Black Access to Educational Excellence (BAEE@UTM)
The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) is committed to inclusion and providing access to Black students in their pursuit of a post-secondary education. As an institution, we are dedicated to dismantling barriers that hold anyone from reaching their full potential; as well, we strive to provide all students with equal and equitable opportunities to ensure they thrive at UTM.
The BAEE@UTM (Black Access to Educational Excellence) initiative provides prospective Black high school students with supports at UTM to assist them in their university decision-making process. Prospective Black students will be personally introduced to current UTM Black students, faculty, and a robust network of resources, dedicated to continually supporting them throughout their post-secondary studies.
What We Offer
We invite prospective Black students and their families to connect with us through a variety of initiatives, including:
BAEE@UTM Newsletter
A quarterly newsletter for students, counsellors, and parents with updates about the BAEE@UTM initiative, useful resources, and other important information.
Presentations
These can be 1:1 meetings or in facilitated groups, and could cover:
- Admissions
- Financial Aid
- Student Life
- Campus Support
Events & Opportunities
Parent Nights, Fall Campus Week, March Break Black Mentorship, etc.
UTM Black Ambassador, Admissions Advising, etc.
U of T News
Black excellence fatigue: seeing it and doing something about it
Nathan Andrews shares his insights on celebrating Black excellence, albeit important, the idea can be exhausting and can contribute negatively to the wellbeing of Black people.
"Be you. Be fabulous at what you do, but do not cave in to constructed and racialized societal expectations of what it means to be an exceptional Black academic."
UTM's Rhonda McEwen appointed president and vice-chancellor of Victoria University
Professor Rhonda McEwen, vice-principal, academic and dean at the University of Toronto Mississauga, has been named the president and vice-chancellor of Victoria University at the University of Toronto.
An academic leader and champion of inclusion, McEwen also served as director of U of T Mississauga’s Institute of Communication, Culture, Information & Technology and as a special adviser to the vice-president and principal on anti-racism and equity.
U of T Mississauga student aims to inspire as the city's poet laureate
Ayomide Bayowa began writing poetry as a hobby – but he now sees it as a force for good.
“With poetry, the people oppressing you get to hear about what you’re experiencing, and they may realize how powerful your message is.”
Bayowa, who studies theatre and drama, was named Mississauga's fourth poet laureate last month for a 30-month term.
Our Community
Meet Nugo Ezenwa!
"Hi, my name is Nugo Ezenwa and I graduated as an Ontario Scholar from Mississauga Secondary School. I am currently a third-year science student at UTM double majoring in Mathematics & Statistics and minoring in Computer Science. This school year, I am honoured to be doing a special program called the PEY program (Professional Experience Year) which has trained and guided me to receiving my current job position as an Engineering Assistant at DPM Energy Inc. With that being said, UTM has provided me with lots of amazing experiences that keeps me pushing – dream big, stay positive, work hard, and enjoy the journey."
BAEE@UTM Introduction
BAEE@UTM Ambassadors describe what the initiative means to them.
Personal Campus Tour
Current student, Debra Olaniyi, takes you on a tour of her favourite spots on the UTM campus.
BAEE@UTM x MyUTM Campaign
In recognition of Black History month, we ran our #MyUTM campaign in partnership with BAEE@UTM to feature influential Black change‑makers in our community!
Scholarships & Awards
U of T Awards Explorer – This tool can help you explore the diverse funding opportunities at U of T that recognize your achievements and financially support your studies.
ScholarshipsCanada.com – Since 1997, Canada's foremost web site for scholarships, student awards and bursaries.
Within Reach (PDF) – How to Finance Your University of Toronto Experience: A Guide for First-Entry Programs
More to Explore
- "Black Access to Educational Excellence Initiative Dismantles Barriers" by Deborah Peart. Read our feature in the Winter 2021 of OSCA Today (p22)
- BAEE@UTM poster (PDF)
- Discover U of T Mississauga
- U of T Mississauga Alternative Pathways
- Discover the University of Toronto
Become a BAEE@UTM Ambassador
A Black Access to Educational Excellence (BAEE@UTM) Community Ambassador is a current UTM student representative who participates in Student Recruitment & Admissions outreach initiatives both virtually and in person, and who can speak to the Black student experience for BAEE@UTM events and prospective student engagement opportunities. These activities include participation in:
- BAEE@UTM We’re Talking About….
- High School and Community Outreach Visits
- BAEE@UTM Connects
- BAEE@UTM Feature Student Profiles
- BAEE@UTM Virtual and In-person Events
- Student Panels
- Fall Campus Day/March Open House
- UTM Promotional Materials
Apply to become a BAEE@UTM Ambassador
Connect With Us
If you have any questions about the BAEE@UTM initiative or would like to collaborate with us, please reach out to:
Deborah Peart
Recruitment/Liaison Officer
University of Toronto Mississauga
deborah.peart@utoronto.ca
