Trainee Supports
Who to Contact
Graduate Students
Supervisor
If you feel comfortable, you can consider starting with your direct supervisor. Supervisors may help you get into contact with the Graduate Chair or the Human Rights Office.
Graduate Chair
If you do not feel comfortable going to your supervisor, you may contact your Graduate Chair. A familiar and friendly face can help guide you through the next steps with confidential assistance. Your Graduate Chair may also help you contact the Human Rights Office and/or SOGS.
Society of Graduate Students (SOGS)
SOGS can provide support and guidance for many issues, starting at the level of peer support, and can also direct you to the Human Rights Office. SOGS and the office of Ombudsperson frequently work together and follow similar protocols. SOGS may handle manners alone or refer to the society's Ombudsperson formediation. If further action is needed, a formal complaint will be launched with the Ombudsperson and an investigation will occur, hopefully followed by a resolution.
http://sogs.ca/support-resources/
Associate Dean - Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies
The Associate Dean can be another resource to guide you with next steps and contactsthrough confidential assistance. Associate Deans may report back to the Department Chair and Graduate Chair.
Ombudsperson
The office of Ombudsperson are experts in conflict management and assisting students in managing conflicts, and while they often deal with academic related manners, they can also be a place of support for EDID-related issues.
The office of Ombudsperson is not an official office of complaint for the University, and if a situation requires referral to the Human Rights Office, the Ombudsperson canassist in making this connection. The Ombudsperson may also help clarify the different administrators available for support as well (e.g. Grad Chair, Undergrad Chair, Department Chair, Associate Dean, Associate Vice Provost). Finally, the Ombudsperson can also speak about other policies and processes that might apply to your situation.
https://www.uwo.ca/ombuds/index.html
Wellness & Well-being - Student Support & Case Management
Student Support and Case Management is part of Health & Wellness and can guide students on next steps and available resources (especially Sexual Assault Related issues).
https://www.uwo.ca/health/student_support/survivor_support/report.html
Human Rights Office
The Human Rights Office can help with any and all issues. By reporting to the office youcan set up a confidential consultation to discuss options available for your situation. The office can also assist the process of filing a formal complaint, if you wish to.
https://www.uwo.ca/hro/discrimination/help/index.html
Post-Docs
Supervisor
If you feel comfortable, you can consider starting with your direct supervisor. Supervisors may help you get into contact with the Graduate Chair or the Human Rights Office.
Manager, Administration & Finance
If you do not feel comfortable going to your supervisor, you may contact the Departments Manager, Administration & Finance (MAF). A familiar and friendly face can help guide you through the next steps with confidential assistance. Your MAF may also help you contact the Postdoctoral Association at Western (PAW) and/or the Human Rights Office.
Postdoctoral Association at Western (PAW)
The PAW supports members seeking help and guidance with issues related to discrimination and harassment, and can help with direction to the Human Rights Office.
https://www.postdocs.uwo.ca/resources/health_and_wellness.html/
Western's Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Western's Employee Assistance Program (EAP), provided by TELUS Health, offers confidential and free counseling services to all Western employees and their immediate family members. These services are designed to optimize your well-being and provide support as you navigate various life challenges, including workplace-related issues.
https://www.uwo.ca/hr/benefits/eap/index.html
Human Resources - Employee Well-being
Employee Well-Being at Western encompasses both supportive and proactive services and programs to help guide you on next steps and available resources.
https://www.uwo.ca/hr/safety/well_being/index.html
Human Rights Office
The Human Rights Office can help with any and all issues. By reporting to the office youcan set up a confidential consultation to discuss options available for your situation. The office can also assist the process of filing a formal complaint, if you wish to.
https://www.uwo.ca/hro/discrimination/help/index.html
Campus Supports & Services
- Black Student Association
- Black and Racialized Student Supports
- Indigenous Student Centre
- Residence Counselling
Ontario Hall, Room 3C10
needtotalk@uwo.ca - School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies
- Schulich's Council on Reforming Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Trainees (CREDIT)
- Navigating Crisis in Graduate Studies: An interactive PDF resource guide created by the Schulich Medicine & Dentistry CR(EDI)T Team
Community Supports & Services
Gender-Based Violence & Survivor Support
- Anova
Anova’s 24-Hour Crisis and Support Line: 519–642-3000 - St. Joseph’s Hospital Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Program
- Independent Legal Advice for Sexual Assault Survivors
LGTBQ+
- Addiction Rehabilitation for LGBTQ2+ Communities
- Trans Lifeline: 877-330-6366
- Alphabet Community Centre
Facilitates weekly support groups for trans and questioning youth (ages 12-20), medical/legal accompaniments, social service referrals, employment programs. Call or text at (519) 765-5000. - Coming Out Over Coffee
Support meeting every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from 6:30p.m.-8:00p.m. at Family Service Thames Valley. Learn more at - PFLAG
Assists 2SLGBTQ+ people & loved ones connect with resources & find a supportive community.
888-530-6777 ext. 224 - Opening the Circle
A resource page for Group and Peer Supports for individuals in the London area - Rainbow Health
Resources for both healtcare service users and providers - 2Spirited People of the First Nations
- Ontario Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (ORAD)
- Trans Pulse
Mental Health
- Canadian Mental Health Association Middlesex (Crisis Support)
24/7 Crisis and Support Services
In person: 648 Huron St, London
519-433-2023 - Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health - Graduate Student Tool Kit
- Canadian Federation of Students (CFS)
- Good2Talk – Confidential Helpline Phone
24 hour confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario.1-866-925-5454 or text "GOOD2TALKON" to 686868 - Reach Out 24/7
519-433-2023
24-hour phone crisis assistance - 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text 9-8-8 wherever you are in Canada to talk to a trained responder if you or someone you know needs support. - Black Mental Health
- Big White Wall – Anonymous Sharing & Support