Message from the Vice-President & Principal on keeping the U of T community safe
The news of an assault on our campus is shocking and unsettling for us all, me included. I want to take the opportunity to thank the community members who acted so quickly to intervene and Peel Regional Police and UTM Campus Safety for their support and investigations. A suspect has been arrested and charged and is prohibited from attending UTM or any other U of T property.
The UTAlerts we shared about the assault and the arrest are designed to make sure that our community is safe, which is always our first priority. UTM is taking other steps to protect our students, staff, librarians, faculty, and visitors. On campus, we have increased security patrols and are exploring other safety measures. Please continue to report any concerning behaviour and add Campus Safety emergency (905-569-4333) and non-emergency (905-828-5200) lines to your contact list on your mobile phone.
I also want our community to know that we are here to offer support and care. I encourage students, staff, faculty, and librarians who are concerned or distressed to access safety and support services, such as:
- mental health supports, including for students: the Health & Counselling Centre and U of T Telus Health Student Support; and for employees: the Employee and Family Assistance Program;
- the Campus Safety’s Travel Safe and Work Alone Programs if you want company to your on-campus destination;
- the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre to support students, staff and faculty who have been affected by sexual violence or sexual harassment, and assist them with accessing and navigating information and resources;
- the Community Safety Office, which supports members of the University of Toronto community with personal safety concerns; and
- U of T’s Preparedness at the University of Toronto online resource, which includes important contacts, how to respond to different types of incidents, and highlights safety features on campus, including the U of T Campus Safety App and Services.
I am truly grateful for support we give to one another here at UTM. Please take care.
My best wishes,
Alexandra Gillespie
Vice-President & Principal
University of Toronto Mississauga
