New Year, New Gear: Tote Bag Decorating for Graduate Students!
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm | In-person at DV 3140 (UTM Room), William G Davis Building, UTM
Hosted by the UTM:
Graduate Support Team at the OVPAD's Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs Team
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office
Start the Winter term with some creativity! Join us for a relaxing tote bag decorating session where you can design a custom bag that’s totally you. It’s the perfect way to start the semester fresh - meet your peers, express your creativity and leave with a stylish tote bag to carry your essentials all term long.
Refreshments will be provided!
(Limited Quantities Available!)
All UTM Graduate Students are welcome to attend!
Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact Noor Leghari noor.leghari@utoronto.ca) and Jess Bailey (graduate.utm@utoronto.ca).
If you have any accommodation requests or questions, please contact the UTM EDI Office at: edio.utm@utoronto.ca.
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.
Laugh, Cry, Cringe Series
Hart House
UTM Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office
Upcoming Series:
January 28, 2026
March, 2026
UTM Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Office (EDIO) in partnership with Hart House Black Futures presents: Laugh, Cry, Cringe: Storytelling Series for Fall 2025 / Winter 2026.
“Stories have to be told, or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we’re here.” Sue Monk Kidd
Laugh, Cry, Cringe is a movement to create braver spaces where personal stories, current events, and cultural narratives come alive through the power of storytelling. This series aims to unmask misconceptions and foster understanding among diverse groups and communities. Through the power of storytelling, participants can release tensions, build community, practice wellness, and find inspiration to take positive action in their daily lives.
With an incredible line-up of storytellers, we invite you to let go and experience the full spectrum of human emotion—laugh, cry, or cringe—as you listen to these compelling stories.
Our mission is to bridge gaps between our diverse communities through dialogues rooted in understanding and respect. We strive to create more inclusive and sustainable learning and working environments for students and employees at UTM, across all campuses, and within the broader community.
Each session will feature a unique speaker and topic who will share their lived experiences, perspectives, and life lessons. As a Laugh, Cry, Cringe attendee, you are also a storyteller. You will be invited to reflect on your own stories and develop your skills in sharing them in engaging and innovative ways.
We encourage and invite all U of T students, staff, faculty, and librarians to join us in this transformative journey.
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.