Representation
We’re listening! From campus-wide students’ unions to departmental students’ unions, advisories to surveys, and more, there are many avenues to make your voice heard.
Do you have something to add to this page? Let us know!
Keep exploring…
Graduate Students’ Unions
University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union (UTGSU)
The University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union (UTGSU) represents more than 19,000 full- and part-time graduate students, studying in more than 85 departments across the St. George, Mississauga and Scarborough campuses.
All graduate students are eligible to be members of the UTGSU. All UTGSU members have access to crucial services such as: health and dental insurance, graduate student grants and bursaries, confidential advice and advocacy work, free gym space, advocacy campaigns, and community-building events throughout the academic year.
The UTGSU has a number of Committees and Caucuses that members can get involved in! There are also Levy Groups that are funded through a separate levy fee that provide services to Graduate Students. Click here to learn more.
UTSC – Graduate Students’ Association at Scarborough (GSAS)
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. Click here to learn more.
UTM’s Association of Graduate Students (UTMAGS)
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. UTMAGS represents the interests of UTM graduate students at the Graduate Students’ Union, and several other UTM committees. Over the past few years, it has lobbied for increased student support, improvement of UTM student housing, and increased services to students at UTM. Click here to learn more.
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. For more details please click here.
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). Click here to learn more
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. Membership includes twelve grad students elected annually by peers. Click here to learn more.
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 those related to 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. Members may also discuss and/or recommend to the Dean new initiatives and improvements to current practice in graduate education, graduate research, and the graduate student experience at the University of Toronto. The call for members is announced annually in the Gradschool e-news.
For more details on SGS councils and comittees, click here.
Labour Unions
CUPE3902 – University of Toronto Education Workers
Information about your U of T teaching assistant employee union, including benefits, training, documents and bargaining. Governing Council (GC) U of T’s central decision-making body, the Governing Council oversees the academic, business and student affairs of the University. Graduate students have two elected seats on the GC. Click here to learn more
USW 1998 (Appointed)
A union of clerical and professional employees of the University of Toronto, United Steel Workers Local 1998 represents students in their role as salaried research assistants through a collective agreement with the University. Click here to learn more
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
Diversity, inclusion, respect, and civility are among our fundamental values. Outstanding scholarship, teaching, and learning can thrive only in an environment that embraces the broadest range of people and encourages the free expression of their diverse perspectives. Click here to learn more about our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.