Caring for our community in a time of crisis
Message from president and provost calls on TMU community to support each other and act with compassion and kindness as we respond to this humanitarian crisis.
Toronto Metropolitan University continues to grieve for those impacted and for the immense loss of life in the Middle East. We extend our deepest sympathies to everyone affected and stand with the international community in the call for a peaceful resolution.
As we return from our fall reading break, some students, faculty, and staff may feel hesitant or unsure about coming to campus to resume learning, teaching, research and work. We have heard many perspectives, concerns, and fears from members of our community and completely understand that this on-going crisis can and will have deep impacts on our individual and collective emotional and mental well-being. As a community, we have a shared responsibility for each other’s physical and psychological safety, we must support each other and act with compassion and kindness as we respond to this humanitarian crisis.
TMU remains committed to a safe and secure culture for all
It must be reiterated that TMU unequivocally condemns terrorism and stands against attacks on civilians. We will not tolerate anti-Semitic or anti-Muslim rhetoric or racism of any kind in our community.
When faced with such devastating and far-reaching violence, we must remain committed to maintaining our culture of well-being while continuing to work together to create and maintain a safe, secure, healthy and inclusive community that prioritizes respect, civility and freedom from discrimination and harassment for all.
Flexibility, understanding and support for one another
Faculty and contract lecturers are asked to provide flexibility and understanding for those students who may need academic considerations as a result of the conflict or who are concerned about coming to campus at this time for in-person activities, including classes, labs and midterms. Students experiencing extenuating circumstances that have a significant impact on their ability to fulfill an academic requirement should submit a request for Academic Consideration (Policy 167).
Similarly, faculty, contract lecturers, TAs and GAs may be in need of support during this challenging time and are encouraged to reach out to their Dean, Chair/ Director and/or teaching supervisor for support.
We encourage TMU staff to contact their direct supervisor regarding options that are available to them at this time including the Employee and Family Assistance Program and the flexibility provided by our Future of Work program.
Increased safety presence and on-going planning
The university remains committed to ensuring that all TMU community members can feel safe coming to campus. Our Community Safety and Security (CSS) team is actively monitoring the environment while working with community partners and law enforcement in an effort to keep our campus safe and welcoming for all.
If any of our community members have specific information or concerns about planned demonstrations or activities, we encourage you to share these with the CSS team at security@torontomu.ca and Human Rights Services at humanrights@torontomu.ca. Safety planning is also available through CSS; should you wish to use these services, please contact community.engagement@torontomu.ca.
Resources and support available to community members
Community members who may need support in managing their well-being in response to the on-going crisis are encouraged to access the many supports available to them:
- Students can access well-being services and support through the Centre for Student Development and Counselling.
- Student Care offers support to students navigating a variety of complex factors while they study, including financial and academic as well as physical and mental health challenges. Students are encouraged to connect with them at studentcare@torontomu.ca.
- Faculty and staff members affected by these troubling events can connect with the Employee and Family Assistance Program for counselling and other supports.
- There are also several faculty and staff community networks that employees can access for support.
TMU’s International Student Support team has been in contact with students with ties to the region to offer direct support and access to appropriate resources. Any of our international students in need of support can call 1-844-451-9700 or email issask@torontomu.ca.