Strengthening bonds and cultivating community at TMU

TMU’s Community Building Working Group is dedicated to cultivating trust, promoting well-being and strengthening the community's capacity for navigating difficult conversations and resolving conflicts on campus. The working group does this by leveraging existing events, workshops, training and programs and developing new initiatives.

Convened in 2023 under President Lachemi and led by the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI), this group includes representatives from community-facing offices and adopts a proactive approach to support community members affected by ongoing geopolitical conflicts, including the war in Israel and Palestine. The working group and partners across TMU have collaborated to organize a range of engaging initiatives for the community since 2023.

Explore upcoming initiatives for students; faculty; faculty and staff; all students, faculty and staff; and resources and support.

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:

1. Supporting individual and community well-being.
2. Building trust, belonging and positive engagement across the university community.
3. 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. Explore a listing of past events (external link) .

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.

Join us for ongoing initiatives

For students

Thriving in Action Workshops hosted by Student Wellbeing

Multiple dates throughout the fall semester (four-week series)

Grad Art Hive co-hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and Student Wellbeing

Drop-in 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.

For faculty

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. 

For faculty and staff

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.

For all students, faculty and staff

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.

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.

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.

Spiritual 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. 

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.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to explore diverse programming and sign up for upcoming workshops and events. By participating, you’ll help build skills and strengthen connections to build a stronger community at TMU.