DEO Priorities and Updates

• ISVS x GSA x ASSET Canadian Multiculturalism Day

  • Event attended by more than 400 students

• Designed a year-long calendar of Social Hours (September–March) with activities that encourage cross-campus interaction (e.g., Speed Friending, Climbing Social, Pottery/Plants activity).

• Planned standalone events such as an Ice Skating/Hockey Lesson (December) to create unique, low-barrier opportunities for graduate students to connect.

• Began outreach to 30+ student groups across faculties to explore collaboration for inclusive, co-branded events, like the Fall Walk/Run.
  
  

• In a sit-down with the VP Facilities & Operations, followed up on previously discussed initiatives including the Unused Meal Donations Program, which is set to launch in Fall and support the Campus Food Bank.

EDI Committee

In our monthly EDI Committee meeting, aligned with the 2-year action plan, we identified this year’s key priorities:

• Continuing the harm reduction tent,
• Strengthening collaborative initiatives, and
• Improving resource allocation through developing scholarships, advocating for inclusive research, and addressing funding gaps.
  

Engagements

• Initiated planning for an Indigenous Learning Opportunity in the Fall term to promote cultural awareness and inclusion. This initiative will further be developed by VP Indigenous Relations.
• Connected with the graduate residence team to plan a Thanksgiving Potluck, creating space for international and marginalized students to feel more at home on campus.
• Started exploring partnerships with equity-focused student groups to ensure diverse voices are included in event planning and programming.
  

• The EDI Committee in collaboration with the Student Success and Experience (SSE) (formerly known as Dean of Students office) will be hosting the Harm Reduction Tent initiative during the Week of Welcome in the fall. 
• Partnered with Campus & Community Recreation (CCR) to co-host wellness events such as the October Mental Health Walk/Run and the January Climbing Social.
  
• Integrated mental health and social wellness themes into Social Hour planning, such as Speed Friending to combat isolation.
  
• Initiated monthly alignment meetings (starting August) to streamline event promotion, ensuring students are informed about wellness-focused activities and resources.
  
• Began exploring external partnerships (e.g., Puppy Yoga) to enhance mental health and community-building initiatives.