​How to Combat Microaggressions

• This document, made by the biology EDI committee, details how to deal with microaggressions and unacceptable behaviours in a university setting. It features a list of ways to respond and diffuse situations, along with a list of further resources.

Human Rights Office

• The Human Rights Office listens and intervenes when there is a human rights complaint on campus. They also organize EDI-related training for staff members. Their website also refers to a variety of on and off-campus resources that can help when an issue is presented. 

​​Omsbudperson

• The Office of the Ombudsperson consults with individuals about university-related complaints. They can listen, provide information and resources, and help resolve issues in a variety of ways. This service is free, confidential, impartial, and available to all members of the university community.

​Pride Centre

• The Pride Center offers resources, events, programming, and advocacy with a core focus on gender and sexuality topics. They also address various other equity sectors. Some of their services include a quiet room, queer library, and active listening sessions. The Pride Center is student-run, and services are free.​

Health and Wellness Resources

• This page links to a variety of resources aimed at learning about self-care and improving your wellbeing. Resources range from on-campus services to at-home tools including books, videos, and apps.

Health Insurance Information

• Graduate students have health and dental insurance coverage through Greenshield Canada. Learn more about your coverage, or how to opt out, through the link above. Graduate students have additional CUPE Health and Dental coverage if they work as a teaching assistant 

​Accessibility Hub

• The accessibility hub has resources surrounding accessibility on-campus. It has information about navigating campus with accessibility needs and it serves to educate individuals on their accessibility rights. Here you can also report accessibility issues on campus

Academic Accommodation Services

• Students with disabilities who are in need of academic accommodations can contact uOttawa’s Academic Accommodations Service to discuss their needs and create a plan

​CUPE 2626 Union

• CUPE 2626 represents certain employees of uOttawa, including teaching assistants. Beyond fighting for fair treatment of employees, they have financial aid available for emergencies, projects, conferences, and healthcare. Students with questions or issues about TA positions should reach out to their CUPE representative (see Peer Support below)

​Sexual Violence: Support and Prevention

• This website contains information and resources relating to sexual violence, including information about consent and policies, reporting an incident, and supporting yourself and others following an incident of sexual violence.

​Afro-Caribbean Mentorship Program

• The Afro-Caribbean Mentorship Program is partnered with uOttawa to help support the success of African, Caribbean, Black, and other racialized students on campus. They host regular events and activities to raise awareness on campus.

​Indigenous Resource Centre

• First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students can register with the Indigenous Resource Centre, which provides a wide variety of resources to increase success in life and academics. Resources include but are not limited to academic counseling, peer support, job postings, events, and mentoring. A full list of services are available on their website

​Writing Support

• The Academic Writing Help Centre (AWHC) is available by-appointment to help students with all steps of the writing process. Students can book writing appointments ​through the link above. ESL students can find resources for English writing skills on the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute website 

EDI Coordinator

• The EDI coordinator leads EDI initiatives in the biology department and serves as a contact for equity, diversity, and inclusion related issues. 2022-2023 EDI coordinator: Tricia Skelton, uobioedi@gmail.com

​Student Support Advisor

• The BGSA’s student support advisor serves as a contact for non-academic, non-CUPE problems that students may encounter. 2022-2023 student support advisor: Tovah Kashetsky, tkash084@uottawa.ca

​CUPE Representatives 

• The biology department has up to three CUPE representatives that work to inform students about their rights as an employee of the university. The CUPE representatives act as a first contact for students encountering union-related issues. 2022-2023 CUPE representatives: Haya Hawari, hhawari@uottawa.ca and Mohamed Ojaghi, mojag071@uottawa.ca

These are only the first steps, and so the committee asks for interested graduate students, post-docs, faculty, and staff to join in and provide their voice to this initiative. If you have any questions or want to join the Biology EDI Committee, send us an email at uobioedi@gmail.com or fill out the form below!