Inclusive Event Planning: Equity and Accessibility Considerations
Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 1:00pm - 2:30pm | In-person - Instructional Centre, IB 320
UTM Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office
This interactive session introduces key principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI), and Accessibility and explores applying these frameworks to planning inclusive in-person and virtual campus events. Participants will collaborate with peers to brainstorm and learn practical strategies for creating events that are welcoming, accessible, and reflective of the diverse university community.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify key principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI), and Accessibility and understand their importance in planning inclusive campus events.
- Assess potential barriers to participation in events through collaborative activities and develop a proactive event planning checklist.
- Reflect on your role and responsibilities in fostering an inclusive, accessible and welcoming campus environment.
If you have any accommodation requests or questions, please contact the UTM EDI Office at: edio.utm@utoronto.ca
Gathering of Our Relatives Appreciation Lunch
Friday, February 27, 2026 | 12:00pm - 2:00pm | In person - UTM Tipi and Lodge, Principals Road (go towards Lislehurst)
Hosted by:
Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Black@UTM
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office
Register here
Registration required due to limited capacity
Join us for an appreciation lunch to honour our Black and Indigenous relatives. There will be medicine present for those who would like to be alone by the fire in the tipi. The lodge will have a fire and seating area open to everyone. Please come out and enjoy our ceremonial spaces with us to honour you.
Opening Song: O'demin Song
Opening Remarks: Brianna Gbadevo
Firekeeper: Blakely Thompson
Closing Song: Warrior Song
If you require accommodation(s) to attend this in-person event, please email faith.desmoulin@utoronto.ca
Culture of Sound: A Hands-On Music Production Session with Kevin Ekofo “Kofo Sound”
Friday, February 27, 2026 | 12:00pm - 2:00pm | In person - Presentation Room, UTMSU Student Centre
Hosted by:
UTM International Education Centre
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office
Register here
Registration required due to limited capacity
Join the UTM International Education Centre and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office in welcoming Grammy-nominated producer and UTM alum, Kevin Ekofo, for an interactive, hands-on music production session celebrating Black creativity and cultural influence in music.
The session is titled, Culture of Sound: A Hands-On Music Production Session with Kevin Ekofo “Kofo Sound”. Drawing on his journey from UTM to the global stage—and his work with artists such as Wizkid, Tems, and Burna Boy—Kevin will guide students through collaboratively creating a track in real time. This session invites participants to explore sound, rhythm, storytelling, and the collective power of Black musical expression through active participation and shared creativity.
We encourage and invite all U of T students, staff, faculty, and librarians to attend.
Light refreshments will be provided.
If you have any accommodation requests or questions, please contact the UTM EDI Office at: edio.utm@utoronto.ca.
Laugh, Cry, Cringe Storytelling Series
March 2026
Hart House
UTM Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office
Note: Laugh, Cry, Cringe is CCR accredited. If you are a current student and interested in this attaining this accreditation, please complete the CCR section in the registration link with your UTORID.
Photography, audio and video recording may occur throughout this event. Therefore, by attending the event, you hereby authorize the University of Toronto to take your photograph, video and/or record your voice and grant the university all rights to these sounds, still or moving images in any medium for educational, promotional, marketing, advertising or other such purposes that support the mission of the university. If you do not consent to this, please speak with one of the event organizers upon your arrival.
Objectives:
Create brave spaces
Build skills to create and engage in inclusive spaces for sharing personal stories and fostering collaboration.
Debunk misconceptions
Address misconceptions about underrepresented communities through storytelling that promotes empathy and cultural awareness.
Normalize and shift narratives
Practice engaging in respectful and inclusive dialogues to support personal and interpersonal well-being and promote equity in everyday conversations.
Strengthen storytelling skills
Develop and apply communication strategies that clearly express ideas, foster emotional connection, and motivate action in diverse settings.
Announcements
To view all equity-related announcements and news to UTM students, staff, faculty, and librarians, please visit the Office of the Vice-President and Principal website.