Collaborative Relationships & Partnerships

One of Student Life’s strategic goals is to foster a student-centric experience through partnerships within, across and beyond the University. Take a look at how we advanced this goal during 2023–2024.

Focusing on inclusivity

Coordination and collaboration between and with Student Life units across campuses allows Student Life to provide intentional, tailored programs and services to students. Through 2SLGBTQ+ customer service training and new TCard accessibility features, Student Life was able to focus on the evolving needs of students, ensuring that offerings were inclusive and student-focused.

$47,138

distributed to support 89 student events and programs on campus through the Student Initiative Fund.

$10,018

distributed to the Black Student Engagement Fund with 20 unique events.

Group of black student leaders from a leadership recognition event gathered outside for a photo on campus

A group of U of T students and staff pose for at photo at the 2023 Black Student Leadership Recognition Event

Building Partnerships to Enhance Learning and Community Engagement

Working with faculty, instructors, academic units and librarians is another way in which Student Life enhanced the learning experience.

Harnessing generative AI for integrated learning

By considering generative AI as a tool for learning, the division collaborated with both academic and administrative units to support a more integrated learning experience.

Working to create a hub for collaborative support

The Experiential Learning Commons was another example of working across units to serve students. This shared space between the Faculty of Arts & Science, Engineering and Student Life allowed students to receive comprehensive supports while presenting a united U of T through the employer hub.

Actively engaging students with the community

Actively engaging students with the community was achieved this year through the Volunteer Fair, where students engaged with various local organizations to contribute to the community, and the First 48 Hours documentary, which saw students creating content and giving voice to their unique U of T experiences.

VOLUNTEER FAIR 2023
21
community partners
500+
students
@uoftstudentlife

TCard pickup is happening at the Exam Centre from August 23 – September 12. Here’s how it works! – Anisha & Yashvit #uoft #uoftstudentlife #tcard #university #freshman #classof2028

♬ sail away (instrumental) – lovelytheband

Improving effectiveness

Improving operational and organizational effectiveness within the division and the University was achieved through the Transition to Folio, where Student Life staff worked with U of T to adopt the University-wide event and program management system,and the StarRez Cloud migration, which enhanced operational and organizational effectiveness through improved system reliability, cross-departmental collaboration and innovative data handling strategies.

The TCard Exam Centre pick-up also improved operational and organizational effectiveness by moving to a larger, more accessible location, serving a larger number of students in less time.

11,000+

students picked up their TCards at the three-week event at the Exam Centre.

Fostering local and global connections

Developing local and global partnerships was achieved in many ways over the past year.

Enhancing relationships between alumni and current students

Through the “An International Conversation With…” series, international speakers from various backgrounds and disciplines inspired attendees, enhancing relationships between alumni and current students.

Supporting the needs of current students and recent graduates

The Disclosure and Accommodations Guide filled an important need in supporting both current students and recent graduates. Accessibility Services, Career Exploration & Education and Student Life Communications collaborated to produce this student-centric guide for employers and the community that helped students identify what they can advocate for and to educate employers on what they should do when asked for workplace accommodations.

The Disclosure and Accommodation Guide for the Workplace embodies the rigor, empathy and professionalism of the University of Toronto’s student services; it is a superb resource and scaffold for students and graduates developing their own advocacy and effective wayfinding practices within the University and working world.

Read more about our collaborative relationships & partnerships in 2023-2024