From campus-wide students’ unions to departmental students’ unions, advisories to surveys, and more, there are many avenues to make your voice heard.
Explore the SGS GradHub
Graduate Students’ Unions
University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union (UTGSU)
The University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union (UTGSU) represents over 18,000 students studying in over 115 departments across the St. George, Mississauga and Scarborough campuses.
The UTGSU advocates for increased graduate student representation and acts as a voice for students by lobbying national, and provincial issues on your behalf. The UTGSU engages you through community building events and campaigns and offers a variety of services, such as health and dental insurance, confidential advice, various grants and bursaries, and access to gym space.
All graduate students are eligible to be members of the UTGSU.
UTSC – Graduate Students’ Association at Scarborough (GSAS)
The GSAS is a student-run non-profit organization working to improve the student life for all graduate students at UTSC. Established in 1978 under the former name Scarborough College Association of Graduate Students, the purpose of GSAS is to bring graduate students from all academic departments at UTSC together and ensure all the needs of UTSC graduate students are met.
UTM’s Association of Graduate Students (UTMAGS)
UTMAGS is a graduate student association representing all MSc, MA, M Biotech, MMI, BMC and PhD students who spend the majority of their academic and social time at UTM. Over the past few years, UTNAGS has lobbied for increased student support, improvement of UTM student housing, and increased services to students at UTM.
Course Unions
Each department is represented by a course union or association, meant to unite students through advocacy and social campaigns and activities. Course unions receive funding from the UTGSU to support these activities.
Student Surveys
Share your feedback and thoughts with students surveys like Canadian Graduate and Professional Student Survey (CGPSS) and Graduate Student Experience in the Research University (gradSERU).
Advisories
The University of Toronto values consultation with members of the academic community to deliver graduate education of the highest quality.
Graduate Education Council (GEC)
The GEC is the academic advisory and approval body responsible for academic policy and regulations for SGS and for graduate studies at U of T.
Graduate Student Advisory Committee (GSAC)
GSAC provides advice and recommendations to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies on university-wide graduate student matters, including academic programs, student experiences, student support, graduate student professionalization, graduate research, and any other matters that the Dean may bring to the committee for input. Committee members may also bring forward ideas for new initiatives and/or improvements to current practice in graduate education, research, and student experience at the University of Toronto.
The call for members is announced annually in the September issue of Gradschool e-news.
Labour Unions
CUPE3902 – University of Toronto Education Workers
Information about your U of T teaching assistant employee union, including benefits, training, documents and bargaining can be found on the CUPE 3902 website.
USW 1998 (Appointed)
United Steel Workers Local 1998 represents students in their role as salaried research assistants through a collective agreement with the university. Learn more on the USW 1998 website.
Need Support?
Life is complicated and doesn’t always go as planned. If you are in distress, we can connect you to the help you need.
Download the feeling distressed (PDF) for contacts resources to support you through different kinds of distress:
- 24/7 emergency
- Mental health
- Academic
- Financial (difficulties due to unexpected circumstances)
- Housing (temporary housing crisis)
- Sexual assault/safety
- Equity offices and communities of care on campus
Contacts include on-campus and community supports during business hours and 24/7.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at U of T
The University of Toronto has a longstanding and fundamental commitment to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and emphasizes a working and learning environment for everyone. We recognize that a diverse campus and a culture of inclusive excellence are essential parts of the foundation of our institution.
Read more about EDI at U of T.
Equity Offices
U of T’s equity offices provide specialized support and programming to the university community on various issues related to EDI including consultation services, resolution of concerns, as well as training and education. Meet U of T’s EDI leads.