OLEM was created to assist UGME, PGME and PAEP provide supportive, professional and respectful learning environments in which learners are free from harassment, discrimination, bullying and other forms of mistreatment. However, OLEM is a stand-alone office in the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS). We are not part of the PGME, UGME or PAEP administrative offices.
Our mandate is to identify and address mistreatment occurring in the learning environment as early as possible. We facilitate safe and confidential discussions, problem-solve and take action towards resolving concerns when possible and/or appropriate and we can help learners access an array of supports. OLEM will not share your information, or any details that you share with us, with anyone outside of our office, including UGME, PGME and PAEP, unless we have your express permission to do so.
We understand that learners may be hesitant to disclose experiences of mistreatment to us. We assure you that McMaster University takes mistreatment very seriously. Accordingly, the university does not tolerate any form of retaliation – direct or indirect – against university community members who submit a concern regarding possible mistreatment.
Don’t hesitate to email us if you have any questions about our form, in particular, or about OLEM’s reporting process, more generally.
Visit the Medportal website for further information about how UGME, PGME and PAEP address mistreatment and for resources intended to support your physical and emotional wellbeing.