Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Resources for Grad Students
Resource Guide for UTM Biology Graduate Students
This represents a non-exhaustive list of resources for graduate students coping with issues related to bigotry they experience based on any number of aspects of their identity. It’s important to stress that this really is a non-exhaustive list, there are more resources out there than can be listed here and those may be the most suitable for you so use this as a place to begin but be aware that you have options and that there are a number of supports available at different levels, from your lab to the province.
Reporting an incident within Biology
One of the first places to start if you have an incident in which you feel someone’s actions or words represent an act of discrimination is to talk with the Department Chair, Joel Levine. He can help construct a plan for dealing with the situation. If talking with the Chair does not seem like the right solution for you there are other people in the department you can discuss the issue with including the Associate Chairs (if you’re uncertain ask Mihai Baetu or Stephanie do Rego who the current Associate Chairs are). If appropriate and comfortable you should also discuss the issue with your advisor, they can help support you.
There are other offices that can be of help and these can be used in conjunction with discussions with your advisor and the chair, or in place of those conversations if you have concerns about the effects of those discussions on your situation.
If you are in crisis, there is help and one place to start is: The 24/7 Peel Crisis support line: 905-278-9036
The link below to the Sexual Violence and Prevention and Support Centre also has a number of helplines to find support including helplines including: Trans Life Line (877-330-6366), LGBT Youthline (800-268-9688), Hope 24/7: Sexual Assault Centre of Peel (800-810-0180), Info & Referral Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Violence (866-887-0015), First Nations, Inuit and Metis Hope and Wellness Line (855-242-3310) and many others. https://www.svpscentre.utoronto.ca/resources/24-7-emergency-or-crises-support/
Within the University
UTM’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office (https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/edio/home) they have a number of resources available including workshops and training initiatives, they host events, and they can assist with conflict resolution and complaints related to discrimination
The centre offers support on a number of levels including helping you decide what steps to take next and helping you navigate those steps including medical support, counseling, accommodations, and legal aid.
The Graduate Student Union and CUPE 3902 also have resources that students can access
University of Toronto Graduate Student’s Union (UTGSU) Main Page: https://utgsu.ca/
This also includes information about funding and insurance which may be helpful.
If you are uncomfortable bringing your issue to a member of the Biology Department, you can also contact the UTGSU for confidential advice and advocacy services.
They can also help connect you to mental health supports.
CUPE Funding provided to assist members of the union including:
Resources for taking care of yourself
For students who are face challenges related to their disabilities or who have faced discrimination related to their abilities or who may need modifications to classes or other aspects of their study and research Accessibility services is a place to start: https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/accessibility/welcome-accessibility-services
Particularly important for students dealing with bias may be mental health services to handle the stress of those experiences. UTSGU and Sexual Violence and Prevention Centre can help you find resources (links above) and UTM also offers links to a number of resources including personal counselling: https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/health/our-services/personal-counselling
