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Safety & Support

The Department of Computer Science (DCS) strives to create and maintain an environment where all students, staff, faculty and other community members feel safe, supported and welcomed.

This page is to help DCS community members who are experiencing discrimination, harassment or other challenges to their physical or emotional safety in the department, or who are looking for support navigating conflict. Our goal is to help you navigate the resources available to you at the University of Toronto.

On this page, we provide a list of resources available at U of T and information about departmental Wayfinders, who can help you get connected with the appropriate resources.

For urgent matters, please visit https://safety.utoronto.ca/.

This page was last updated on September 8, 2023

University of Toronto Resources

Members of the Department of Computer Science community can make use of a wide range of resources across U of T. Browse the list below to discover the options available to you.

List of resources across U of T

For urgent support related to mental health, personal safety, or sexual violence: https://safety.utoronto.ca/

  • Community Safety Office

    • The Community Safety Office offers short-term support and assistance to students, staff, and faculty members of the University of Toronto community who have experienced personal safety concerns including: stalking and harassment, bullying and intimidation, threats, intimate partner violence, family violence, workplace conflict and volatile behaviour.

  • Centre for Graduate Mentorship & Supervision

    • Offers support and resources for graduate students and faculty members in navigating mentorship and supervisory relationships.

  • Conflict Resolution in Graduate Studies: A Guide to Help and Support

    • A guide created by the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) to help you access information and support if you are concerned about — or dealing with — conflict in graduate studies. ·

  • Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre

    • The Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre is here to help and support students, staff and faculty at the University of Toronto who have been affected by sexual violence or sexual harassment.

  • Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office

  • Sexual & Gender Diversity Office

    • The Sexual & Gender Diversity Office (SGDO) offers free, confidential and sensitive support on matters of homophobia, transphobia and other forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

  • The Centre for Women and Trans People

    • The Centre for Women and Trans People provides free support, referrals, resources and advocacy on issues of sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, violence, health and poverty through workshops, events, services and programming.

  • Family Care Office

    • The Family Care Office supports students across the University with family commitments, aiding them in successfully completing their studies while caring for family members and themselves.

  • First Nations House

    • First Nations House provides culturally relevant services to Indigenous students in support of academic success, personal growth and leadership development.

  • International Student Services

  • Support for international students.

  • Accessibility Services

    • Accessibility Services supports students who experience difficulties affecting their learning in lectures, labs and/or tutorials through academic and practicum accommodations.

  • U of T Telus Health Student Support

    • U of T Telus Health Student Support provides students with real-time and/or appointment-based confidential, 24-hour support for any school, health, or general life concern at no cost to you. You can call or chat with a counsellor directly from your phone whenever, wherever you are.

Department of Computer Science Wayfinders

We acknowledge that navigating these resources alone can be overwhelming. The following individuals are available to act as “Wayfinders” to help you get connected with the appropriate supports.

Important notes about DCS Wayfinders

  • These individuals are knowledgeable about the resources available at U of T; however, they are not trained mental health professionals.

  • DCS Wayfinders are outside of official reporting processes at U of T. Speaking with a Wayfinder is disclosure, not reporting. Learn more about disclosure vs. reporting.

  • Any information you disclose to a Wayfinder will be treated with care and discretion, but may be shared with select other individuals as part of helping you get connected to the correct resources.

DCS Wayfinders

You can reach out to a Wayfinder in person or by email. If you would like to arrange a time to speak with someone, you can send a simple email like the following:

Subject: Wayfinder meeting

Message: Hello, I’d like to speak with you in your role as a Wayfinder. I would prefer to speak [in-person|on Zoom|by phone]. I am available <give some possible times that you are available>.

Anonymous Experience Disclosure Form

DCS community members may also use the Anonymous Experience Disclosure Form to share (positive or negative) experiences concerning equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and anything else related to your feeling of physical and emotional safety within the Department of Computer Science at University of Toronto.