Table of Contents Mission Statement & Mandate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Our Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Student Centre & Office Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Meet Your Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-13 Education Centre Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 A Message from Your Executive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Thank you, Anne Sado! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 A Message from George Brown College . . . . . . . . . . . 18 SA COVID-19 Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Your Fees & What They Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-21 SA Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Health Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Community Care Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Student Nutrition Access Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 SafeWalk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Student Financial Legal Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Academic Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 SA Events & Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Clubs & Student-led Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Student Media (The Dialog) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 SA Employment Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 SA Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 GBC Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
This book belongs to... Name: Phone: Email: The information contained in this book was accurate at the time of printing. However, the Student Association (SA) reserves the right to change, without any notice, any services, programs, fees, policies, hours and locations appearing.
The advertisements in this book do not necessarily reflect the views of the Student Association. The revenue generated from these advertisements offsets the cost of producing this book and reduces the cost to students.
Always check the SA (studentassociation.ca) and The handbook is provided free of charge by the George Brown College ( georgebrown.ca) websites Student Association to all full-time students of for up-to-date information. George Brown College.
Mission Statement & Mandate Our Vision Statement Students are empowered to influence a just world.
Mission Statement We are the students of George Brown College, committed to supporting each other in the struggle for student rights, the pursuit of quality education and the provision of services in a safe, accessible, and equitable environment.
Our Mandate The Student Association functions as the central student government representing the interests of all George Brown College students. The Student Association focuses on representation, advocacy, delivery of services and the operation of businesses to support its overall mandate.
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Our Objectives To build a united student movement among the students of George Brown College regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, language, ability, sexual orientation, age or socio-economic status. To provide a democratic forum to voice students’ concerns and issues. To provide the opportunity for students to unite in various student groups to address concerns specific to particular constituencies of the Student Association. To facilitate cooperation among all students and student groups to work towards common goals on a cooperative basis. To voice the students’ perspective on issues at the college, municipally, provincially, and federally and to represent the students’ interests at all levels. To promote awareness of pertinent college activities and policies. To strive towards a high-quality education by providing optimal support services accessible to all students.
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Student Centre & Office Locations Casa Loma E Building 142 Kendal Ave. Office: Room E100
St. James A Building 200 King St. E Office: Room 147 Student Centre: Room 150
Ryerson 99 Gerrard St. E Office: Room 614
Your Student Association runs student centres and services at the Casa Loma, St. James, Ryerson, and Waterfront campuses. These spaces are where you can access services, de-stress, network, study, have lunch, and take a break from your day. Students will find the SA Connect desks nearby where you can find out more about your Student Association. At each campus, we host events that help you smile and take a break from your work. We are dedicated to serving the needs of the George Brown College community in our spaces. Come and check out your space. 4
Waterfront 51 Dockside Dr. Student Centre: Room 033
2021/22 Board of Directors The Board of Directors is the SA’s governing body and is directly responsible for ensuring the organization is operated in accordance with the law. The Board of Directors strives to fulfill its mandate in advocating on behalf of our members by providing strategic direction for the SA. The Board of Directors is comprised of eleven members – Four Executives and seven Educational Centre Representatives.
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Members
7
4
Educational Centre Representatives
Executives
Representing Arts, Design and Information Technology Educational Centre Representative
Construction and Engineering Technologies Educational Centre Representative
Business Educational Centre Representative
Health Sciences Educational Centre Representative, including the School of Nursing
Community Services and Early Childhood Educational Centre Representative
~31K Full-Time Students
Director of Communications and Internal Director of Education and Equity Director of Operations Director of Student Experience
Hospitality and Culinary Arts Educational Centre Representative Preparatory and Liberal Studies Educational Centre Representative
Attend a board meeting Don’t be shy! A visit to a board meeting for the first time may seem intimidating. Just remember, board members are your fellow students. They are there to answer your questions and are accountable to you. For board meeting dates and times, please see our events calendar at studentassociation.ca.
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Director of Communications and Internal Urvish Patel dircommunicationsinternal@sagbc.ca
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What are your responsibilities as the Director of Communications and Internal? I am a part of the Student Association’s internal and external processes on communications and media publications – making sure that student’s voices are heard. I encourage students to engage in student life initiatives, activities, and events where they can expand their network and grow an appreciation for a diverse student community. Everyone can thrive and support one another to navigate challenging times and celebrate collective wins.
What motivated you to run for this position at the SAGBC? I started off my journey to support GBC students as Career Peer Coach in 2019. Later on, I served as the Arts Design and Information Technology Representative in 2020-2021. I realized, I have this drive to want to help and support the people I really care about which is the student community of GBC. With my commitment, I have learned that united, we students can bring a positive impact and that motivated me to run again for this position to contribute more during this year.
What impact do you hope to leave on the SAGBC community this year? I aim to bring our students back together through online social interactions, by collaborating with different departments and bringing more awareness about SAGBC services and events. I would like to utilize my technological abilities to expand our reach with GBC students, hear and amplify their student voices, the challenges they have been facing, and ensure more mental health support during this term.
How can students stay connected with the GBC community during an age of remote learning? There are several activities student can get engaged. SAGBC hosts various interactive events like Virtual Trivia, Scavenger hunt; several departments at college like student life and career services, also opens opportunities to socialize during the events like chit-chat Friday and career talk. Volunteering, will be an amazing way to get to know new people, make new friends along with contributing to GBC community.
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Director of Education and Equity Sri Krishna Rajan direducationequity@sagbc.ca
Rajan8
What motivated you to run for this position at the SAGBC? My desire to make a difference by spreading awareness, information, and contributing to the GBC student community is one of the most compelling reasons for me to run for this role. Being a student and volunteer advocate, has enabled me to become more involved with the student community and to better understand and experience the issues and concerns.
What are your responsibilities as the Director of Education & Equity? As an elected board member, my roles will include being involved with the GBC student body; campaigning for education and justice issues both internally and externally with the college; and government and collaborating with CFS to raise student voice. I am also responsible for creating an inclusive and safe atmosphere within the college to foster our students, as well as ensuring that their voices are heard, and their needs are met.
What impact do you hope to leave on the SAGBC community this year? I want to motivate and inspire our members and leaders to move towards sustainability in order to make our SAGBC community prosperous. I’d like to successes in all of the strategies and goals to end structural injustice, gender inequality, protect our environment, and ensure that all of our students experience peace and prosperity. Sustainability is the way of future and together we can bring a bigger influence on SAGBC community.
How can students stay connected with the GBC community during an age of remote learning? Remote learning has enabled us to learn more, and it has provided us with a unique opportunity to stay connected with one another. The best way to stay connected with the GBC community is to take advantage of all social emotional events, virtual interaction, or networking opportunities offered by GBC or SAGBC on all platform.
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Director of Operations Sagar Sharma diroperations@sagbc.ca
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What motivated you to run for this position at the SAGBC? I graduated from GBC and therefore am an alumnus to the college and SA community. I always appreciated the kind of services provided by the SA to the students. To contribute in making the SAGBC services more feasible and worthy for both international and domestic students, I decided to try and play a crucial part of the organization – you can catalyze any change by being a part within the system.
What are your responsibilities as the Director of Operations? As the Director of Operations, my job responsibilities fall mostly on the operations side of SAGBC related to finance and budgeting of our organization. I personally enjoy taking part in making the student welfare programs, best delivered, in the given situation so I do not restrict myself to my responsibilities. I usually enjoy being a part of all the services provided by our organization to the students and assist in any capacity I can.
What impact do you hope to leave on the SAGBC community this year? I would very much like to make the best of my contributions to help the student community in achieving their academic goals, without feeling any pressure. Until learning go back to “normal” and remote learning could be taken back to physical learning in school. At the end of my term, I want my ‘student beneficiary’ goals to be fulfilled and that my work leaves a legacy at least remembered among the students of GBC, whom I serve.
How can students stay connected with the GBC community during an age of remote learning? As we know the times are crucial and unprecedented and the situations are like never seen before. We believe that the contribution of each student and their will to stay connected and be a part of community, will let them stay connected to GBC community. We, in SA are committed to take new initiatives daily to support students with their needs in their academic journey. I would request even students to come forward and give us your feedback so that we can help you stay connected and facilitate needs much better.
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Director of Student Experience Bharavi Desai dirstudentexperience@sagbc.ca
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What motivated you to run for this position at the SAGBC? Being a student myself, my personal wish is to have the most fruitful and exuberant experience at GBC. This motivated me to do anything I could with my capacity to help create this kind of environment for all students. The best way I can do this is by honouring the position I have been elected to and performing all duties to enhance students’ experience. Working with my peers to achieve this goal will give me great satisfaction. I feel that I can contribute positively and encourage students to expand their skills.
What are your responsibilities as the Director of Student Experience? My key responsibilities are to collaborate with the different departments linked to student experience. I will work with various student’s club to develop a diverse student network in order to facilitate a unique student event calendar. I will work hand in hand with the board to identify and implement strategies which will optimally utilize SA services and activities. I will also be a part of meditation committee to create a safe environment to ensure that students get necessary support in difficult situations. This will enable me to create a dynamic, productive and enjoyable student experience on campus.
What impact do you hope to leave on the SAGBC community this year? One of the biggest challenges students are facing during the COVID pandemic is on their mental health and productivity. I would like to work to create an environment that allows students to believe in themselves and their abilities to overcome any situation. This would be the biggest achievement at the end of my term. I want to focus my efforts to encourage a positive attitude and outlook amongst the SAGBC community. Achieving our dreams with a focus mind and inner joy is the best way to achieve success.
How can students stay connected with the GBC community during an age of remote learning? During this difficult time, we have seen now more than ever there is an urgent need to stay connected and work as team in order to succeed. This can be achieved by conducting activities and workshops on different topics that are of interest and beneficial to students using various online platforms. Social media can be used as a pivotal medium, we can create online communities that connect students that have the same interest and concerns. We just need to keep students engaged during remote learning to ensure that they do not feel isolated and provide best support possible.
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Education Centre Representatives Shehzad Contractor Arts, Design & Information Technology Educational Centre Representative artsdesignrep@sagbc.ca
Tasneem Khan Construction & Engineering Technologies Educational Centre Representative engineeringrep@sagbc.ca
Pallavi Jatian Business Educational Centre Representative businessrep@sagbc.ca
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Dhwani Bhalavat Health Sciences Educational Centre Representative including the School of Nursing healthsciencesrep@sagbc.ca
Dhwani Panchal Hospitality & Culinary Arts Educational Centre Representative hospitalityrep@sagbc.ca
Sarah Anderson Community Services & Early Childhood Educational Centre Representative communityservicesrep@sagbc.ca
Vacant Preparatory & Liberal Studies Educational Centre Representative liberalartsrep@sagbc.ca
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A Message from Your Executives
Dear students, We are pleased to welcome our GBC peers to the new academic year 2021-2022. We are ecstatic to provide you with never-ending opportunities and experiences during your journey as a GBC student. Let us expand our future together! Our mission as the SAGBC Team is to provide the students with the necessary support by advocating for equal rights, upholding the high standards of education and optimal utilization of all resources to create a safe and collaborative atmosphere. Let “US” be a wall for all your hurdles and a Gate for the opportunities. All the way, we are here for you. The best way to get involved with your community is to engage in the events and activities organized by SA; it allows you to socialize with a diverse group of likeminded people and make connections and friends. We also encourage you to connect with your board member, elected by you at the Student Association, to raise your voice against the concerns and issues. The better we join, the stronger we become. Students will never be defeated when united. Everyone is amid an unanticipated pandemic. As students, we experience difficulties due to remote learning, such as multiple distractions, a passive study atmosphere, and demotivation by feeling left behind. We are confident that we will all emerge from it together. For that, our team provide academic support, SAGBC digital programming, mental health care workshops and financial support during this time. Let us create the best time in the upcoming year, which has unpredictable future movements due to the pandemic. Opportunities will be regenerated with all our combined efforts that will lead to mental health and a joyful experience on the path of success. That’s our SUCCESS! In Solidarity, SAGBC Executives
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Thank you, Anne Sado! For 17 years of leading our college through changes, challenges and successes. For always supporting the student body and the Student Association. For always working in the best interest of students and helping make George Brown one of Canada’s most renowned colleges. On behalf of all GBC students over the past 17 years, thank you for everything you have done for us and our community. Happy retirement, and best wishes for your next chapter!
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A Message from GBC’s Vice-President, Student Success Dear Students, Welcome to your 2021-2022 academic year! We are thrilled that you have the confidence in us, and in yourselves, to start an amazing educational journey at George Brown College in this most unusual time in history. For those of you who are new to George Brown, I offer you a really warm welcome. For those of you who are coming back for yet another academic year, welcome home! As you start your GBC journey you may feel things like nervousness, anxiety, and uncertainty. Please know that you are not alone, and there are many resources through the college and the Student Association to make you feel a little bit more at ease, a little bit more comfortable and of course, more confident with your studies here at GBC. I encourage you to visit the college’s current student webpage regularly. That will be the starting point to see all the resources and supports available to you including free tutoring, counselling, career services, peer supports, and more. Also, follow the Student Association and college social media feeds where you can get up to date information on what’s happening at the college. Beyond that there are three pieces of advice that I offer you as you start off this academic year. Having just completed a graduate degree entirely online, these three things helped to keep me focused and making progress towards my goals: Be committed. Begin each day with commitment and intent, knowing that it’s your individual strengths that got you here to begin with, and that’s what will help you start each day with a mindset for success. Be connected. Connect with people who can provide you with support and strength, and you’ll quickly find that these connections will help you to thrive in the months ahead. And the reality is, you are not alone, and chances are those individuals are looking to make connections too! Be courageous. Asking for help can be one of the most challenging things to do. But it’s also one of the most courageous things you can do. So be courageous and let us know how we can help you. You are not alone. Reach out. Ask early, ask often… just ask. I am so proud to be a GBC Husky. I’m proud of our staff, our faculty, and most importantly, I’m proud of you, our students, for choosing to join our pack. Don’t forget… you’ve got this… and we’ve got you. We’re all in this together. With GBC Pride, Chris McGrath Vice-President, Student Success
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SA COVID-19 Support Throughout the pandemic, the SAGBC has been working hard to listen to students, understand their needs and respond in a way that provides the full level of support which this student body expects. We’re prepared for another semester largely away from our spaces at Waterfront, St. James, Ryerson and Casa Loma, but, as vaccines continue to rollout in Toronto and across the world, the SA is preparing for a return to normalcy. Whether you’re on or off campus, you can and should expect the benefits the SA provides, uncompromised and unrestricted. The SA is committed to being adaptive to students’ needs, to providing our services and programming in a safe and accessible way, and not letting the pandemic impair the student movement. Over the course of COVID-19, each of our programs has adapted to provide its services remotely, and we’re prepared to continue supporting student from a distance for as long as it’s necessary. We can’t wait to get back to campus and interacting with our members. Hopefully that day is soon. But until then, let’s be safe, wear masks and look forward to a return to campus.
SA Membership We are the student union representing the crucial interests of all George Brown College students who become members. We focus on representation, advocacy, events and the delivery of services with the objective to build a united student movement to strive towards a high-quality education. We voice students’ perspectives on issues to the college and all levels of government to continue to improve the GBC experience. As a member of the SA you have a right to join or vote for the Student Association’s Board of Directors and shape the future of George Brown College.
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Your Financial Breakdown
Your GBC account shows a list of fees where a portion goes to the Student Association. Here’s what services they pay for.
Total Student Association Fees – $114.78 The Student Association fee supports the many services provided by the SAGBC, including the Student Academic Support Program, Student Nutrition Access Program, SafeWalk, the Community Care Centre and many more. The SAGBC is committed to its mission to supporting students and ensuring a safe, accessible and equitable academic environment, and this fee supports the staff and resources who work to make that a reality. The fee also supports the maintenance of the SA’s spaces – locations on campus where students can relax, study and socialize. A full list of the services the SAGBC’s fees support can be found in the next agenda sections and under ‘Services’ tab on our website.
Campus Service Fees – SA Portion $7.67 The Campus Service fees are allocated to support SA campus spaces’ capital projects that aims to upgrade and improve the students’ access to inclusive, safe, and more collaborative spaces. The campus service fees are charged by the Continuing Education Department at George Brown College for courses of 20 hours or more. The campus service fee is a total of $21.67 per course of 20 hours or more. Of that fee, $14.00 goes directly to the Continuing Education Department of George Brown College. The balance of $7.67 goes to the Student Association.
Student Association Student Levy – $25.00 The $25.00 Student Levy is an optional fee, it supports bursaries, scholarships and capital expansion projects through the GBC Foundation. If choosing to opt-out, please visit stuview.georgebrown.ca. The opt-out deadline for the Fall 2021 semester starts on June 7, 2021 and last day to opt out is Sep. 20, 2021. The opt-out deadline for the Winter 2022 semester starts on Oct. 4, 2021 and last day to opt out is Jan. 21, 2022. No refunds will be offered after these dates.
Canadian Federation of Students Fees – $8.79 The Canadian Federation of Students was formed in 1981 to provide students with an effective and united voice to advocate for post-secondary education issues, provincially and nationally. The CFS fees offer you: • Participation in Canada’s largest post-secondary student organization, uniting over 500,000 students across the country. • National and provincial advocacy on issues impacting students including tuition fees, student debt, fairness for international students, consent and anti-sexual violence initiatives, and student mental-health services. • Access to the ISIC discount card free of charge, a $20 value for non-members which provides thousands of discounts internationally
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SAGBC Health Insurance Fees The following table breaks down the SA’s health insurance fees. Please note for opt-out information, please visit studentassociation.ca/health. For the Fall 2021 semester, the last day to opt-out is October 7, 2021. For the Winter 2022 semester, the last day to opt-out is February 3, 2022. If you are an international student in the ESL program, please contact Student Association’s Health Benefits at healthbenefits@sagbc.ca regarding opt-out deadlines before the start of each session.
Coverage
Dates
Fee
Extended Health and Dental: Domestic students
Fall 2021 (Sep. 2021 – Aug.2022)
$261.28
Extended Health and Dental: Domestic students
Winter 2022 (Jan. 2022 – Aug. 2022)
$180.68
Extended Health and Dental: Domestic students Approved OPT IN
Summer 2022 ( May 2022-Aug. 2022)
$ 89.94
OHIP alternative + Extended Health and Dental: International students
Fall 2021 (Sep.2021 – August 2022)
$743.99
OHIP alternative + Extended Health and Dental: International students
Winter 2022 (Jan 2022 – August 2022)
$508.83
OHIP alternative + Extended Health and Dental: International students
Summer 2022 (May 2022 – August 2022)
$273.29
ESL1 OHIP alternative International students
Sep. 2021 – Oct. 2021 per 8-week period
$99.23
ESL2 OHIP alternative International students
Nov. 2021 – Dec. 2021 per 8-week period
$99.23
ESL3 OHIP alternative International students
Jan. 2022 – Mar. 2022 per 8-week period
$99.23
ESL4 OHIP alternative International students
Mar. 2022 – Apr. 2022 per 8-week period
$99.23
ESL5 OHIP alternative International students
May 2022 – June 2022 per 8-week period
$99.23
ESL6 OHIP alternative International students
July 2022 – Aug. 2022 per 8-week period
$99.23
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SA Connect The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) The ISIC card is the only internationally recognized proof of student status (for both domestic and international students) and acts as a student discount card in 70 countries, including Canada. Full-time students at George Brown College can receive the ISIC card free of charge. You can visit any Student Association office to have your card processed. You will be required to fill out a short application form. Please remember to bring a valid student ID and a copy of your current timetable.
Graduation Photos Interested in getting a graduate photo to commemorate your college experience? Visit the Student Association website at studentassociation.ca to book an appointment. Photos are taken year round; so book early to avoid the end of year rush!
Fax Services Free local fax service is available at the St. James, Ryerson and Casa Loma SA offices.
Live chat COVID-19 may restrict our SA Connect staff from coming on campus as much as they would like, but they’re still available for questions, comments or concerns from studentassociation.ca’s live chat. Head to the website to ask questions about SA events, projects or services – or just to chat!
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Casa Loma
St. James
Ryerson
Waterfront
E Building, First floor, Room E100 142 Kendal Ave
A Building, Room 147 200 King St E
Room 614 99 Gerrard St. E
Concourse level, Room 033 51 Dockside Dr
Health Benefits The Student Association offers health and dental plans for full-time domestic and international students enrolled in a post-secondary or ESL program at George Brown College. The deadlines to opt-in/out or add family coverage are: • Students starting in September: Thursday, October 7, 2021 (Students starting in September will not be able to make any changes to their plan in the Winter Term) • Students starting in January: Thursday, February 3, 2022 Those deadlines are not for international students in ESL program. Please contact any Student Association Office each time, during the first week of your session.
Opt-out If you are a domestic student who already has an alternative plan and do not require any additional coverage, you can opt-out from the Extended Health and Dental plan by the deadlines listed above. The plan for international students is mandatory and you cannot opt-out unless you are under a Canadian federal or provincial health plan (OHIP) or study outside Canada.
Adding Family If you are covered under our student plan, you can add dependents; spouse, common law partner and children, under your plan before the deadlines listed above.
Opt-in Students who have previously opted-out Students who have opted-out from our plan in the past are not automatically eligible for the Extended Health and Dental plan. If you need our plan now, you will need to contact the Student Association Health Benefits Office, via email, phone or livechat, during the first week of the initial semester of your academic year or within 31 days of the loss of your alternative coverage. Students registered under Accessible Learning Services Students registered with GBC’s Accessible Learning Services with a reduced course load might not be initially eligible for the Extended Health and Dental plan. If you need coverage, please contact the Student Association Health Benefits Office, via email, phone or livechat, by the opt-in deadlines. Transitions to Post-Secondary Education program students What do your Students in the Transition to Post-Secondary Education (TPE) program health benefits are not automatically eligible for the extended health and dental plan. cover? If you are interested in our coverage, please contact the Student Association Health Benefits Office, via email, phone or livechat. • Dental Domestic co-op students in the initial • Prescription Drugs semester of your academic year • Vision Domestic students in a co-op placement in the initial semester of • Chiropractor their academic year are not automatically eligible for the extended • Physio health and dental plan. If you are interested in our coverage during your co-op term, please contact the Student Association Health • Massage Therapy Benefits Office, via email, phone or livechat, by the opt-in deadlines. • Psychotherapy • And More! For More Information 416.415.5000 Ext. 2443
healthbenefits@sagbc.ca
Live Chat @ studentassociation.ca
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Community Care Centre The Community Care Centre (CCC) is a community health and wellness safe(r) space. Through peer supports and equitybased programming, we strengthen students to live their whole selves with dignity. The CCC recognizes the importance of making connections through lived experiences. It is a place for all students – students who care about social justice and each other. Prioritizing those who traditionally face barriers to care: Examples of past and ongoing groups: • Black students’ group • First Nations, Inuit, Métis students’ group Casa Loma • Disabilities students’ group E Building, First floor, • International and Racialized students’ group Room E124 • LGBTQ students’ group 142 Kendal Ave • Women & Trans students’ group. The CCC is unique in its offerings – including spaces that are simultaneously vibrant and chill. And when you can’t visit the St. James physical spaces – we’ve crafted ways to mail our offerings through A Building, themed care kits. Across history, equity communities have innovated Room 165B ways to look out for each other and survive – together and now we 200 King St E do the same – supporting each other through shared struggles. The Community Care Centre focuses on health programming such as consent, sexual health education, community Waterfront health resources/supplies, and harm reduction. The Community Care Centre works in collaboration with Concourse level, community health centres, facilitating health strategies Room 031C that impact students using a culturally competent lens. 51 Dockside Dr We develop strategies on long-standing health priorities, as well as current health trends impacting students. We listen. We care. We act.
lace!
right p e h t in e ’r u o Y For More Information Newsletter – bit.ly/CCCenews2021-22 416.415.5000 Ext. 6048
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care@sagbc.ca @CommunityCareCentre
Student Nutrition Access Program The Student Nutrition Access Program (SNAP) provides a range of food, nutrition, and related health and wellness supports to fuel students through school. SNAP supports through access to food and health; operation of food pantries and food hampers, food and health nutrition wellness education, event programming and outreach, community services and referrals, and reliefs toward ending food insecurity and student poverty. We can’t learn without food. And the commitment to helping students be food secure means SNAP adapts to keep food and services accessible. Our new food hamper delivery options secured for those self-isolating and when on-campus pick-up wasn’t possible. SNAP keeps on with Casa Loma providing food access, food skills, and community engagement. Student Centre, Sample Services E Building, Food Hampers Room 17 416.415.5000 ext. 6314 Pre-packed food hampers for safer pick-up, delivery, and e-delivery where applicable. Registration required. St. James Food Pantry A Building, Access to nutritious food and meals. NonRoom 159A perishables, perishables, and fresh produce. 416.415.5000 ext. 2845 Registration required. Food Programs & Programming Waterfront For example, online cooking demos, online workshops with nutritionists, food socials, food fun gaming and entertainment, Concourse level, Good Food Market, community gardening, and more. Room 031 Income Tax Clinic 416.415.5000 ext. 5356 Annual Income Tax Clinic helps students file their taxes for free. Volunteer opportunities. Resources & Referrals From info on nutrition to recipes; to info on community agencies to government assistance (e.g. food banks, social assistance), to informed staff to help navigate both – food and community health.
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SafeWalk SafeWalk provides on and off-campus walk accompaniment service to students, staff, and visitors of the George Brown College community. SafeWalk is a proactive safety measure that speaks to the idea that there is safety in numbers, which aims to improve campus life by creating a safe environment for all. SafeWalk works in pairs to complete walks within a two-kilometre radius from campus with any student, staff, or visitor of the college and conduct nightly safety audits of the campuses, helping to ensure safer spaces for all. SafeWalk continues to support students in-person and online during the pandemic. Our in-person service is assigned to locations with the greatest need. All staff wear two face masks, a face shield, and are socially distanced. Our online programming relates to health and safety, including Understanding and Managing Aggressive Behaviour, personal safety and consent online, cybersecurity, and First Aid. All of it free for George Brown College students. Can’t find us? Let us go to you. Phone, text, or WhatsApp us at 1.888.210. SAFE (1.888.210.7233) during SafeWalk’s open hours to have a SafeWalk team meet 1.888.210.7233 (Call, text or WhatsApp) you anywhere on campus. You can also book 416.415.5000 Ext. 6395 a walk online at studentassociation.ca/ @gbcsafewalk safewalkcoord@sagbc.ca safewalk.
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ne? Why walk alo ! Walk with us
Student Financial Legal Services Provides legal assistance to students with respect to a broad range of legal issues that affect their enrollment and finances. We help students prepare affidavits to fill various gaps in their financial aid documentation. Examples of legal activities include commissioning signatures on many types of documents and creating notarized copies of original documents. Appointments are made online at studentassociation.ca or in-person by visiting any SNAP office during operating hours.
For more information legal@sagbc.ca
Helping You Academic Support Help Yourself Academic Support believes in empowering students to be their own best advocate. Working with students to assist in their successful access to quality education and education rights. Through a student-centered approach, we support students with information, tools, and guidance to resolve academic issues and related academic barriers in the classroom, and at the college. It can be hard enough navigating college and classroom policies – making sense of a changing virtual academic experience is too. Academic Support is here and paying attention. Our resources are being transformed and expanded; from webinars, to videos, to online panels, to virtual appointments. All tools toward helping you help yourself to appeal grades or standing, guidance through cases of academic misconduct, file academic complaints, or other issues with the college with a little less stress.
What We Do: • Educate self-advocacy skills • Help you identify GBC policies relevant to your academic issue • Promote your student rights and respectful classrooms • Student experience research • Advice on resolving your academic issue at the lowest and most immediate level
Seek Guidance studentassociation.ca/sasp 416.415.5000 Ext. 6320 academicsupport@sagbc.ca academic@sagbc.ca
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Events & Recreation Events and Recreation hosts all kinds of amazing events – both on and off campus. These events are designed to bring students together, help them connect with their classmates, and provide a needed break from the stress of exams and homework. We’ve organized celebrations like end of year and holiday parties as well as recreational activities like paintball and escape rooms – all with the goal of making your GBC experience as memorable as possible. With the pandemic keeping students studying from home, the Events and Recreation team has been organizing virtual events to help keep us connected and engaged. Virtual paint nights, trivias, scavenger hunts and gaming nights are organized monthly. Some other events include...
Virtual concerts with international & local artists
Diwali Celebration
Annual Boat Party
SA Food Days
Virtual Lunar New Year Celebration Virtual meet-and-greets with Celebrities
To see everything the SA Events team has coming up, keep an eye on their Instagram page @sagbcevents.
For More Information 416.415.5000 Ext. 6156
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recreation@sagbc.ca
Clubs & Student-led Networks Join or start a club or student-network! Great way to feel connected with others across cultural, academic, or personal interests and social movements. Clubs & Student-led networks bring people together, entertain through hobbies, and build-up skills – all important through a pandemic. Use clubs and student-led networks to explore student connections across programs and fields of study, strengthen social bonds outside the classroom, meet students with similar interests or backgrounds, meet students when developing new skills/interests, and otherwise break isolation by connecting students to community in ways that support the college experience.
Examples of Clubs & Student-Led Networks Canadian Nursing Student Association
Enactus Helping our community achieve economic and social success with field education opportunities through partnership and learning innovations
Join!
Muslim Student Association Creating an encouraging and inclusive environment for Muslim students at GBC
Check out the Clubs & Student-led Network directory on the next page. Ranging from academic networks, to health & counselling networks, to recreation, to social, to more…there’s a club ready to welcome you.
or...
Serving as a communication link among nursing students across Canada and advocating on behalf of the nursing students at GBC
Start! Creating your own club as easy as 1, 2, 3! 1. Find a common interest or belief that you share with other students 2. Fill out the application at sagbc.ca/clubs 3. Submit the application
GBC Sustainability Squad Aiming to bridge the gap between sustainability and student experience by implementing projects that benefit students and the environment
For more information about starting or joining clubs studentassociation.ca/ clubs 416.415.5000 Ext. 6003 networks@sagbc.ca
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Student Media (The Dialog) “Have you seen the story in The Dialog today?” If we hear those words in the hallways of George Brown College, we know we have done our job. The Dialog is an award-winning student media organization that has been covering the college community since 1982. Our goal is to share students’ stories, amplify their voice and hold the college and its authorities accountable. A newspaper is printed monthly and distributed around the campus for students to read for free. Our team of student journalists produce news by students for students. We are always looking for motivated students who are interested in learning how to cover what’s happening at GBC and learn media skills and literacy. No experience is necessary, just the desire to get the facts about issues affecting students and to tell the truth. We accept non-fiction submissions from students on news, sports, arts & life and science & technology. We also For More Information accept photo and video contributions as well as 416.415.5000 Ext.4274 dialognews.ca @thedialog illustrations and comics. editor@dialognews.ca
@dialognews
@DialogGBC
SA Employment Opportunities & Benefits The Student Association of George Brown College not only focuses on representation, advocacy, events and the delivery of services, but also provides employment opportunities for students. The SA provides employment opportunities within the organization. The SA has several departments and a diverse selection of job opportunities which are typically posted at the end of the Winter term followed by interviews and trainings in the summer. Working at the Student Association is a great way to develop an individual’s character - the soft skills that students either develop or enhance prepares them for what is to come outside the college doors. The trainings that part student employee receive such as, AODA training, Customer Service training, Health and Safety, Anti-racism, Gender neutral languages, Sexual Assault and Harassment policy to name a few can be applied in the workforce. For more information and for job postings, please visit studentassociation.ca/jobs.
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SA Directory Management Rosalyn Miller General Manager genmanager@sagbc.ca 416.415.5000 Ext. 2847 Wafa Ulliyan Operations Manager mgroperations@sagbc.ca 416.415.5000 Ext. 2295 Michelle Pettis Equity & Advocacy Manager equityadvocacy@sagbc.ca 416.415.5000 Ext. 5355
SA Services Building Operations building@sagbc.ca 416-415-5000 Ext. 2721
Events & Recreation recreation@sagbc.ca 416.415.5000 Ext. 6156
Community Care Centre care@sagbc.ca 416.415.5000 Ext. 2439, 6048
SA Space and Table Booking internal@sagbc.ca 416.415.5000 Ext. 6704
Facilities facilitiescoord@sagbc.ca
SafeWalk safewalkcoord@sagbc.ca 416.415.5000 Ext. 6395 1.888.210.7233 (Call, text or WhatsApp)
416-415-5000 Ext. 5346 Health Benefits healthbenefits@sagbc.ca 416.415.5000 Ext. 2443 Publications and Media communications@sagbc.ca 416.415.5000 Ext. 2764 The Dialog editor@dialognews.ca 416.415.5000 Ext. 4274 Clubs & Student-led Networks networks@sagbc.ca 416-415-5000 Ext. 6003
Academic Support academicsupport@sagbc.ca 416-415-5000 Ext. 6320 Student Financial Legal Services legal@sagbc.ca Student Nutrition Access Program (SNAP) communitycoordinator@sagbc.ca 416.415.5000 Ext. 2787
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GBC Foundation The George Brown College Foundation is the primary fundraising vehicle for George Brown College. We are an incorporated registered charity, guided by a volunteer Board of Directors from Toronto’s corporate and community sectors. We support student success by raising money for scholarships and bursaries, as well as to support George Brown College capital projects, programming and special initiatives. The Foundation manages more than 200 endowment funds totalling $17.5 million. Additionally, we manage 80 different restricted funds for capital projects and scholarships totalling $10.25 million. The Student Association of George Brown College is one of the Foundation’s largest donors. Both organizations’ commitment to student success has fostered a close working relationship over the years. With the support of contributions from the Student Association, the Foundation continues to help George Brown College students.
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CANADIAN FEDERATION OF STUDENTS
You and over 500,000 other domestic and international college, undergraduate and graduate students across the country are united as members of the Canadian Federation of Students. United, we are the voice of public post-secondary students across the country. The Canadian Federation of Students was formed in 1981 to provide students with an effective and united voice to advocate for post-secondary education issues, provincially and nationally. At the time, students recognized that to be truly effective in representing their collective interests to the federal and provincial governments, it was vital to unite. Fighting for free, accessible and high-quality, public postsecondary education is the foundation of our movement’s work. While working together has led to many victories, students continue to shoulder an ever-increasing portion of the cost of post-secondary education. For this reason, it is essential that students continue to work together to fight to improve the post-secondary system and create a more just society.
CANADIAN FEDERATION OF STUDENTS
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STRUCTURE As a democratic organization, the Federation is membership-driven, placing students at the top of its decision-making. Students elect their students’ union representatives to bring their issues to the Federation. Each member students’ union (member locals) has an equal say in setting the direction, policies and priorities of the Federation whether through general meetings, executive meetings or provincial organizing.
MEMBERS MEMBER LOCALS PROVINCIAL GENERAL MEETING
NATIONAL GENERAL MEETING
PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AT-LARGE REPS.
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AT-LARGE REPS.
STAFF
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Each province has a different structure in organizing. To learn more about each provincial structure, visit www.cfs-fcee.ca.
@CFSFCEE
CAUCUSES Graduate Students’ Caucus The Graduate Caucus unites more than graduate students in Canada. It is comprised of individual members and member local associations within the Canadian Federation of Students who have a common interest and concern with graduate student issues. The Caucus provides a forum for the exchange of information and ideas between graduate students and member local associations in order to promote the interests of graduate students to the provincial government and other external authorities whose jurisdiction affects graduate student affairs. Graduate students also join together with over 500,000 students across the country to lobby on issues of concern to all students such as tuition fees, student debt, research and core funding to post-secondary institutions. In addition to the Federation’s extensive campaigns work, members of the National Graduate Caucus have worked together to develop several campaigns that address the experiences of graduate students across the country.
Anti-Corporatization
Support Student Parents
Students & Workers United
Colleges and Institutes’ Caucus This caucus exists to bring together students that attend colleges and institutions, so that they may have a collective voice and structure to address issues that relate to their specific needs as learners. Students in this demographic face different issues than those in universities. The issues include but are not limited to geographic isolation due to the location of their college or institute, less access to resources and outreach due to location and the existence of multiple campuses as well as learners that come from lower-income backgrounds. The caucus has an annually elected representative that communicates and chairs meeting spaces with students across the country and brings their perspectives to the national executive board of the Federation.
CANADIAN FEDERATION OF STUDENTS
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CAUCUSES The Circle of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Students The Circle of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Students is the only national group of Indigenous students, representing thousands of Indigenous post-secondary students across this side of Turtle Island. The priorities of the Caucus are set by its membership and defined by the systemic and daily challenges that Indigenous students face in pursuit of post-secondary education. For the past 30 years, the Circle has highlighted the challenges facing Indigenous students in Canada, including racism on campus, cutbacks in funding to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP), and the exclusion of some students from the program. The Circle has also addressed broader societal issues that impact Indigenous people and society more broadly, including the development of pipelines, inability of some to access clean drinking water, and land claim disputes, to name a few. The Circle has created several campaigns that address the experiences of Indigenous students across the country:
Together we can Together we can build the education build the education we deserve we deserve
Where’s the justice? THE CIRCLE OF FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS & INUIT STUDENTS, UNITING INDIGENOUS STUDENTS FROM COAST TO COAST.
Reconciliaction
The Circle is the only national forum for discussion on issues of concern to Indigenous students. The priorities of the Caucus are set by its membership and defined by the systemic and daily challenges facing First Nations, Metis and Inuit students. The Circle’s mission is to see the removal of all barriers that Indigenous students face in pursuit of post-secondary education. Get involved with the Circle: circlerep@cfs-fcee.ca
Black Students Caucus CANADIAN FEDERATION OF STUDENTS FÉDÉRATION CANADIENNE DES ÉTUDIANT-E-S
www.cfs-fcee.ca
The Black Students’ Caucus is a living national movement representing the thousands of Black students across Canada. They unite, formally through meetings of the Federation and informally through a nationwide network of Black student leaders, to discuss issues pertaining to the realities and experiences of Black students within post-secondary education and in community. As a movement, the priority is to advocate for the interests of all Black students at the national and international levels. Through collective community awareness on intersectional realities within the Black diaspora, the Black Caucus is unapologetically, relentlessly and progressively centred on Black unity and liberation.
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@CFSFCEE
VICTORIES
The Federation’s strength comes from its membership across the country. Working together as members of the Canadian Federation of Students and alongside coalition partners and allies, students have won: RECENT WINS •
Through direct action, the Canadian Federation of Students, along with thousands of people across the country, pressured the government into announcing the Canada Emergency Student Benefit, which provided financial support to students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
•
The Federation, York Federation of Students and its allies took the Ontario Provincial Government to court and WON! The Divisional Court unanimously decided the Student Choice Initiative was unlawful. Students spent months fighting this attack on student organizations. From the streets, to the courtroom, the students united, will never be defeated.
•
National framework created to address gender-based violence in postsecondary education sector.
•
$1.7 billion federal funding for basic research.
•
Expanded eligibility for part-time students to Canada Student Grants.
•
An increase of $90 million for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) for Indigenous learners.
The Federation also wins provincially! Visit www.cfs-fcee.ca to see victories from coast-to-coast for the past 40 years!
CANADIAN FEDERATION OF STUDENTS
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SERVICES The Federation offers a number of programs and services in order to offset the high cost of education. Federation services are designed to help both individual student members and students’ unions save money. New and existing services are constantly being created and improved by the membership. Students have prioritized purchasing and providing ethically sourced materials with consideration for the rights of workers and the environment. Collectively participating in services gives members of the Federation the ability to negotiate for better pricing while maintaining high quality. National Student Health Network Created by students for students, the Network uses the collective expertise and combined purchasing power of member locals to secure lower premium rates and better health and dental coverage for students. International Student Identity Card The ISIC is an internationally recognised student travel discount card and proof of full-time student status, recognized in over 130 countries and at over a thousand locations in Canada. As a benefit of membership in the Federation,the ISIC is free for all Federation members. Non-members pay $20 for the card. To get your ISIC, visit your local students’ union office or visit ISICCanada.ca Ethical Purchasing Network Since 2006, the Federation has coordinated the purchase of ethically produced and sustainably sourced materials for campuses across Canada. Most of the products available through the Ethical Purchasing Network are union-made, from recycled materials, cooperatively produced and environmentally conscious.
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Handbook and Dayplanner The Federation coordinates the bulk purchasing of thousands of handbooks each year, including this one! By cooperatively coordinating the production of handbooks with each other, students’ unions are able to provide high quality, ethically produced day planners with lowprinting and administration costs, ensuring more students’ fees can go to other important services, campaigns and events on campus. Free Online Tax Filing Students are often first-time tax filers and usually have incomes that make it difficult for them to afford the services of professional tax accounts. Online tax filing through reputable software programs is a great alternative to costly tax professionals. The Federation’s partnership with UFile, one of Canada’s leading online tax preparation software, makes filing free for all Canadian post-secondary students. Visit UFilefree.ca to learn more.
@CFSFCEE
SOCIAL JUSTICE CAMPAIGNS The Federation recognizes that the high cost of post-secondary education is not the only barrier students face on a regular basis. The Federation works on a number of membership-driven campaigns that promote education, solidarity and social justice.
The United for Equity campaign aims to challenge and educate students on barrier-free access to postsecondary education regardless of race, (dis)ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age and socio-economic background.
Reproductive Justice includes access to reproductive health services, the right to have or not have children and to decide if, when and how to have families, including access to childcare and supports. Reproductive justice rights are under attack across North America, it is time to unite and fight back.
According to the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada, there are over 300 anti-choice groups operating across Canada. Now more than ever, it is Time to be Bold, and defend reproductive justice rights.
Islamophobia is the unfounded hostility towards Islam and, therefore, fear or dislike of Muslims. Students have a responsibility to challenge the narratives that seek to dehumanize and justify the violence and segregations of Muslim communities on campuses and in our communities.
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@CFSFCEE
SOCIAL JUSTICE CAMPAIGNS With historically high carbon emissions, prominent scientists from across the globe have identified that there are eleven years to address the climate crisis. Students are calling on our post-secondary institutions to divest from the fossil fuel industry.
We know that 80% of current fossil fuel reserves must stay in the ground to prevent runaway climate crisis.
Students have unique mental health needs that relate to the multiple roles they take on, including student, worker, researcher, educator and parent, to name a few. This campaign calls on post-secondary institutions to create mental health services that are accessible, diverse and intersectional.
Over the past decade, bottled water corporations have been aggressively pushing their products in our schools while public water infrastructure fell to the wayside, water fountains disappeared and even more Indigenous communities had boil water advisories declared or extended. Everyone deserves access to safe drinking water, free of cost.
26 post-secondary institutions are now bottled water-free 100+ First Nations communities in Canada without safe drinking water
OTHER CAMPAIGNS
CANADIAN FEDERATION OF STUDENTS
www.cfs-fcee.ca/campaigns
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The Education for All campaign is a joint initiative of the Canadian Association of University Teachers, the Canadian Federation of Students, the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the National Union of Public General and Public Employees. Together, our combined memberships of more than one million students and workers are putting forward a vision of a more affordable, accessible, high quality, publicly-funded post-secondary education system in Canada; a system that is ready to take on the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Language is an essential part of identity that connects us to our culture and worldview. The ReconciliACTION campaign was created to help heal communities impacted by language loss and empower the next generation of Indigenous speakers with resources and opportunities. The Truth and Reconciliation Commissionʼs call to action #16 reads: We call upon post-secondary institutions to create university and college degree and diploma programs in Aboriginal languages.
Working groups will: • Advocate for language courses and degrees
• Create dialogue on campus • Receive training from language speakers • Learn language together
Together we can build the education we deserve. Please email campaigns@cfs-fcee.ca to get involved.
CAMPUS TOOL-KIT FOR
COMBATTING RACISM
Are you new to direct on-campus anti-racism organizing? Are you looking for a resource? Find the Canadian Federation of Students Anti-Racism tool kit at cfs-fcee.ca/research. The toolkit discusses three aspects of combating systemic racism through education, policy and support. Get involved by emailing campaigns@cfs-fcee.ca.
Get consenT. 1 in 5 women studying in North American post-secondary 1 in 5 women studying in North American post-secondary institutions is sexually assaulted. institutions is sexually assaulted. The majority of sexual of sexual assaults on campus go The majority of sexual of sexual assaults on campus go unreported. unreported. Women aged 18 and 24 experience the highest rates of sexual Women aged 18 and 24 experience the highest rates of sexual assault in Canada. Indigenous women, women of colour, queer assault in Canada. Indigenous women, women of colour, queer and trans women, women with disabilities and women new to and trans women, women with disabilities and women new to Canada are disproportionately impacted by violence. Canada are disproportionately impacted by violence.
What What is is consent consent culture? culture? •• •• •• ••
Free Free of of pressure pressure or or coercion coercion Affirmative, enthusiastic Affirmative, enthusiastic and and consistent consistent Aware Aware of of another another person’s person’s intoxication levels intoxication levels Extends Extends beyond beyond in-person in-person activity activity
In In every every way, way, Consent Consent is is Mandatory Mandatory www.cfs-fcee.ca/consent www.cfs-fcee.ca/consent
The National Graduate Caucus (NGC) of the Canadian Federation of Students engaged in a one-year research project to develop a graduate student mental health toolkit. This toolkit aims to equip graduate students’ communities to evaluate and improve the state of graduate students’ mental health and wellbeing at postsecondary institutions in Canada.
Please email campaigns@cfs-fcee.ca to get involved.
THINK BIG SAVE BIG WITH ISIC Free as a benefit of membership of the Canadian Federation of Students
ISIC card number
S 123 456 789 012
X
Studies at | Étud
iant à | Est.
University of Canade Enseñanza da Name | Nom | Nom bre Michelle Audet
Born | Né(e) le | Nac
03/17/1999
Validity | Validité
ido/a el
| Validez
09/2019 - 08/2020
The ISIC is an internationally recognised student travel discount card and proof of full-time student status, recognized in over 130 countries and at over a thousand locations in Canada. The Federation holds the exclusive right to issue ISICs in Canada.
ISIC card numbe
r
S 123 456 789 012
Studies at | Étudi
ant à | Est.
College of Canadade Enseñanza
Name | Nom | Nomb
re
Andrew Kennedy
Born | Né(e) le | Nacid
03/17/1999
Validity | Validité
o/a el
| Validez
09/2019 - 08/2020
As a benefit of membership in the Federation, the ISIC is free for all Federation members. Non-members pay $20 for the card. To get your ISIC, visit your students’ union office or visit ISICCanada.ca/cfsfcee.
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