Graduate House Community Participant Status  

Current residents who wish to remain in Graduate House will still have an opportunity to gain priority in re-entry, but they will have to earn this priority through achieving the Graduate House Community Participant Status (GCPS). Current residents who do not achieve this status but wish to reside in Graduate House for subsequent academic years will have to re-apply through the General Applicant pool. 

Please note that meeting the requirements for GCPS does not guarantee readmission, but it does enhance the likelihood of being readmitted. It is possible that residents who achieve GCPS may still not receive an offer to remain at Graduate House for the next contract period.

The GCPS is designed to foster a culture of participation, inclusion and community in Graduate House. This status will help support efforts to shape the reputation of Graduate House as a warm, welcoming environment and communicate to UofT and general public that residents can expect to have a strong sense of community while residing at Graduate House. 

Graduate House Community Participant Status will be achieved by meeting all of the requirements listed below: 

Completion of a 2024-2025 Suitemate Agreement 

• Only one form per suite is required – one suitemate will be responsible for submitting the form on behalf of everyone in the suite. Suitemate Agreement forms must reflect the current academic year. 
• For suites that have a resident(s) who moved in later in the academic year (e.g. December), the resident who most recently moved in will be responsible for submitting the most up-to-date Suitemate Agreement on behalf of everyone in order to achieve their GCPS. 
• This agreement should take no longer than one month subsequent to moving in to complete. 

Participation in a one-on-one meeting with one’s 2024-2025 assigned RA. 

• This meeting should also take place ASAP (no more than approximately two months after moving in) and will be organized at a mutually convenient time for the resident and RA.  
• While residents will be invited to participate in a one-on-one meeting each term, residents are only required to complete one meeting with their assigned RA for GCPS purposes. 

Attending a minimum of four (4) RA executed programs over the academic year (September-April). 

• Only programs run by RAs will count towards this status (i.e. building-wide events like Snowball are not included programs – speak to your RA or the Service Desk for more information). 

Ensuring that they meet the requirements of that program, such as: 

• Signing up for the program in advance. 
• Filling out any additional follow-up materials necessary (i.e. participation micro-survey, which is a double check for the attendance and will give brief feedback on learning outcomes). 

Maintain continuous residency during summer 2025 

• Continuous summer residency is achieved when a student resides at Graduate House through to the entirety of the summer period (May 1st- August 23rd). 
• Current residents, who elect to leave Graduate House join the General Applicant pool with all new applicants.

Residents wishing to appeal the GCPS decision must submit their appeal by June 30 each year. Appeals received after June 30 will not be reviewed. For detailed instructions on how to appeal, please refer to Appeal Process.

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Residence Curriculum 

Graduate House has historically provided diverse programming to enhance the graduate student experience at UofT. However, no formal curriculum existed to guide these activities. To address this, a curriculum has been developed to support the growth of well-rounded graduate students residing at Graduate House. This curriculum builds upon the existing pillars of programming that have proven successful in the past. 

1. Professional Development 

2. Equity & Inclusion 

3. Toronto Community 

4. International and Global Perspectives 

5. Health and Wellness  

6. Academics 

7. Graduate House Community 

The curriculum seeks to support students by addressing gaps in the resident experience and support the busy graduate student lifestyle. The curriculum attends to these concerns or gaps in the learning outcomes, a specific set of criteria that outline the goals for conducting programs. More information about the whole curricula and the learning outcomes can be read on our website, but these learning outcomes were formulated from data regarding concerns in Graduate House, such as carefully collected exit surveys & interviews, scientific literature, and meetings with important community stakeholders, such as RA’s, Accessibility Services, the Office of the Dean at the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), etc.  

The ultimate objective of this curriculum is to support the unique needs of residents by improving community engagement and support a warm, inclusive environment at Graduate House. Although Graduate House has been known for its convenience, safety, and proximity to campus, the curriculum helps shape the reputation of Graduate House as a welcoming environment. Moreover, it communicates to the UofT and general public that residents can expect to have a strong sense of community while residing at Graduate House. 

Any questions or concerns regarding the curriculum may be directed to the RAs. 

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Living With Suitemates 

SUITEMATE AGREEMENT  

Residents are required to complete a Suitemate Agreement available on the Graduate House website. Since no two of us are exactly alike in our habits or day-to-day living routine, we require that you meet with your suitemates within the first week of residency to discuss and agree on some group expectations about cleaning, noise, overnight guests, garbage and recycling, subletting, etc.  

Once you have reached consensus on the basic ground rules, document them in this formal agreement that will be signed by all the suitemates. This process must be repeated each time a new suitemate moves in. 

Our experience has shown that the process of talking about issues in an honest and open discussion before they become a problem will save you much time and frustration at a later date. 

If you encounter problems in trying to come to an agreement, your RA is available to facilitate your conversation. Sometimes, all it takes is someone not directly involved in the matter to assist you in reaching an agreement. Sometimes the process of recognizing each other’s needs, and coming to an agreement can take several conversations. However, all suitemates are required to participate constructively in the process.  

Please note that we do not accept suite change requests in the first month of your move-in to give you and your suitemates a reasonable opportunity to adjust to each other and your new surroundings and to attempt to resolve issues using the systems in place (i.e. the Suitemate Agreement /RAs). Residents who have been through this process successfully report that it is a valuable personal and preprofessional skill.  

SUITEMATE CONCERNs

Living with other people can be difficult at times, but it is essential that residents learn to live together through cooperation and respect. In rare cases, despite cooperation, respect, and good intentions, conflicts develop which cannot be resolved though the mediation process. In a case like this, a room change may be appropriate. Graduate House uses the following process to respond to suite suitemate conflicts. Further, we will only process one room change for suitemate concern per contract. Please note that room changes for suitemate concerns are not accepted within the first month of the semester. 

Step 1 
If there is a conflict between suitemates, residents must first attempt to resolve the matter between themselves. By talking about the issue with each other and completing/updating the Suitemate Agreement. 

Step 2 
If residents are unable to resolve a conflict on their own, they must contact their RA who will then facilitate a mediation with the parties involved. 

Step 3 
If the conflict cannot be resolved through mediation (or if a resident has other questions regarding the room change process) they may make an appointment with the RLC or HRA. 

Step 4 
At your appointment, the HRA/RLC will assess the situation. If it is agreed that a room change is appropriate, the HRA/RLC will begin the administrative process. Please note that room availability may be limited. Room changes are conducted on a priority basis and may take a few weeks.  

Step 5
Once a new room is identified and the administrative process is complete, the Graduate House Office will send an email confirming your move and provide you with additional information regarding the room change process. 

Please note the following: 

• A resident may be moved at the RLC/ADRLC’s discretion. 
• Although some bed spaces may appear to be vacant, they may not be available because they are reserved for incoming residents, maintenance work, etc.  

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Room/Suite Changes

Please note that if you have concerns with your current room, please first discuss it with your RA. Your RA is always there to help you with any problems you are having. 

All room change requests are processed in extenuating circumstances.  

If your RA determines that room change may be appropriate for you, they will refer you to either the Head Residence Advisor (HRA) or the Residence Life Coordinator (RLC) for further assistance. 

NEW ROOM REQUEST 

Room change requests are rare for students who simply prefer a new location. Please book a meeting with the HRA or RLC to discuss your options. 

Medical Requests 

Room changes due to a medical need may require further documentation from UofT Accessibility Services. If you require a room change based on a medical need, please complete the Room Change Request Form on the Graduate House website. 

If your room change is approved, please follow this process: 

Step 1 
Upon receiving an email approving your room change, go to the Service Desk to pick up your new keys to your new room and:

• Clear out all of your belongings from your old room and suite and move them to your NEW room. 
• Clean your old room and all common areas (dust, vacuum, wipe down counters, etc.). 
• Arrange your furniture back to its original location. 
• Your room should look like it did when you first moved in. If it does not, additional cleaning charges may apply.

Step 2 
Once you are fully moved into your new room, return your old room keys to the Service Desk. 

Step 3
Set up a time to meet with your new RA to introduce yourself. Meet with your new suitemates, and complete a new Suitemate Agreement. 

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Policies

Alcohol and Drugs

The laws of the Province of Ontario regarding alcoholic beverages apply to the University. Under the Narcotics Control Act of Canada, possession of, use of and trafficking illegal drugs is prohibited. Consumption of alcohol within Graduate House is limited to the resident’s own suite, unless the resident is participating in a University licensed event held in a common room. Cultivation of cannabis and brewing alcohol is prohibited.  

Noise 

It is important that we respect our community and its members by providing a space that is quiet and free of excessive noise which includes directly outside the building on Graduate House property. Except for official Graduate House events, designated quiet hours are: 

• Sun – Thurs: 11:00pm – 8:00am  
• Fri – Sat: 12:30am* – 8:00am

*12:30am on Saturday and Sunday mornings respectively.

Residents who wish to play musical instruments are required to do so in the designated Music Room and are not permitted to play them in their individual rooms or suites, unless agreed upon by all current suitemates.
  

Animals

Animals are not permitted in Graduate House except for approved service animals. Residents should contact the residence prior to their move in or desired arrival of their service animal to discuss the appropriate arrangements needed. 

Smoking 

U of T is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in or near Graduate House including the courtyard. This includes smoking of any substance, vaporizing, and e-cigarettes. Residents who choose to smoke must do so off campus property. 

Guests 

While guests are welcome in our community, it is important to recognize that safety, security, and privacy are important to us. When you are inviting a guest to our community, let your suitemates know that you will be hosting. If your guest is staying overnight, we ask that they do not stay more than three nights consecutively. Our community members should not have overnight guests more than nine nights a month. Your guests are visiting our community, and are held to the same standard as the community members. As their host, you will be responsible for your guest’s behaviour.  

Keys 

For the safety of the community and its members, loaning and/or duplicating your keys/fobs is not allowed. Doing so puts our community and your safety at risk. 

Weapons 

The possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives (including fireworks, dynamite, firecrackers), other weapons (including but not limited to bladed weapons, archery bows and arrows, slingshots, chainsaws, and homemade weapons), and replicas of the above weapons or any item intended to cause harm or intimidation, in residence, is strictly prohibited. This includes air pellet guns and paintball guns. Students requiring special equipment (e.g., fencing swords) for classes or extracurricular activities must obtain prior written permission from the Residence Office. 

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Unacceptable Behaviour

Graduate House is a place of collegial and co-operative interaction. Residents must respect the rights of others by conducting themselves in a courteous and considerate manner. The following kinds of behaviour are examples of those considered to be unacceptable:  

• Yelling, profanity, insulting, abusive language to a resident, a resident’s guest, or any Graduate House staff member; 
• Any act of violence, whether physical or otherwise, to a resident, a resident’s guest or any Graduate House staff; 
• Creating a hostile environment and/or bullying, regardless of the medium; 
• Dropping or throwing objects, such as bottles or food, from, at or within Graduate House; 
• Vandalism or negligent damage to, or removal of Graduate House or a resident’s property from or within its assigned location; 
• Sexist, racist, or homophobic behaviour which may promote or produce an atmosphere of hostility or intolerance in Graduate House. Discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, colour, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity or ability will not be tolerated.

Graduate House staff members will not be required to engage or re-engage with residents who have exhibited hostile or disrespectful behaviour towards them. 

In cases where there has been an actual or apparent violation of the Graduate House rules or regulations, medical emergency, or other incident, Graduate House follows a specific process. 

Incident Report

A RA will create an incident report. The incident report will document the situation, list the parties involved, and note any action take as required. The incident report will be reviewed by the HRA, RLC, and/or the Assistant Dean, Residence Life and Communication (ADRLC) who will follow up with the parties involved as required.  

Investigation

Upon reviewing the incident report further information may be required. The HRA, RLC, and/or ADRLC may request to meet the parties involved, witnesses, etc. Typically, a meeting is used to discuss what happened, who was impacted and how to move forward. Decisions may take into consideration acceptance of responsibility, intent of actions, and prior residence behaviour. 

INDIVIDUAL PROCESS & PROTECTIONS 

Procedural Fairness 

A common or administrative law concept where the focus is on the process. This applies to any or all adjudication processes (i.e. meetings, sanctions) through all stages of resolving an issue and holding a hearing. It focuses the importance on how something was decided over what was decided.  

Right to Notice 

If a decision-maker (Dean, Associate Dean, ADRLC, RLC, HRA, or authority) is intending to consider a matter which may affect a student’s rights, the student should be informed of the matter. E.g. receiving documentation or notice of hearing date and time from Dean, Associate Dean, ADRLC, RLC, HRA. 

Right to Participate  

The student should be given a reasonable opportunity to make an oral or written submission to the decision-maker on the matter being considered. E.g. student sharing perspective on the incident through a meeting/hearing. 

Transparency in Reasoning 

The reasons for the decision or outcome should be disclosed, whether the decision making was evidence or information based. E.g. student told via follow up letter or documented conversation why decision was made, or sanction outcome issued.  

Right Against Bias 

The decision-maker should act in a manner which is unbiased, fair, and open-minded. 

Right to Appeal 

The student should have the right to appeal against the decision made to a body that was not part of the original decision-making process. Please see below for the appeal process.    

Standard of Proof 

This is a model that is used to balance probabilities. If credible information has been heard, the decision maker should believe that the incident is more likely to have occurred than not and there is reasonable proof that the person(s) responsible can be determined, then the standard of proof has been met.

OUTCOMES 

After the investigation is complete there are a number of outcomes to the incident. Sanctions are used to provide the resident with a learning opportunity if they are found to have violated the Residence Handbook, Community Standards and/or Occupancy Agreement. 

Sanctions could include: 

• Educational Conversation; 
• Behavioural Contract; 
• Educational Assignments; 
• Loss of Privileges; 
• Termination of Occupancy Agreement; 
• Monetary Sanctions   

Appeal Process 

In order to appeal disciplinary action and/or eviction from residence, the student must submit a Notice of Appeal to the supervisor of the adjudicator assigned to the specific case. See chart on this page. The Notice of Appeal must be submitted within ten (10) working days of the action and/or evictions being appealed. Please note that appeals for GCPS will only be considered if submitted by June 30 each year. Appeals received after June 30 will not be reviewed.

Please email your Notice of Appeal to the appropriate party. The email of the individual can be found on the Graduate House website, by speaking with the adjudicator of your case, or going to the Graduate House Service Desk. 

The Notice of Appeal must include: 

• The date of submission, full name, student ID#, and contact information. 
• What is being appealed: 
• A finding that conduct amounted to misconduct;  
• The penalty imposed 
• The reasons for appealing the decision, including an explanation of the circumstance(s) claimed (see below) as a ground for the appeal: 
• There was a fundamental procedural error seriously prejudicial. 
• There was clear evidence of bias in the process or decision. 
• The severity of the penalty imposed exceeds the nature of the offence for reasons identified. 
• The result being sought. The Notice of Appeal will be reviewed, and a meeting may be arranged to review the appeal.

There may also be meetings with residence staff, residents, and whatever steps are seen to be appropriate in the circumstances to review the appeal. Normally within fifteen (15) working days of receiving the Notice of Appeal, a letter shall be delivered to the student a written decision including reasons. 

Decisions made by the Dean of Residence and Director of Student Life are final.  

Adjudicator for the Case:	Appeal to be sent to:
Head Residence Advisor	Residence Life Coordinator
Residence Life Coordinator	Assistant Dean, Residence Life & Communication
Assistant Dean, Residence Life & Communication	Associate Dean, Residence Life
Associate Dean, Residence Life	Dean, Residence Life & Director of Student Life

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Safety and Security

Residence Advisor on Call

RAs are graduate students who serve as role models, peer advisors, and resources to students. As student staff members, RAs play a unique role in guiding, encouraging, directing, and helping other students. They are chosen for their leadership and community-building skills and are extensively trained before the beginning of each academic year.  

Every student who lives in Graduate House has an RA who has been assigned to them.  

RAs are on-call weeknights from 5pm – 9am and 24hrs on weekends. Residents can reach the RA on-call line at (416) 800-6068.  

Campus Safety

Campus Safety are Special Constables that help keep UofT community members safe. The Special Constables are often spotted on campus in clearly marked patrol cars or bicycles, and they wear special uniforms. For an emergency, call Campus Safety at (416) 978-2222 for their urgent line or (416) 978-2323 for their non-emergency line. 

Medical Emergencies

If you experience, or you’re aware of a medical emergency in Graduate House, call 911 immediately. We also ask that you call the RA on-call so they can assist you and emergency staff when they arrive. 

When to call the RA on call:

• A residence student is endangering themselves or others  
• A medical emergency occurs 
• You need someone to talk to about a situation that is affecting you 
• You have a concern that you feel needs to be addressed as soon as possible 
• You have a facilities emergency (leak, overflowing toilet, malfunctioning smoke detector, broken window) 
• You are locked out of your room between 11pm-midnight on weekdays and 9am-noon and 6pm midnight on weekends.

Community Safety Office

The Community Safety Office (CSO) provides assistance to members of the UofT community that are dealing with personal and/or workplace issues that impact their personal safety, such as: 

The CSO can provide help if: 

• You are experiencing stalking or harassment; 
• You are being bullied, intimidated or threatened; 
• You are in a controlling or abusive relationship; 
• You are living with family violence; 
• You have been sexually assaulted; 
• You are having thoughts of suicide; 
• You are concerned that someone you know is considering suicide; 
• You have another safety concern you wish to discuss

You can expect the following from the Community Safety Office: 

• Confidentiality  
• A safe and supportive environment 
• A respectful and non-judgemental approach to your concerns 
• Timely support  
• Safety planning 
• Advocacy and referral 
• Documentation 
• Follow up support

Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre

UofT’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre (the Centre) was established in 2017 as part of the University’s Action Plan on Preventing and Responding to Sexual Violence. It has locations on all three campuses and provides support to members of the University community who have been affected by sexual violence or sexual harassment. 

What is the role of the Centre? 

• The Centre assists students, staff and faculty members in understanding the University’s Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment. 
• The Centre facilitates access to support, services and accommodations for students, staff and faculty members who have experienced sexual violence. 
• The Centre provides training and education on preventing and responding to sexual violence.

Service provided:

• Confidential, transparent, non-judgemental, client-centred services 
• Coordination and navigation of University supports, services and accommodations 
• Support in making a disclosure 
• Explanation and assistance with reporting 
• Referrals to on- and off-campus services 
• Self-care resources 

Important Numbers

Emergency Response	911
Residence Advisor on Call	(416) 800-6068
Campus Safety Special Constable Service (Urgent)	(416) 978-2222
Good2Talk (Free Student Helpline)	1-866-925-5454
Community Safety Office	(416) 978-1485
Sexual Violence Prevention & Support	(416) 978-2266