Thursday, March 30, 2017| 5:30PM – 8:30 PM
University of Toronto – St. George (Social Work Building, Room SK548)
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Join us on Thursday, March 30th for a panel discussion on graduate student support. The conversation will explore the topic of graduate student support from a more structural perspective, moving beyond the traditional “programming” approach. The panelists will discuss a range of topics including financing, housing, health and wellness, university governance, and accessibility. They will share the challenges they’ve seen/experienced in current support systems, their thoughts on the future of graduate student support, and how they are advancing the system to be more inclusive and accessible to all graduate students.
Some light snacks will be provided. The keynote and panel discussion will be live-streamed. The last hour of the event will involve group rotations where attendees will have the opportunity to speak with individual panelists in small groups.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Kathleen Moore – Phd Candidate in Higher Education: Kathleen is a PhD candidate in Higher Education at OISE/University of Toronto and a Research Associate at the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS). Her research focuses on postsecondary student mental health and how institutions can support graduate student success. Kathleen will also be joining us for the panel.
PANELISTS
Brieanne Berry-Crossfield – UTGSU Finance & University Governance Commissioner: She has advocated for equitable educational experiences for graduate students through increased funding opportunities, better accessibility to mental health services and the development of community both on and off-campus. She is currently completing her Masters in Education at OISE in Social Justice Education.
Fiona Cheuk – Students for Barrier-Free Access: Fiona is a PhD student in Social Justice Education at OISE, University of Toronto. She holds an MA in Critical Disability Studies from York University. Her research is on disability, race, and negotiating politics of evidence in respect to disability access, modalities of participation, and accessibility policy making processes within the Canadian settler-colonial state. She serves as this year’s co-chair with Students for Barrier-Free Access (SBA), a student run non-profit organization that focuses on advocating for disabled student’s rights and accessibility at UofT.
Michelle Ekuban – SGS Financial Advisor: Michelle works on the front lines of Student Services as a Financial Advisor. She provides direction and support on a wide range of financial issues. She strives to quickly assess student needs and connect graduate students to appropriate resources and contacts.
Event Schedule:
5:30 – 5:55: Mingling and light snacks
5:55 – 6:00: Welcoming remarks
6:00 – 6:15: Keynote speech
6:15 – 7:00: Panelists introduced and discussion
7:00 – 7:50: Break-out group
7:50 – 8:00: Closing remarks
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