Program Delivery Open Forum

As Ontario begins taking steps toward re-opening, Sheridan has been carefully planning what the progress towards returning to campus looks like. With the announcement of Program Delivery methods in early June 2021 came a number of questions and concerns from Sheridan students. 

To address those questions, the SSU hosted an Open Forum on June 23, 2021 for students to connect with SSU and Sheridan representatives directly. While we may not have the ability to make or alter these decisions, we wanted to provide clarity where we could, advocate for your student experience and make space for students to be heard. 

Through the Open Forum, SSU President, Kyle Budge shared important information about Fall Program Delivery methods with Sheridan staff in attendance to also address questions and concerns from students firsthand. 

We thank all the students who joined us at the Program Delivery Open Forum last week. We hope that the event and resources shared were helpful to you as we continue to create opportunities for students to be heard.  

Click here for a special message from Dr. Janet Morrison, Sheridan’s President and Vice Chancellor, and Carol Altilia, Provost and Vice President, Academic. 

If you have any further questions or feedback, please complete the survey below:

Forum notes available upon request. Contact your SSU President here.

Statement of Solidarity

A letter from Sheridan Student
Union Board of Directors in solidarity
against anti-Black racism. 

Like many of you, we have been reminded of the ongoing reality of anti-Black racism not only in the United States, but also in Canada and around the world.  As student leaders we feel it is important to recognize racism both here and abroad, and the effects that it has on the students we serve.

At Sheridan Student Union, our vision is to empower our student community to succeed in a changing world.  Reflecting on this, we must recognize that our world is changing, and we will all be part of leading our communities through this change.  We recognize our roles as young leaders in one of Canada’s - and the world’s – most diverse communities.

Sheridan Student Union condemns racism in all of its forms. People experience racism in many ways, and recent events focus us on the systemic injustice of anti-Black racism that must be addressed. We acknowledge the lived experiences of Black students and their families, and condemn the ongoing existence of anti-Black racism in our communities, and around the world.

As always, we remain committed to better serving the students of Sheridan College and creating a safe and inclusive space for all students. It is our responsibility to educate ourselves and commit to the long, intentional work that is required to create a lasting, positive change. 

As members of this diverse community, we ask that you join us in this commitment. 

Educate yourselves. Have difficult conversations. If you choose, participate in safe, peaceful protest. Seek out the support you need. Speak your truth. Learn how you can be a better ally. 

We see you. We hear you. And we stand in solidarity with all who aim to eradicate racism. 

Black Lives Matter.

To further our support, the SSU has put together a list of resources,
ways to get involved and continued learning:

community

Sheridan Black Students Association

The Black Students Association is a group of Black students and allies who aim to promote black excellence and representation across Sheridan. We hope to take a stand against any kind of discrimination against any of our members and allies regardless of race, religious background, gender, or sexual orientation. We hope to share Black culture across Sheridan and create an environment of togetherness.

Get in touch:

If you want to get involved, contact Stephanie Garrick, Club President at:
garricks@sheridancollege.ca

Sheridan Black Students Association is hosting a Solidarity March against anti-black racism at Sheridan

Saturday, June 13, 2020, from 12pm to 2pm at the Hazel McCallion Campus.

For more information, click here.

support

@BailProject

The Bail Project is an organization that believes no one should be in jail because of poverty. They provide free bail assistance, reunite families and restore the presumption of innocence.

@mnfreedomfund

The Minnesota Freedom Fund pays criminal bails and immigration for those who can’t afford to, as they seek an end to discriminatory, coercive, and oppressive jailing.

@blklivesmatter

The is the official account for the #BlackLivesMatter Global Network. BLM is a call to action & response to anti-Black racism.

@

naacp

The NAACP was founded in 1909, and is the the first and largest grassroots-based civil rights organization in the U.S.

@audrelordproject

Audre Lorde Project is a community organizing centre for LGBTSTGNC people of colour communities.

read

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism

In this in-depth exploration, DiAngelo examines how white fragility develops, how it protects racial inequality, and what we can do to engage more constructively, and “allows us to understand racism as a practice not restricted to ‘bad people’”.

by Robin DiAngelo

How To Be An Antiracist

Kendi takes readers through a widening circle of antiracist ideas—from the most basic concepts to visionary possibilites—that will help readers see all forms of racism clearly, understand their posionous consequences, and work to oppose them in our systems and in ourselves.

by Ibram X. Kendi

Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor

Me and White Supremacy takes readers on a 28-day journey of how to dismantle the privilege within themselves so that they can stop (often unconsciously) inflicting damage on people of colour, and in turn, help other white people do better, too.

by Layla F. Saad

Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment

In Black Feminist Thought, originally published in 1990, Patricia Hill Collins set out to explore the words and ideas of Black feminist intellectuals and writers, both within the academy and without.

by Patricia Hill Collins

So You Want to Talk About Race

Ijeoma Oluo guides readers of all races through subjects ranging from intersectionality and affirmative action to "model minorities" in an attempt to make the seemingly impossible possible: honest conversations about race and racism, and how they infect almost every aspect of American life.

by Ijeoma Oluo

watch

• 13th: In this thought-provoking documentary, scholars, activists and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom. Available on Netflix. 

• Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement: A documentary film starring Jesse Williams about the Black Lives Matter movement, and the events that led to the uprising of the movement. Available on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. 

• Fruitvale Station: Fruitvale Station is based on the events leading to the death of Oscar Grant, a young man who was killed in 2009 at the Fruitvale district station of the Bay Area Rapid Transit system in Oakland. Available on Amazon Prime Video. 

• I Am Not Your Negro: This 2016 documentary is based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript Remember This House. It’s a journey into black history that connects the past of the Civil Rights movement to the present of #BlackLivesMatter. Available on YouTube and Google Play Movies & TV. 

• Selma: Selma is a historical drama that is based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by James Bevel, Hosea Williams, Martin Luther King Jr., and John Lewis. Available on YouTube and Google Play Movies & TV. 

listen

Good Ancestor Podcast

An interview series with change-makers and culture-shapers exploring what it means to be a good ancestor. Hosted by globally respected speaker, anti-racism educator, and New York Times bestselling author of Me and White Supremacy, Layla F. Saad.

1619

1619 is a New York Times audio series, hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones, that examines the long shadow of American slavery.

About Race

From the author behind the bestselling Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race,

Reni Eddo-Lodge, comes a podcast that takes the conversation further. Featuring key voices from the last few decades of anti-racist activism, this podcast looks at the recent history that lead to the politics of today.

Pod For The Cause

This podcast, by The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, expands the conversation on critical civil and human rights challenges of our day: census, justice reform, policing, education, fighting hate & bias, judicial nominations, fair courts, voting rights, media & tech, economic security, immigration, and human rights.

Intersectionality Matters

Intersectionality Matters! is a podcast hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw, an American civil rights advocate and a leading scholar of critical race theory.

FOLLOW ALONG

1. @thegreatunlearn: A community of everyday human beings committed to curiosity for what is possible in the world. 

2. @theconsciouskid: An account that’s focus is parenting and education through a critical race lens. 

3. @thefreeblackwomenslibrary: This Instagram account is centred on celebrating the art, writing and lives of Black women. 

4. @rachel.cargle: Rachel Elizabeth Cargle is working on building an intellectual legacy through teaching, storytelling and critical discourse. She is also the curator behind @thegreatunlearn. 

5. @iamrachelricketts: Rachel Ricketts is a racial justice educator, spiritual activist, change maker, healer and author. 

resources and communities

Therapy For Black Girls

Therapy For Black Girls was founded by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, who also happens to be the resident psychologist at Oprah Magazine. Like it’s name suggests, this account offers mental health resources for black women. And through it you can access podcast content, or find a therapist, in addition to tips and mindfulness guides.

@therapyforblackgirls

Harriet’s Apothecary

A healing village led by Black Cis Women, Queer & Trans healers, artists, activists & ancestors, centering the genius of Black, Indigenous & POC folk. With content like insightful Instagram Live sessions, virtual wellness circles, and webinars, this account has a well-rounded approach to healing.

@harrietsapothecary

Black Girl In Om

Black Girl In Om has a vision for a world where womxn of colour are liberated, empowered and seen. They help do this by creating a space for black women to breathe easy, by offering meditation and digital community.

@blackgirlinom

Black and Embodied

Black And Embodied is an account started by licensed mental health therapist, Alishia McCullough. She also happens to be a social justice warrior, self-love promoter, and self-described promoter of fat liberation and racial healing. She’s got a variety of different resources available through her account, from links to the Holistic Black Healing Collective, to books, and the body trauma podcast.

@blackandembodied

Ethel’s Club

Ethel’s Club is a social and wellness club that’s designed to celebrate people of colour, both online and in real life, through workshops, sound sessions, virtual group sessions and more.

@ethelsclub

GET THE SUPPORT YOU NEED

A crisis or traumatic event can trigger overwhelming emotional responses. People are impacted and respond to these events in different ways. There is no reason to suffer in silence. We encourage anyone who is struggling to seek professional help.

SHERIDAN COUNSELLING SERVICES

Any students seeking comfort and support are able to access Counselling Services by calling The Centre for Student Success at:

Davis Campus: (905) 459 -7533 ext. 5400
Hazel McCallion Campus: (905) 459 - 7533 ext. 2528 Trafalgar Road Campus: (905) 845 - 9430 ext. 2557

You can also email askanadvisor@sheridancollege.ca to make an appointment with a Counsellor.

SHERIDAN STUDENT UNION EMPOWER ME SERVICE

Sheridan Student Union Health and Dental coverage includes Empower Me, which allows students to connect with qualified counsellors, consultants, and life coaches for a variety of issues.

As a Sheridan student, you are entitled to sessions delivered in person, by telephone, by video-counselling, or by e-counselling.

Contact them at their toll free number, 1-844-741-6389 or visit the Empower Me Login page.

SSU Supports for Sheridan Students

“With new support structures in place our goal is to help all students navigate through the following months and transition period as smoothly as possible.

These are difficult times, and times that none of us could have imagined. Now more than ever is the time to support ourselves and each other. We are in this together, Sheridan. We are one team.”

- Jessica Marshall, acting President of SSU

Upon suspension of classes and subsequent campus closures due to COVID-19, Sheridan Student Union began planning how to best continue supporting Sheridan students throughout this transition.

Working closely with Sheridan College to determine student priorities, fast action was taken in assessing the modification of services and processes to best support the current and evolving needs of the student body while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community.

Here are some ways we are working to continue our support for Sheridan students:

• In light of great uncertainty surrounding the Spring / Summer term and a desire to assist students however possible,  SSU eliminated the collection of the SSU Student Life Fee, SSU Building Fee and the SSU Capital Fee for the Spring /Summer term.

• The Virtual Food First program was developed to provide students facing food insecurity access to electronic gift cards in lieu of being able to access the SSU Food Bank.

• Continued support provided through student Health & Dental coverage for all domestic students at Sheridan College.

• Continued support provided for all academic and social clubs and associations at Sheridan College. 

• Continued support provided through Empower Me – a mental health service that connects students with qualified counselors and life coaches remains accessible 24/7 online. 

• Continued support for students who require Legal Advice provided for free via phone and email.

• Multiple online events and information sessions take place weekly to inform students, build community, and provide entertainment for students virtually.

Supports and services will continue to evolve alongside the considerations of the Coronavirus pandemic and its effects on our community, however, we remain committed to supporting you during this unprecedented time, and always.

SSU staff remain accessible via phone and email.

EMAIL: SSUI.TRC@SHERIDANCOLLEGE.CA | PHONE: 905-845-9430 EXT. 2304

for more about our online events, services and supports, visit:

thessu.ca/sher-at-home

INS Market Opening at Davis

Looking for a quick snack before heading to class? Are you in the mood for some ice cream, chips, and a cold drink? Look no further than the INS Market! Come by for the grand opening at the Davis campus next to the Den on January 10, 2020.

The INS Market is your go to convenience store on campus, providing you with access to chocolate bars, candy, drinks and even a western union for money transfers and calling cards.

Hours of operation starting January 13, 2020:

MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 7:30 AM TO 7 PM

SATURDAY: 9:00 AM TO 5:00 PM

Visit our food services page for a complete list of our food operations here.

Shifting Clubs Corner

Last year, the SSU introduced a new platform called Clubs Corner which was the main hub for all club forms, events, and information on all clubs on campus. Recently, we received an unexpected notice that Campus Vibe, the company that runs our Clubs Corner platform, will no longer be operating as of this month.

This means that as of January 15, 2020, Sheridan students and club members will no longer have access to the same Clubs Corner platform they have been using. Instead, all club information will be shifted to the Sheridan Student Union website.

The updated Clubs Corner page will provide the same resources as Clubs Corner. Students will have access to individual club profiles, club events, ways to join or start a club and club policies and forms. Clubs are an important part of your life here at Sheridan and we are committed to maintaining and supporting the community we have built.

With that in mind, we do recognize the importance of the community and ease of use that the Clubs Corner software brought to all clubs and students; therefore we are actively seeking a long term solution and new platforms/software to be able to provide to clubs for Fall 2020. Follow along on Twitter @the_ssu for updates.

Check out our FAQ page on club related questions.

Got questions? Contact us below and someone will be in touch with you soon!

Student Choice Initiative Update

Earlier this year, the Ontario Government announced the ‘Student Choice Initiative’, which enables students to opt-out of paying certain ancillary or incidental fees covering a range of services.  This policy directive was implemented for the Fall 2019 semester.

Last week, we became aware that the Ontario Divisional Court struck down the policy allowing post-secondary students to opt-out of fees.  In the court filing, two student groups (Canadian Federation of Students and York Federation of Students) argued that the government did not have the authority to interfere in the relationship between universities/colleges and their students.

We are now seeking more information surrounding the implications of this court decision on Sheridan College students as well as more direction from the Province surrounding any implications this decision may or may not have on ancillary fee collection guidelines.

As the Student Choice Initiative was introduced through a governmental policy directive, we are monitoring the situation to see what course of action the government chooses to take. Until such time as we receive a new directive, Sheridan Student Union and Sheridan College will continue under the current directive which allows students to opt-out of paying certain ancillary and incidental fees.

We will continue to keep you informed of any future changes to this practice.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ANCILLARY FEES VISIT:
HTTP://MYOTR.SHERIDANCOLLEGE.CA/ANCILLARY_FEES.HTML