Community Building Working Group
Under the direction of the President, the Community Building Working Group is convened by the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI). The Working Group is dedicated to developing initiatives that enhance trust, promote connections, and provide learning opportunities for TMU students, faculty, and staff.
Acknowledging the challenges arising from numerous global and geopolitical crises, the Working Group adopts a comprehensive approach to community-building, viewing it as essential to fostering an equitable and engaged campus culture. This group was initiated to support the TMU community in managing the impacts of the war in Israel and Palestine, and aims to offer support more broadly as there are a variety of conflicts/issues that impact our students, faculty and staff that would benefit from these resources.
Adopting a comprehensive approach to community-building
The TMU community thrives when we respect and protect the fundamental human rights and freedoms to which every person is entitled, even amid differing political ideologies and perspectives. TMU is committed to creating an environment that values learning through open discourse and constructive disagreement while fostering a strong sense of belonging.
In response to numerous global and geopolitical crises, the working group takes a comprehensive approach to community-building, an essential component of an equitable and engaged campus culture. The group’s objectives are:
- Supporting individual and community well-being.
- Building trust, belonging and positive engagement across the university community.
- Strengthening capacity for navigating difficult conversations and conflict resolution.
The feedback from (google form) the community survey (external link) and ongoing consultations affirmed that diverse communities have distinct needs. The working group and partners across TMU have organized a range of engaging initiatives for the community since 2023.
Key areas of focus for the 2024/25 academic year
Upcoming programming for the 2024/25 academic year builds on feedback and aims to address community needs. These include:
- Exploring how the mind, body, feelings and actions contribute to our learning process.
- Recognizing the role that universities play in protecting human rights and freedom of expression.
- Understanding different kinds of racism and oppression and how they affect our communities.
- Equipping community members in learning about conflict resolution strategies and engaging in civil discourse.
Thriving in Action Workshops hosted by Student Wellbeing
Multiple dates throughout the fall semester (four-week series)
Grad Art Hive hosted by Student Wellbeing
Every other Wednesday from September 25 to December 4, 2024 | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Learning Helpful Habits hosted by Student Wellbeing
Every Monday from September 30 to November 11, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Empowerment in Self Care hosted by Student Wellbeing
Every Wednesday from October 2 to November 13, 2024 | 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Stress Management and Self-Care hosted by Student Wellbeing
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
TMU Therapy Dogs hosted by Student Life and Learning Support
Every Tuesday from October 1 to November 26, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Body and Mind Connection through Yoga and iRest® (Integrative Restoration) Yoga Nidra with Jen Baradi hosted by the School of Nutrition
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Campus Connection Corner hosted by Student Wellbeing
Every Tuesday from October 8 to November 5, 2024 | 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Equity Advocate Training: Inclusive Evaluation Practices in Tenure and Promotion hosted by the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Affairs
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 | 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Thriving in Academia: Notice, Engage, Refer and Debrief hosted by the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Affairs
Thursday, January 23, 2025 | 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Thriving in Academia: Principles of Effective Feedback hosted by the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Affairs
Monday, February 10, 2025 | 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Supporting Faculty to Understand and Reduce the Impacts of Ableism hosted by Academic Accommodation Support
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 | 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday Mindfulness Meditation hosted by Workplace Wellbeing Services
Every Friday from September 20 to December 20, 2024 | 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Leading with Integrity through Change, Crisis and Uncertainty hosted by the Talent Management Centre of Expertise
Thursday, October 3, 2024 | 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Navigating Jewish Grief and Joy: Nothing so whole as a broken heart hosted by the Jewish Employee Community Network
Thursday, October 10, 2024 | 1:10 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Writing for Wellness: Strengthening Relationships hosted by Workplace Wellbeing Services
Friday, October 11, 2024 | 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Meditation for Everyday Life hosted by Workplace Wellbeing Services
Every Tuesday from October 15 to December 17, 2024 | 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Mastering Difficult Conversations for Leaders hosted by the Talent Management Centre of Expertise
Thursday, October 31, 2024 | 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Writing for Wellness: Gratitude and joy hosted by Workplace Wellbeing Services
Friday, November 1, 2024 | 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Notice, Engage, Refer and Debrief hosted by Workplace Wellbeing Services
Monday, November 18, 2024 | 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Writing for Wellness: Cultivating Optimism hosted by Workplace Wellbeing Services
Friday, November 22, 2024 | 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Mood Routes hosted by Community Wellbeing and Thrive TMU
Every Tuesday from September 17 to November 19, 2024, at noon.
This program encourages participants to get outside to de-stress, refocus and re-ground. Mood Routes aims to help participants restore focus, reduce stress, improve health and fitness, and boost mood through a deeper connection to nature. No registration is required. Email thrivinginaction@torontomu.ca for more information.
De-Escalating Potentially Violent Situations hosted by Community Safety and Security
Wednesday, October 9 and Wednesday, October 16, 2024 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, November 6 and Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations is an intensive all-day session open to TMU students, faculty, staff and community members. Using a combination of in-depth discussion and interactive, scenario-based training, participants will gain the knowledge and develop the skills to recognize, assess, de-escalate and respond to potentially violent situations, while prioritizing personal safety. Sessions can be designed to respond to specific situations.
Embodied Learning in Uncertain Times with Danielle Smith hosted by the OVPECI in partnership with Community Wellbeing and Athletics and Recreation
Thursday, October 10, 2024 | 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
In a period marked by increasing geopolitical tensions and conflict, the body can become a site of stress and trauma but also empowerment.
Join us for a powerful exploration of how nervous system regulation, somatic awareness and embodied learning can be a powerful tool to support us during periods of global instability, helping us to reconnect with ourselves and each other in meaningful ways.
Active Wellbeing Programs by Athletics and Recreation
Movement and physical activity play a vital role in enhancing overall well-being, with research showing benefits for mental health, and cognitive function. Explore a broad range of programs, including group fitness classes and drop-in sports, such as yin yoga and meditation. Learn more about memberships, and remember: full-time undergraduate and graduate students are already enrolled.
Spirital counselling with Imam Yasin Dwyer hosted by the Muslim Employee Community Network
All students, faculty and staff can book free 45-minute spiritual counselling appointments with Imam Yasin Dwyer (external link) for in-person or virtual sessions. Schedule your appointment on Calendly (external link) .
Student-led community events
TMU has a highly engaged and committed student body that regularly plans and hosts meaningful events for a variety of communities. With over 400 active student groups offering thousands of events and initiatives each year, there are many opportunities to get involved.
To explore these vibrant communities, visit ExploreTMU for a list of events and ways to get involved. You can search by event or organization or browse the comprehensive calendar to see what’s happening and get involved! If you have any questions, connect with Student Life and Campus Engagement at campusengagement@torontomu.ca.
Stay tuned for further initiatives
TMU partners are planning a suite of additional initiatives. Stay tuned to TorontoMet Today for event details:
Islamophobia workshop (fall semester)
This workshop will explore the roots and impact of Islamophobia, dispel common myths about Islam, and provide practical strategies to counter discrimination. The event will offer participants the tools and resources to foster inclusive, respectful, and supportive environments.
Antisemitism workshop (fall semester)
This workshop will explore the roots and impact of antisemitism, dispel common myths about the Jewish faith, and provide practical strategies to counter discrimination. The event will offer participants with the tools and resources to foster inclusive, respectful, and supportive environments.
Conflict resolution training (fall semester)
These workshops will feature expert facilitators who will explore the dynamics of conflict and escalation. Participants will learn strategies for engaging in difficult conversations, self-regulating their responses, and finding constructive ways to address conflict—all while emphasizing the importance of the relationship between individuals in disagreement. The teachings will be grounded in anti-racism and anti-oppression frameworks to promote a more inclusive community.
Family Relationships Group hosted by Student Wellbeing (fall semester)
Join fellow students to better understand tricky family dynamics, explore relationship patterns, clarify your values and work towards establishing healthy boundaries. Participants will have the opportunity to identify thoughts and feelings, discuss family dynamics and recognize and learn how to implement healthy boundaries in relationships.
Managing Anxiety and Depression Group hosted by Student Wellbeing (fall semester)
Join fellow students to learn about depression, anxiety and how to manage symptoms. Participants will have the opportunity to identify thoughts and feelings, identify and manage triggers, recognize and change unhelpful thinking patterns and build effective coping skills like mindfulness and self-compassion.
Facing Loss Group hosted by Student Wellbeing (winter semester)
Everyone experiences loss differently, but nobody needs to carry the grief on their own. Join a group of fellow students to share about your loss and what you have found helpful. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss their grief as well as share and learn about supportive and helpful resources and materials.
Taming Your Critic Group hosted by Student Wellbeing (winter semester)
Join a group of fellow students to help you reduce self-criticism, increase self-trust and see yourself through more compassionate eyes. Participants will have the opportunity to share their own and listen to others' experiences of self-criticism, and learn about helpful steps to foster a sense of self-trust and compassion.
Self-Compassion Group hosted by Student Wellbeing (winter semester)
Join a group of fellow students who struggle with low self-esteem, negative self-talk and/or perfectionism. Participants will have the opportunity to build skills and practices that evoke self-compassion, enabling them to respond to difficult moments with more kindness and understanding. Group activities include mindfulness meditation, group discussion, experiential exercises and various practices that can be adopted at home.
Untangled Group hosted by Student Wellbeing (winter semester)
Join a group of fellow students in learning how to cope with feelings of distress, strong emotions and/or being overwhelmed. This six-week virtual counselling group will help participants better understand feelings, learn healthier ways to deal with crises and teach practical coping strategies to manage emotions.
Culture Clash Group hosted by Student Wellbeing (winter semester)
Join a group of fellow students to discuss the experience of living with multiple cultural, ethnic, racial and religious identities. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss topics such as mental health stigma in immigrant communities, racism, xenophobia and managing family expectations.
Past events
Explore past events and initiatives organized through the Community Building Working Group and TMU partners:
Difficult Conversations with the ACHIEVE Centre for Leadership hosted by the OVPECI
Thursday, May 30, 2024
All faculty and staff were invited to join this online webinar about preparing for, conducting and concluding difficult conversations. Hosted by the Community Building Working Group in collaboration with the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI), this webinar offered a valuable opportunity to enhance participants’ skills in navigating challenging discussions and gain practical insights for handling difficult conversations effectively.
Freestyle Socials with Anthony Morgan (a science-based activity to build connections and bridge divides) hosted by the OVPECI
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Join award-winning science communicator and CBC’s host of the Nature of Things, Anthony Morgan, for our first Freestyle Social. During this informal event, we will learn how to practice our curiosity, identify shared values, and explore new ways to build better conversational skills. This session reflects the OVPECI’s commitment to providing tools for constructive dialogue and conflict resolution in collaboration with university partners. We are pleased to introduce this innovative model developed by Anthony Morgan, founder of Science Everywhere incubated at the TMU Science Discovery Zone. In a world where global crises can foster disconnection, we recognize the critical importance of building a strong community to cultivate an equitable and engaged campus culture. Through initiatives like Freestyle Socials, we strive to enhance trust, promote connections, and provide learning opportunities for TMU students, faculty, and staff.
OVPECI Tour of the Black Star Collection hosted by The Image Centre
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
The Office of the Vice-President of Equity, Community and Inclusion (OVPECI) organized this event to bring TMU staff together and to foster stronger team connectivity. This tour of The Image Centre's exhibition Stories from the Picture Press: Black Star Publishing Co. & The Canadian Press brought staff together that have never met in person and served as a reminder of the legacies of resistance and progress that we continue to build upon.
Meditations for Connection and Community in Uncertain Times hosted by Student Wellbeing
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
This meditation session focused on fostering connection and community. Our goal is to nurture a sense of embodied presence, and to encourage self-awareness and attunement to our physical and emotional well-being during times of uncertainty. This event was organized by the Centre for Student Development and Counselling (CSDC) in partnership with the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI) and the Community Building Working Group.
Conflict Resolution Skills with the ACHIEVE Centre for Leadership hosted by the OVPECI
Wednesday, May 13, 2024
All faculty and staff were invited to join this online webinar about how to respond confidently and effectively to conflict. Hosted by the Community Building Working Group in collaboration with the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI), participants had the opportunity to sharpen their conflict resolution skills with the ACHIEVE Centre for Leadership.
Coping with Stress hosted by Faculty Affairs
Monday, March 4, 2024
Breaking Bread: Lessons from my grandparents hosted by the OVPECI
Monday, February 26, 2024
The purpose of this event was to celebrate the profound impact of the elders in our lives who have shaped us with their wisdom. Panellists shared experiences and lessons from their grandparents. Following the panel, all participants were invited to break bread, reflect on the influence of grandparents and elders, and exchange stories. Over 100 participants joined us for connection and dialogue with a spirit of generous interpretation and careful listening.
Compassionate Dialogue for All hosted by the Talent Management Centre of Expertise in Human Resources
Thursday, February 22, 2024
Navigating Grief with Elder Joanne Dallaire hosted by the OVPECI
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
The purpose of this event was to support the TMU community to cope with grief and maintain calm during these challenging times. Elder (Ke Shay Hayo) and Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Joanne Okimawininew Dallaire lead this session on dealing with grief. Participants explored teachings that support healing and the processing of difficult emotions. Over 100 participants joined this virtual webinar.
Bold, Beautiful, Brilliant Event hosted by Athletics and Recreation
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
TA/GA: Managing ‘Hot Moments’ in the Classroom hosted by Faculty Affairs
Monday, February 5, 2024
(google form) Connect to Effective Stress Management (external link) hosted by Student Wellbeing
Friday, November 24, 2023
A Year in the Middle East: How Israel Got From There to Here hosted by the International Issues Discussion (IID) series
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Explore past talks hosted by the Centre for Free Expression
Freedom of Expression, Protests and Encampments
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
The Battle to Cover the War in Gaza
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Finding a Way Forward for Jews and Palestinians in This Terrible Time with Raja Khouri and Jeffrey Wilkinson in Conversation with Mira Sucharov
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Exploring Systemic Islamophobia in Canada (external link)
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Reminder of resources and support available to community members year-round
Community members who may need support in managing their well-being in response to the ongoing crisis are encouraged to access the many supports available to them:
- Students can access well-being services and support, including individual counselling support and/or individual peer support hosted by Student Wellbeing.
- Students can access Good2Talk (external link) , a free, confidential mental health support service for all post-secondary students in Ontario, available 24/7/365. Access support by calling 1-866-925-5454 or by texting “GOOD2TALKON" to 686868.
- Student Care offers support to students navigating a variety of complex factors while they study, including financial, academic, physical and mental health challenges. Students are encouraged to connect with them at studentcare@torontomu.ca.
- Faculty and staff members can access support, including culturally specific, individual counselling, through TMU’s Employee and Family Assistance Program, Telus Health. This service pairs employees with counsellors who share experiences or specialize in areas such as gender, language, ethnicity, religion and more. To make a request, employees can contact the Care Access Centre at 1-844-880-9142.
- There are also several faculty and staff community networks that employees can access for support.
- Human Rights Services is available to all students, faculty and staff at the university if they believe they have experienced incidents that breach the Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy. This robust policy covers all forms of discrimination and harassment based on the protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code. All TMU students, faculty and staff can access the university's free, fair and confidential complaint resolution process in response to alleged forms of discrimination and/or harassment.
- Community Safety and Security’s WalkSafe Program is available for all community members 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To request WalkSafe, call 416-979-5040 or email walksafe@torontomu.ca. Personal Safety Planning Sessions are also available for individuals, groups and teams.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the Community Building Working Group, please contact equity@torontomu.ca.