etc.), propping open doors, or obstructing hallways, stairwells, or exits.
Fireplaces: Some residence rooms are equipped with functional fireplaces. The use of these fireplaces is a privilege. Before using a fireplace, residents must receive specific training from the Office of the Dean of Students. Improper use of a residence room fireplace may result in its use being prohibited.
Respect for Community: Community members and guests are required to behave in a manner that respects the College community and its members (students, faculty, staff, alumni, visitors, guests of the College etc.), and does not interfere with anyone’s ability to live and learn.
Prohibited Organizations: The use of College property or resources by student or community organizations that do not reflect the values of the Trinity College community as defined in our policies is not permitted. This prohibition includes the activities of Episkopon. Further details can be found in the Trinity College Policy on Episkopon.
Discrimination: Behaviour resulting in the discriminatory mistreatment of any individual or group based on race, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, ability, or on the grounds of any other terms protected by the Human Rights Code, is strongly prohibited.
Hate Activities: Statements, actions, or activities towards a person or group of people that are motivated by prejudice or hate based on protected terms such as race, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, or ability are prohibited. These activities include hate crimes or propaganda, hate promotion in any form, or the display of hate signs, emblems, or symbols.
Harassment: Actions of harassment are any oral, written, virtual, or physical conduct by a person or group who knew or reasonably ought to have known that such conduct was unwanted, offensive, intimidating, or threatening, and are prohibited. These actions include slander, libel, hazing, and bullying of any kind.
Cooperating with Staff: Students are expected to follow the directions, instructions and requests of Residence Staff (Dons, Community Advisors, Security etc.) or College/University employees who are acting within the scope of their positions.
Responsible Behaviour: Students are expected to exercise responsible behavior and not engage in actions that adversely affect, or have the potential to affect, oneself or others as a result of not adhering to the TCCS. This includes knowingly participating in, supporting, encouraging or failing to remove oneself from a situation that in and of itself contravenes the TCCS or violates a condition from a previous violation.
Pranks: Initiating, supporting or participating in pranks that are disruptive, offensive, and/or damaging is prohibited.
Violence: Physically violent or threatening behaviour, whether consensual or otherwise, is not permitted at the College.
Sexual Violence: Acts of sexual violence are strongly prohibited. An act of sexual violence is any sexual act or act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity or expression, whether the act is physical or psychological in nature, that is committed, threatened or attempted against a person
without the person’s consent. This includes actions such as Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism, and sexual exploitation.
Further details can be found in the University of Toronto Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (PDF).
Graphic Materials: Displaying, playing or broadcasting pornographic material, graphic material, material suggestive of violence or any type of discrimination or any material that is known to be offensive or harmful, in public areas, common areas or where it is visible or audible to the residence community or public is prohibited.
EMERGENCIES & UNAVOIDABLE EVENTS
Emergencies and Unavoidable Events: An emergency means a health emergency or other unavoidable event which is beyond the reasonable control of the College, which results in a situation in which the College determines in its sole discretion, based on advice from a medical professional, or a directive from a public health authority, that residents are or may be exposed to imminent danger from a dangerous condition or situation, damage to the Residences, disease, virus or other biological or physical agents that may be detrimental to human health, while in the Residences.
If an Emergency exists, the College may amend, supplement or otherwise enforce any rules or regulations in existence, may impose additional rules and regulations, and may impose
restrictions to mitigate or minimize the effects of the Emergency.
The College shall be entitled, during such time as there is an Emergency to require all residents to comply with reasonable measures imposed in respect thereof by the College, including health screening, the use of hand washing and other sanitation products directly related to the management of the health threat, attendance at mandatory training sessions, relocation of residents, and the use of additional protective clothing by all Residents such as protective barriers, gloves and masks.
When an infraction occurs that contravenes the Community Standards, the community member(s) involved will engage in a dialogue about the situation with a member or members of the Office of the Dean of Students. The goal of these discussions is:
While punitive resolutions do exist for certain circumstances, the sanctioning process is not meant to “trick” students or to “get them in trouble”. Instead, it is designed to be a learning and growing experience for all parties involved. Potential outcomes of the sanctioning process are listed in the next section.
Students have the responsibility to actively engage in the sanctioning process and also have the right to bring an individual with them to any discussion for support. Student leaders and dons sometimes act as the support person in these circumstances.
At times where there may be a large impact to the community, the Office of the Dean of Students may consult with student leadership and/or dons to understand the situation and to help determine appropriate next steps.
It should be noted that while students are expected to engage in this process, and every reasonable effort will be made to hear their viewpoint, the level of their engagement is their choice. However, if students fail to come forward within reasonable, requested timelines to meet or provide their account, there is the possibility that the process will move forward without their input and a sanction may be delivered in their absence.
Service & Education Project: A project may be developed that serves the dual purpose of providing valuable service to the community or College, and giving students the opportunity to reflect and learn from the situation.
Written Apology: In some situations, a written apology to various parties may be part of an appropriate resolution. This apology would be drafted and delivered in consultation with the Office of the Dean of Students.
Behavioural Contract: A behavioural contract document may be drafted and signed which outlines mutually agreed upon expectations and conditions for future behaviour.
Cumulative Points System: A cumulative points system may be used, where demerit points are given to students based on the severity of their infraction. Points may be given in combination with other outcomes and a maximum of 5 points can be accumulated before further sanctions are enacted.
Restitution & Community Billing: In the event that monetary restitution is appropriate (e.g. property damage or vandalism repair), efforts will always be made to identify the responsible parties. In some circumstances where this is not possible, residence communities may be collectively billed for restitution.
Confiscation of Property: Students may be asked to remove from residence items that do not comply with the Community Standards. In the event that such items cannot be removed from residence in a safe or timely fashion, they may be confiscated and held by the College until the student can remove them.
Loss of College Privileges: Some or all College privileges may be suspended for a specific time or permanently revoked. Lost privileges could include use of College facilities, community events, or other privileges. Sanctions such as this will always balance a student’s access to important student services with appropriate responses to behaviour.
Non-Academic Probation: Students may be put on formal probation for a certain duration, during which time their access or use of College facilities, community events, or other privileges may be lost and further contravention of Community Standards may result in immediate further outcomes, such as suspension or eviction.
Residence Suspension: A student may be temporarily barred from living in or accessing residence for a certain period of time.
Residence Transfer: In certain circumstances, a student may be required to relocate to another residence space.
Posting from College Property: A student may be barred from accessing a particular area of residence, residence community, College facility or building, or the entire Trinity College campus.
Eviction: A student’s residence contract may be terminated, requiring them to permanently vacate their residence space immediately or at a given date. Other outcomes, such as posting, may also apply.
Interim Conditions: In the circumstance where allegations of behaviour are serious and could constitute a threat to the personal safety of an individual or the College community as a whole, the Dean of Students may institute immediate interim conditions. These conditions will balance the safety of the complainant or community with the fair treatment of the accused party.
Interim conditions are not indicative of guilt, and remain in place only until the proceedings under the Community Standards have been completed.
In the event that a student is not satisfied with the outcome of the sanctioning process, they have the right to appeal. The appeal must be based on one the following grounds:
Students receive one appeal route only per decision. All appeal outcomes are final and cannot be appealed further.
For decisions rendered by a designate of the Dean of Students, usually the Assistant Dean of Students – Residence Life, appeals can be made directly to the Dean of Students or students can request that the Appeals Committee review the decision. For decisions rendered by the Dean of Students, appeals can be made directly to the Provost or students can request that the Appeals Committee review the decision.
In all situations where students are wishing to appeal, the appeal must be submitted to the Dean of Students or Provost, in writing within five (5) business days of receiving the written decision. Note: the date used will be that which the decision letter is dated.
STANDARD OF PROOF
The model used by the Community Standards is a balance of probabilities. If, after all credible information has been heard, the Office of the Dean of Students believes that the incident is more likely to have occurred than not, and there is reasonable proof that the person(s) is responsible, the standard of proof has been met.
INTERACTION WITH COMMUNITY RESOURCES
In certain situations, it may become necessary to involve the services of University of Toronto or broader community resources in order to maintain personal or community safety within Trinity College. These services may include but are not limited to Campus Police, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), or Fire Services.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS
For more information, please consult the following documents:
Please note that the Criminal Code of Canada (CCC) equally applies to behaviour at the College as anywhere else. Proceedings under the CCC for any violation, whether listed within the Community Standards or otherwise, may be instigated by the police, the College, or by the victim of a crime.
The Trinity College Board of Trustees approved the adoption of the Trinity College Community Standards Policy (March 29, 2019) on April 11, 2019.
The Trinity College Board of Trustees approved that the Trinity College Community Standards policy replace the Trinity College Code of Student Conduct (April 14, 2011) in its entirety.