L.M. of Halifax writes:
I have been asked by my dean to attend an informal meeting to discuss a “matter of concern” related to my institution’s respectful workplace policy. What should I do?

David Robinson answers:
Before doing anything, talk to your academic staff association.The association will be familiar with the policy, the process through which it is implemented, and the personnel involved in its enforcement. One of the biggest mistakes that acade­mic staff can make is to walk unprepared and unrepresented into proceedings of a potentially disciplinary or quasi-disciplinary nature. Your association can ensure that your rights under the collective agreement are respected and, more generally, that you receive due process and procedural fairness protections, including rights to representation, knowledge of the complaint, disclosure of evidence, and full answer and defence. More specifi­cally, an association representative can assist you in determining whether or not attendance at the meeting is compulsory and the precise nature and purpose of the meeting. Should a meeting proceed, the rep can accompany you, take notes, clarify questions, signal the need for a break, and caution you against making ill-advised statements. Association representation is one of the most fundamental workplace rights you enjoy. The employer may try to dissuade you from exercising that right, or even try to tell you that you can’t. Never accede to such demands.