The University of Toronto welcomes and includes students from a broadly diverse range of communities and backgrounds. The University community comprises one of the most diverse campus populations anywhere. Students, staff and faculty have a wide range of backgrounds, cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs. While the University of Toronto is a secular institution, it does recognize that many of its students, staff and faculty are drawn from a diverse range of faith communities. The spiritual needs of the members of our community are met through a variety of policies and initiatives, including:
Diversity in Faith
The Campus Chaplains Association
A number of the world’s major religions have spiritual leaders or “chaplains” based on campus. The Campus Chaplains can put students in touch with one. The Campus Chaplains are a multifaith organization reflectig the multi-ethnic / multi-faith complexion of the University of Toronto. They are committed to helping people (students, staff and faculty) to grow to wholeness through a search for meaning in life, an exporation of spiritualities and an examinitaion of moral and ethical issues.
Multifaith Space
In order to meet the diverse spiritual needs of its students, staff and faculty, the University of Toronto has designated a number of facilities across the St. George Campus for use by groups and individuals of all faiths to conduct prayers, meditation or other practices. A list of multifaith prayer spaces is available at the Student Affairs Web site.
The Multifaith Centre Project
The purpose of the Multifaith Centre is to support the spiritual well-being of students, staff and faculty and to increase our understanding of, and respect for, religious beliefs and practices. It does so by providing opportunities for members of the community to reflect, worship, contemplate, teach and learn, read and study, celebrate, mourn, engage in dialogue and interact on a daily basis.
Dining Options
Sodexho, the University’s largest food service provider, has introduced Kosher and Halal items at some cafeterias on the St. George Campus and plans to expand the range of options in the near future.
Kosher sandwiches and salads are available at Sid’s Southside Café in Sidney Smith Hall, as well as the Medical Sciences Building and the Faculty of Law Cafés. Halal beef burgers, chicken burgers, and chicken hot dogs are available at Sidney Smith Hall.
UTM's food services provider, Chartwells, also provides Halal products and vegetarian alternatives in all UTM dining locations.
Accommodations for Religious Observances
It is the policy of the University of Toronto to arrange reasonable accommodation of the needs of students who observe religious holy days other than those already accommodated by ordinary scheduling and statutory holidays. The University's expectations concerning the accommodation of religious observances for students is articulated in the Policy on Scheduling of Classes and Examinations and Other Accommodations for Religious Observances and an annual notice to academic leaders. Please note that students have the responsibility to alert members of the teaching staff in a timely fashion to upcoming religious observances and anticipated absences.
Aggressive Religious Recruiting
Most students’ experience with religious groups associated with the University of Toronto will be a positive one. Many groups encourage open and thoughtful discussion, can help students through personal crises and will not isolate anyone from family and friends.
There are, however, some high-pressure religious groups operating on campus about which students should be warned. They are allowed on campus because the University’s policy on freedom of speech and association states that students have the right to form groups and meet on campus for any legal activity. Some students may find themselves being approached from a member of one of these groups – and students who are lonely, having a difficult time socially or are not doing well academically, are particularly vulnerable.
For more information on the dangers and signs of trouble, visit Getting There on-line.
If any student needs advice or help disassociating themselves from a religious group, they can contact the Campus Chaplains. They are responsible for the material printed in this section and they are concerned for all students’ safety and well-being.