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What's in This Issue
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Spotlight on Sexual Violence Prevention, Support, and Response at U of T
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- Online Module to 'Build a Culture of Consent' at U of T
- Safety Planning for Survivors of Sexual Violence
- Two new Case Managers to Support Sexual Violence Response
- First Institutional Report presented at Governance
- New staff: Robyn Parr, Janice Johnson, and Urshian Khalid
- Congratulations on your retirement Richard Levin!
- Award-winning staff in 2023-24
- Access Programs University Fund - now accepting applications
- Co-curricular Record turns 10!
- National Mental Health Week
- Religious Holiday Observance Dates - resource
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Message from Sandy Welsh, Vice Provost, Students
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Photo credit: Lisa Sakulensky Photography
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Cultivating a community of strength and support
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We are already winding down the Winter Semester and into exam season for students across all three campuses. I want to thank all of you who do so much to support students as they prepare and write finals and provide them with resources and outlets to reduce stress and prioritize wellness.
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, this newsletter’s “Spotlight on Sexual Violence Prevention and Support” contains information from Angela Treglia, Executive Director, Sexual Violence Strategy, Prevention & Support, and her team. This issue highlights recent developments including important staff additions, online modules for students, safety planning, and the interim data report that was presented at Governance.
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Also in this issue, you will find profiles of new staff, the recipients of the Jill Matus Award as well as the Excellence Through Innovation Award, a new section that highlights social media in an around OVPS, and more.
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I remain grateful to you all for your efforts to foster and support our tri-campus community.
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Sandy Welsh, Vice Provost, Students
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Spotlight On:
Sexual Violence Prevention, Support,
and Response at U of T
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NEW: SVPS Centre Online Module
Building a Culture of Consent at U of T
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“Building a Culture of Consent at the University of Toronto” is a new online tool to teach students how to incorporate the concept of consent into communication, building healthy boundaries, and practices within relationships. It also teaches students about sexual violence, the landscape in which sexual violence occurs, and available on- and off-campus resources for survivors of sexual violence.
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As of September 2024, all students living in residence on all three campuses at U of T (excluding those living at UTM Family/Graduate Housing, UTSG Family Housing and CampusOne) will be required to complete the online module.
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Safety Planning for Survivors of Sexual Violence –
Now offered by SVPS Centre
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Providing safety-planning support to staff, students, and faculty has long been a priority at U of T and primarily the Community Safety Office (CSO). Recently, safety planning for sexual violence survivors has moved from the CSO to SVPS Centre since it aligns with the SVPS Centre’s goal of providing comprehensive services to survivors and reduces the number of times that survivors need to tell their stories to staff at the university.
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The CSO will continue to support safety planning for survivors of other forms of violence and will continue to collaborate with the SVPS Centre on complex or high-risk cases. Community members with safety concerns are welcome to contact either service for support and the offices will work with the client to find the best support pathway for their needs.
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The SVPS Centre’s approach to safety planning comprises the following:
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- Trauma-informed
- Client-centred
- Case specific
- Collaborative and conversational
- Embedded within the broader strategy to support clients’ wellness
- Structured with professional judgement in-mind
- Culturally appropriate, and accounts for clients’ social location
Safety plans are co-created with a client, responding to their needs, as well as employing appropriate and realistic strategies for circumstances at the time of the assessment. Plans are also flexible to account for change in impact and risk factors.
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Two new Case Managers to Support
Sexual Violence Response
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The first recommendation of the 2022 Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (SVSH) policy review was to create Sexual Violence Case Manager roles to assist individuals with navigating the reporting process. The entry point to the reporting process will remain within the SVPS Centre, with the process itself being administered by the new Case Managers. This change will help clarify roles, continue to see survivors supported by the Centre, better focus resources, and continue to minimize the number of times a Complainant needs to tell their story.
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The two Case Managers will be responsible for the following:
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- Conducting report intakes under the policy.
- Monitoring the progress of cases during all phases – from initial reporting, throughout investigation and/or mediation, and including the conclusion/disposition of any process.
- Acting as the primary University point of contact for both Complainants and Respondents regarding process and providing timely updates and consistent support to each throughout the process.
- Delivering formal notices to both Complainants and Respondents.
- Collaborating and partnering with University offices and departments.
- Supporting the respective University decision-making offices following the conclusion of an investigation.
The two new Case Managers, Victoria Balice and Maribel Robles, joined the University in early 2024, reporting directly into Ted Fritz, Assistant Director, High Risk, Sexual Violence, Case Management and Investigations. These roles are part of both the Office of Safety and High-Risk and the Office of Sexual Violence Strategy, Prevention and Support.
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First Institutional Report on the Policy on
Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment
Presented at Governance
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to the University Affairs Board of ing Council that replaces the Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre’s Annual Report.
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This Report was updated in response to the recommendation in the 2022 Review of U of T’s Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment for more robust annual institutional reporting on sexual violence and sexual harassment, an increase in institutional accountability and details on how we respond to acts of sexual violence and harassment on our campuses.
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The Institutional Report includes available institutional data for activity under the Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. In future, this report will make comparisons to historical data and expand to include additional data on the nature of reported incidents, the location, if there was a breach of the Policy, and the outcomes of cases.
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Key highlights of The report include current data on reports under the Policy and the SVPS Centre’s activities and initiatives. The University plans to present the next report in the Fall 2024.
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Updates & Reminders
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New staff join OVPS
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Robyn Parr, Janice Johnson, Urshian Khalid
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Robyn Parr Appointed Executive Director, OVPS
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The Vice-Provost, Students is very pleased to welcome Robyn Parr as its new Executive Director. Robyn's first day in OVPS is April 9: her office is located in the OVPS suite (221) in Simcoe Hall and you can reach her at robyn.parr@utoronto.ca
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Read more about Robyn: her enthusiasm for her time ahead in OVPS and her career highlights that span 20+ years in academia.
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Janice Johnson Appointed Executive Director, Student Housing & Residence Experience
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Janice Johnson will be joining both the Offices of Spaces & Experiences and the Vice-Provost, Students, as Executive Director, Student Housing & Residence Experience. Janice's first day is April 8: her office is located at 800 Bay Street, 5th floor (Student Life), you can reach her at janice.johnson@utoronto.ca
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Read more about Janice: her aims for her time ahead in OVPS and her career highlights that span 20+ years in student life and housing.
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Urshian Khalid Appointed Associate Director
of the Multi-Faith Centre
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Urshian Khalid joined Student Life as Associate Director of the Multi-Faith Centre (MFC) where she will lead all aspects of its operation and upcoming programming. Urshian can be reached at urshian.khalid@utoronto.ca
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Read more about Urshian: her aims for her time ahead in SL and her career highlights from previous positions at York University.
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Congratulations on your retirement, Richard!
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After 14 years working at U of T, Richard Levin is off to enjoy a well-earned retirement.
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Richard, who started his career on the St. George campus in 2010 as the Executive Director, Enrolment Services, and the University Registrar, managed a large portfolio, bringing together teams in recruitment, admissions, and registrarial services – all while keeping the applicant-to-student to graduate experience top of mind.
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Richard had several accomplishments over his tenure, including the following, which only represents a small snapshot of Richard’s key achievements:
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- The launch of Award Explorer, a University-wide awards management system;
- The addition of Slate, a new recruitment and admissions system;
- The development of a secure digital transcript;
- An increase to annual student financial aid from $147 million to $228 million; and
- The renewal of the prospective student experience, including redesigned websites, publications, and videos, Visitors’ Centre modernization with interactive touch screen technology, online event registration and check-in, and same-day follow ups with attendees.
Richard will be missed, but his impact will be felt for years to come.
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Congratulations on this milestone and we hope you enjoy your retirement!
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Award-winning staff
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Excellence Through Innovation Awards
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Several staff members from VPS portfolios were recently recognized for their exceptional administrative contributions with an Excellence Through Innovation Award (ETIA).
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As an individual, Vhil Castillejos, Health Promotion & Community Liaison, Health and Wellness (OVPS), was recognized for his leadership of the Peer Support Service, transforming its service-delivery model, increasing in-person access to the service, and providing low-barrier access to peer support for students.
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In addition, the following staff were awarded ETIAs in team categories:
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- CCR Platform Enhancement Team (Clare Gilderdale, Jesse Nwosu-Adigwe, Kevin Matos, Nilton Gaspar, and Sherry Xu)
- Disclosure & Accommodation Guide for the Workplace Team (Annicka Stabenow, Atifa Karim, Ben Poynton, Felicity Ann Morgan, Karla Gouthro, Kathleen Margaret Lacy, Kelci Archibald, Marie-Louise Twynam, Michael Nicholson, Natalie Hickey, Reginald Oey, Sandra Hohener, Steven Lappano, Teresa Woo, and Tina Doyle)
- Hart House Talking Walls Team (Day Milman, Janine Raftopoulos, Nicholas Carter, Rebecca Gimmi, Sara Hines, and Sasa Rajsic)
- Innovation Hub (Julia Allworth, Paul Kaita, and Tiffany Cao)
- NAVI Expansion Project (Anthony Bowman, Bridgid McNulty, Cathlin Sullivan, Kay Kelly, Krista Boniface, Manoj Vipparty, Meagan Wyn-Yun Lau, Mikella Seth, Nicole Jargstorf, Samantha Lizardo, and Tricia Kenderdine)
- Student Organization Portal (Aaron Tsang, Alberto Sebastian Bustamante, Alysha Ferguson, Chad Holden, Cheryl Gibbs, Corey Dales, Daman Singh, Dong Xia Wang, Jennifer Galley, Jessica Silver, John Owoh, Josh Hass, Nadia Claire Rosemond, Rick Aube, Seth Akira Feldman, and Tony Kovacic)
- Ukrainian Special Program Team (Donna Wall, Gwen Burrows, Hyojin Cho, Katherine Beaumont, Lisa Feng, Lynne Wan, Mahvish Wesley, Rebecca Gimmi, Steven Masse, Terrence Lago, Veronica Vasquez, and Victoria Larke)
- Work-Study Research Stream Project (Atifa Karim, Clare Gilderdale, Fatema Attarwala, Jennifer Evans, Katrina Persad, Kelly Sullivan, Kevin Matos, and Mary Stefanidis)
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Jill Matus Excellence in Student Services Awards
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The Jill Matus Award recognizes individuals whose contributions to students and to student services are clearly demonstrated as going beyond the parameters of their job, resulting in a broad and long-term positive impact on the quality of student services at the University.
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The following staff members were recognized with Jill Matus Excellence in Student Services Awards:
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- Jerome Poon-Ting, Senior Recruitment, Admissions and Diversity Outreach Officer at the Faculty of Law, was recognized for implementing a holistic and student-focused admissions process, as well as consistently demonstrating outstanding commitment and excellence that has engendered a supportive and inclusive environment for students in the program. Jerome’s tremendous leadership in promoting diversity – he collaborated with the Ontario Law Schools Application Service to introduce the Diversity of Applicant Pool Survey – revolutionized the collection of diversity-related data and has fostered systemic change across Ontario law schools.
- Cecelia Power, Program Coordinator for the PharmD for Pharmacists (PFP) program at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. Overseeing the daily operations of the PFP program since 2019, Cecelia was recognized for her exemplary dedication and commitment to student services that go above and beyond her role. She is credited with helping to double program enrollment and leading innovative initiatives such as the implementation of FlightPath to track student progress and streamline academic advising. Cecilia’s unwavering commitment to enhance the student experience and foster a supportive environment with compassion has left an indelible mark on students and the U of T community.
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Congratulations, Jerome and Cecelia!
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Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award
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The Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award is presented annually by the University of Toronto Alumni Association to a student, faculty, or administrative staff member who has made a distinctive and lasting contribution to enhancing the quality of the undergraduate or graduate student experience at the University of Toronto.
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In March 2024, Prasanna Balasundaram was awarded the Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award for his dedication as Director, Downtown Legal Services (DLS), Faculty of Law, and for the dynamic learning experience he has provided to more than 100 students. He is an impassioned leader who has worked to advance the rights of marginalized peoples, including refugees, immigrants, racialized communities, women facing gender-based persecution, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals throughout his legal career.
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As Director of DLS, Prasanna seeks to strengthen and promote the clinic’s role as a vehicle for justice, while offering student caseworkers a rich, dynamic, and transformative learning experience.
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Congratulations, Prasanna!
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Access Programs University Fund (APUF)
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The Access Strategy & Partnerships Office (ASPO) is now accepting applications for the Access Programs University Fund (APUF) for the 2024-25 academic year. The purpose of this fund is to provide financial resources to help local units develop new and enhance existing programs dedicated to providing opportunities and support for students who, without intervention, would not access or thrive in post-secondary education.
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More information and details on how to apply can be found on the APUF website
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Application deadline: May 21, 2024.
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Events & Activities
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Co-Curricular Record Celebrations in Spring 2024
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The Co-Curricular Record (CCR) has reached a milestone!
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We are celebrating 10 Years of the CCR at the University of Toronto. This includes recognizing a decade of thousands of co-curricular opportunities that thousands of U of T students have participated in where they developed skills, explored their passions, and found community on campus.
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We are marking this milestone with events across all three campuses and all students, staff, and faculty members are invited.
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Join us at one of the following celebrations:
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- St. George, May 9 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. in Main Activity Hall, Multi-Faith Centre.
- U of T Scarborough, May 9 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. in Highland Hall Events Centre.
- U of T Mississauga, May 23 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. in UTM Room (DV3140).
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May 6-10 is National Mental Health Week
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Sessions are currently being booked on various topics relating to our mental well-being.
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You can register for the following:
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Religious Holidays Observance Dates – Resource
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Spotlight on Social:
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Did you know that Hart House has a fantastic Instagram account that you can follow?
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From art to athletics, gatherings and good eats, Hart House’s Instagram runs the gamut of events and activities that take place on their grounds.
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If you come across a great social media account to feature in this section, send suggestions to Carla DeMarco in OVPS.
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Looking ahead:
ly Newsletter
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Want to submit a suggestion or item for our July newsletter?
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Did someone forward this newsletter to you?
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