Dear Group,

I feel really devastated by the repeated incidents of loss of lives at Bahen and in our Department. Do read the email forwarded below and please feel free to let me know if you have any suggestions. Also, DO NOT do anything that you don't like no matter what. There is no better achievement than living a life that you enjoy. 

Also, if you ever feel you need a hug, you know my arms are open. I will never ask you why.

Best Regards,
Ishtiaque

Syed Ishtiaque Ahmed
Assistant Professor
Department of Computer Science
University of Toronto, ON, CA
Ph: +1 647 220 3482
Skype: syed.ishtiaque.ahmed
My Availability: Google Calendar Link


---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: David Levin <diwlevin@cs.toronto.edu>
Date: Sat, Sep 28, 2019 at 11:37 PM
Subject: Bahen Center Incident
To: <dgpprofs@cs.toronto.edu>, <dgplab@dgp.toronto.edu>, <dgpccidm@dgp.toronto.edu>


Dear Members of the DGP,

Many of you are now aware of the tragic incident that took place in the Bahen building on Friday night. I want to add my voice to the rising chorus that finds this event devastating. 

More so, the increasing number of such occurrences is both heart-breaking and frightening. 

Like previous emails you have received on this subject, I want to reiterate that if you feel the need to talk to anyone about this incident, or mental health issues in general, please make use of the university resources listed below. If you feel uncomfortable doing that, find someone you do feel comfortable with to talk to — be it a family member, a friend or colleague. 

For many, university life can be a double-edged sword, both a source of excitement and fullfilment, as well as a source of stress and potential unhappiness. I am a firm believer that, as a community, we do better when we navigate such things together. 

In the spirit of that idea, I want to invite all members of the DGP (students and faculty) to lunch, Monday, noon - 1pm, held in the DGP seminar room. The intent is to provide some time for you to air any concerns you may have, to offer/receive support or to just hang out and reacquaint yourself with members of the lab. Though it is but a small gesture, the least that can be done is to offer you the opportunity to be heard and be surrounded by friendly faces. 

Look after each other out there.

Sincerely,
David Levin
Assistant Professor
DGP Lab Director

Mental Health Resources from the Chairs email: 

Students seeking support can access counselling services at Health and Wellness (416-978-8030). You may visit them in person at Koffler Student Services — the staff at Health & Wellness are aware that a tragedy has occurred in the University community and are ready to provide support: counsellors will be on site at Health & Wellness from 10-4 on Sunday.

 

We will also be hosting drop-in sessions in GB202 from 9 am - 4 pm Monday and Tuesday this coming week.

 

Students also have access to Good 2 Talk (1-866-925-5454). This is a free service for post-secondary students in Ontario, and it is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Good 2 Talk is a free, confidential helpline providing counselling and referrals. Good 2 Talk is staffed by trained therapist and counsellors. U of T works closely with Good 2 Talk and are aware of the University’s services and supports.

 

Additionally, you may wish speak to someone after hours. At the Gerstein Centre, Crisis Workers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 416-929-5200. There is also a Distress Centre available at 416-408-HELP (4357). The Center for Addiction and Mental Health is also open 24/7 at 250 College Street. (Map)

 

Appointed staff and faculty have access to the Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP), offered through Homewood Health. This is a free, confidential, 24/7 service available for staff, faculty, and their families. Information on the program can be found online at http://benefits.hrandequity.utoronto.ca/efap/, and Homewood Health may be reached directly by calling 1-800-663-1142 at any time.