Get Involved
The Black Scholarship Institute (BSI) aims to create meaningful and sustainable change across the university and beyond. By cultivating an inclusive and empowering environment, we can support the flourishing of Black scholarship and Afrocentric learning, culture and wisdom.
Your input is critical to how well we can respond to the needs and aspirations of TMU’s Black community. Join our series of consultations and help us shape the future of the BSI!
Engagement Channel |
Open to |
Schedule |
Community Gathering |
Black faculty, staff and students (by invitation only) |
Rescheduled - new date to come |
Focus Groups |
Black faculty, staff, students, alumni, community groups and allies |
February-May 2024 |
Surveys |
Black faculty, staff, students, alumni, community groups and allies |
February-May 2024 |
Interviews |
Senior leadership and community elders (by invitation only) |
February-May 2024 |
About the Consultations
The aim of the consultations is to:
- Share the background and rationale for the initiative, including an environmental scan
- Solicit input and feedback from a wide cross-section of stakeholders on the defining features of the institute
- Gauge stakeholder interest and explore opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Identify challenges and recommend possible solutions
Diversity and inclusivity
We celebrate intersectional identities and our stakeholders' diverse backgrounds, viewpoints and experiences. Students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and external partners will participate in the consultations to understand different perspectives, identify needs and priorities, and suggest the defining features of the Black Scholarship Institute.
Collaborative engagement
We recognise and appreciate the valuable knowledge contributed by each group, which is derived from their distinct experiences, insights, and viewpoints, within the context of TMU. The consultations will provide a platform for engaging in meaningful dialogue and collaborative ideation to contribute to the co-creation of the BSI.
Listening and respectful dialogue
We value different points of view. The consultations will prioritize active listening and foster respectful and constructive conversation. Participants will be encouraged to express their thoughts openly while promoting an atmosphere of mutual respect in which opposing viewpoints are valued and debated civilly and constructively.
Informed decision-making
The university community is a wealth of expertise, perspectives, and insights. We value this collective wisdom. The consultation will draw on this wisdom to gather stakeholder input and feedback to inform strategic decision-making and guide the future actions of the BSI to meet stakeholder needs and aspirations.
Openness, transparency and accountability
By involving stakeholders in the development of the Black Scholarship Institute, we increase transparency and accountability, demonstrate our dedication to openness and inclusivity, and cultivate a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for the BSI’s success.
Action-oriented outcomes
The insights and feedback emanating from the consultations will direct and shape the Black Scholarship Institute’s distinctive characteristics.