Presidential & Provostial Task Force on Student Mental Health – Outreach & Engagement Plan – Phase 2 (PDAD&C#12)

From: Cheryl Regehr, Vice-President & Provost
Date: September 5, 2019
Re: Presidential & Provostial Task Force on Student Mental Health – Outreach & Engagement Plan – Phase 2 (PDAD&C#12)

This is a repeat of the email sent to PDAD&C members on August 26. Please share the information widely in local units.

Earlier this summer, the President and I announced the launch of the Student Mental Health Task Force’s Outreach & Engagement Plan, which involves a multi-pronged approach including online and in-person consultation, student focus groups, key staff and faculty group meetings, and targeted requests for written submissions. We know that mental health is an issue that cuts across society, and most of our students are in an age group that is especially vulnerable. It is important to hear from all parts of the university community on this important issue.  

As we start of the fall term, I would appreciate your support in promoting opportunities for involvement to students, faculty, and staff in your local units. Please see the following items for details on how you can help promote the work of the Task Force:  

Online Outreach & Engagement Form: 

The Task Force would like to hear from all interested members of the U of T community and invites you to participate via their O&E Online Form – open now until October 15. You are encouraged to promote this to students, faculty, and staff in your unit. 

In-person Outreach & Engagement Sessions:  

All members of the U of T community are invited to participate in open, in-person O&E sessions in September. Details are available on the Task Force’s page, please mark your calendars: 

University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) – Sept. 18 
Location: UTSC Student Centre, 1265 Military Trail, Room SL232  

  • Faculty: 10:00am – 11:15am*  
  • Students: 11:45m – 1:00pm 
  • Staff: 1:30pm – 2:45pm 

*In addition to the open faculty session at 10:00am, a session has been added to the agenda of the UTSC Academic Administrators retreat at 3:00pm.  

University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) – Sept. 19 
Location: UTM Council Chamber, Davis Building, 1867 Inner Circle, Room DV3130 

  • Faculty: 10:00am – 11:15am 
  • Students: 11:45am – 1:00pm 
  • Staff: 1:30pm – 2:45pm 

University of Toronto St. George (UTSG) – Sept. 24 
Location: UTSG Michael Charles Chamber, Galbraith Building, 35 St. George Street, Room GB202 

  • Students: 12:00pm – 1:30pm 
  • Staff: 2:00pm – 3:15pm 
  • Faculty: 3:30pm – 4:45pm 

Classroom promotion – PowerPoint slide – September: 

I also ask that you share the SMH TF Slides (PPTX version 4:3; PPTX 16:9) with faculty members in your unit and request that they put it up in their classes during September to help reach and engage with our students.  

Key points for faculty members: 

You can find the Terms of Reference and more information about the Task Force, including membership, the Outreach & Engagement Plan, and a link to the Online Consultation Form on the Provost’s website.  

Thank you in advance for your support in these important matters.  

Resources & Supports  

Feeling distressed? Find someone to talk to right now – and if there is an immediate risk, call 911. 

The following are some of the mental health services available to students on all three campuses: 

Round-the-clock support 

Free 24/7 support is available outside the University. Students, staff and faculty can speak to a trained crisis worker at any hour of the day. 

Good 2 Talk Student Helpline 1-866-925-5454. Professional counselling, information and referrals for mental health, addictions, and well-being. 

Gerstein Crisis Centre 416-929-5200  

Distress Centres of Greater Toronto 416-408-HELP (4357) 

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at 250 College Street 

Anishnawbe Health Toronto Mental Health Crisis Line 416-360-0486 

My SSP for U of T Students 1-844-451-9700. Immediate counselling support is available in 35 languages and ongoing support in 146 languages. 

Appointed faculty and staff have access to the Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP), offered through Homewood Health, online and by phone at 1-800-663-1142.