Affinity Groups
Affinity groups are employee-driven initiatives supported by the Institutional Equity Office and our tri-campus equity offices. The groups exist to provide a network for employees to come together based on shared identities, characteristics, and interests. They provide a community of support and opportunities for mentorship and professional development, and they contribute to building a culture of belonging across our campuses.
Connections & Conversations
Connections and Conversations (C&C) is an Affinity Group for racialized and Indigenous U of T employees and their supporters.
The employee-driven initiative offers discussions and a support network for employees to flourish at U of T. Each campus has its own steering committee focused on creating an open and empowering space for sharing experiences, peer-to-peer connection, informal mentorship, and increasing a sense of belonging.
C&C is a welcome way to encourage cross-portfolio, cross-divisional and cross-campus collaboration. C&C wishes to create a space to voice and address concerns around the lived experience of racialized employees at U of T.
Employees with Disabilities Community Network
The Employees with Disabilities Community Network provides a community of support and opportunities for mentorship and professional development, while contributing to building a culture of belonging across our campuses. This affinity group offers a tri-campus community-building space where employees with disabilities, or who identify as disabled, can foster a sense of belonging and connection. The Employees with Disabilities Community Network has an advisory relationship with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Office.
To express interest in joining this group or for more information, please contact Ben Poynton, AODA Officer (ben.poynton@utoronto.ca).
Menopause Support Group
The Menopause Support Group provides a safe space for U of T staff, faculty, and librarians to share experiences, provide helpful resources, and feel a sense of community. To join, simply email Richa Chodha, Workplace Wellness Consultant, indicating your interest.
Positive Space Committee
The University’s Positive Space Campaign is a program that seeks to strengthen and create more inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff, faculty, librarians, alumni and allies at the University of Toronto.
The most visible symbol of this campaign is the inverted rainbow triangle sticker that can be seen on each campus to support inclusion and belonging of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Currently, each campus has a committee that works towards ensuring that working and learning environments are welcoming to 2SLGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff and librarians.
Queer University of Toronto Employees (QUTE)
Queer University of Toronto Employees (QUTE) is an affinity group for two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and all sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQ+) staff, faculty, and librarians from across U of T’s three campuses.
QUTE activities centre around community building and networking. They are opportunities to meet and connect with 2SLGBTQ+ colleagues from across the large and decentralized institution that is the University of Toronto. Events include lunches, receptions, film screenings, as well as other off-campus events.
To get involved or learn more, visit the QUTE webpage.