Explore our First Year Survival Guide to gain valuable tips and resources that will help you navigate your first year at UTM! You can also find our social resources short list here for quick access.
Black Brilliance and Belonging at UTM
Together, we will shatter barriers, celebrate achievements, and redefine excellence!
We proudly support the vibrant Black community as they thrive and excel. We celebrating black joy, diversity and identity. Shining in all the different ways it means to be black. Black Brilliance & Belonging symbolizes being compassionate to yourself and the people around you, as well as doing the things you love while feeling like you are wholly apart of the UTM campus.
At the Centre for Student Engagement, we proudly showcase the vibrant and supportive Black community thriving on campus. Through a series of engaging events and meaningful connections, new Black students will discover a campus community capable to support you through your holistic post-secondary journey.
Explore our First Year Survival Guide & get quick access to our Social Resources Short List
Happening on Campus
Orientation 2026
Your UTM journey starts here.
Bring your blanket and chill under the stars with fellow Black students for a cozy evening of movies, refreshments, and community. Whether you’re making your first campus connections or unwinding after Orientation, this is your space to relax, meet new people, and settle into university life.
Bonus: The first 20 Black students to arrive will receive a custom Black Brilliance & Belonging blanket.
Date: September 4th, 2026
Time: 7:00PM - 10:00PM
Location: CCT Courtyard (rain plan MN Grand Hall)
The event you don’t want to miss.
Come ready for music, food, games, photo opportunities, Black student groups, and plenty of Black joy. Grab your free custom UTM durag or bonnet, stickers, and Black student resource booklet while connecting with community and celebrating who we are.
Date: September 5th, 2026
Time: 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Location: MN Patio (rain plan MN Grand Hall)
Kick off your UTM journey with music, bingo, prizes, and good vibes. Join fellow Black first-year students, meet new people, make lasting memories, and celebrate the start of your university experience in a space designed to uplift and connect Black students.
Date: September 6th, 2026
Time: 3:00PM - 5:00PM
Location: Blind Duck Pub
Join us for an afternoon of connection and celebration with UTM's Black community. This welcoming social offers Black-identifying students a chance to build relationships, connect with peers and staff, and learn about campus resources and the Centre for Black Excellence and Belonging (CBEB). Whether you're making new friends or discovering campus supports, Connect and Chill is a space to feel seen, supported, and empowered. Enjoy good food, great conversation, and community. Whether you're looking to make new friends, discover campus supports, or learn more about Black student life, Connect and Chill is a space where you can feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. Come early, bring a friend, and enjoy good food, great conversation, and community.
Dates: Friday, September 4th, 2026 & Monday, September 7, 2026
Time: 3:00PM - 5:00PM
Location: KN127
Fall 2026
- Every Wednesday | 5:00–7:00 p.m.
- September 16 – October 21, 2026
- For Black identifying New to UTM Students
- Academics
Tips, strategies, and resources to help you succeed in your courses. - Identity & Belonging
Explore identity, find community, and navigate university as a Black student. - Health & Wellness
Discover ways to prioritize your well-being and access supports. - Money & Finances
Learn practical strategies for managing money and navigating financial resources. - Campus Employment
Explore work opportunities, career-building experiences, and ways to develop your skills. - Student Life & Campus Resources
Learn how to get involved, navigate campus, and connect with the people and resources that can support you
Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM
CCT Courtyard
Come explore the wonders of Moko Jumbie, a vibrant Caribbean tradition rooted in African heritage, movement, spirituality, celebration, and community.
In this interactive experience, students will learn about the history and cultural significance of Moko Jumbie while getting the chance to experience the art of Caribbean stilt walking themselves. Through storytelling, movement, and hands-on participation, discover how Moko Jumbie has become an iconic part of Caribbean festivals and celebrations.
Come ready to step outside your comfort zone, try something new, and walk a little taller together.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Learn about the history and cultural significance of Moko Jumbie
- Experience Caribbean stilt walking
- Get hands-on and try something new
- Connect, move, and celebrate Caribbean culture
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.
Stay Connected with Black Brilliance & Belonging
What are Access and Inclusion Programs?
Education is a powerful tool to inspire tomorrow's brightest minds. It supports the growth, development and well-being of youth and reduces social inequalities. Access Programs are opportunities created in partnership with local schools and community organizations to engage youth in seeing the value of Post-Secondary Education (PSE). Access Programs ensure that all youth and young adults- regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status realize their potential and access their own unique pathways to quality education.
Another aspect of Access Programs is educational access for mature students. Life long learning is an important value in our programming and we strive to meet and support students from all ages and walks of life.
By working collaboratively with community and campus partners, Inclusion Programs encompass impactful programming that improves community well-being and operations as well as creates meaningful solutions to social issues. Such programming facilitates intercultural competence and personal growth for all parties involved.
Building Partnerships
To develop new initiatives, we encourage partners in the community to connect with us to explore ways we can work together to provide these opportunities at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) and in the local community.
We invite schools, parents and families, local community organizations, and UTM community mentors and student groups to explore how we can work together.
Volunteer Sign Up
As an Access & Inclusion Programs volunteer, you will have the opportunity to help empower:
- Youth to set academic and personal goals and have confidence in their future.
- Youth to be motivated to pursue PSE programs by reducing barriers and creating opportunities with UTM students, staff and faculty.
- Parents and families to support their youth in PSE attainment.
- Community members by working on assigned social issues.
Volunteers must:
- Complete the webform, identifying their preferred role for Access & Inclusion Programs
- Meet virtually with your project team
- Complete assigned tasks
- Complete reflection activity after the event
There are a few steps before you can officially volunteer for Access & Inclusion Programs. Please follow the steps below:
- Fill out the form found on our Volunteer With Us page.
- Attend training session(s), which will be communicated to you once you sign up.
There are limited spaces for each project. Sign up is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please continue to check our website regularly for upcoming opportunities!
Inquiries
For all questions and feedback regarding Access Initiatives, please contact:
Smyrna Wright
Community Engagement Coordinator: Access & Inclusion Programs
- CSE Connect Corner, Room 2077, William G. Davis Building (Find us on a map here!)
- Email: smyrna.wright@utoronto.ca