It can be really hard to know what you can rightfully expect of your advisor/supervisor, especially if you’re new to OISE/University of Toronto and even more so if you’re an international student unfamiliar with the North American and/or Canadian system of higher education.

Sometimes conflicts, problems, and harm can occur. Try to be compassionate to yourself and do what is necessary to prioritize your mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being.

If you are dealing with an interpersonal conflict with your supervisor (your learning needs are not being met, your personalities do not go well together, your communication styles do not match etc.), here are some tips taken from the School of Graduate Studies website to help you to manage and resolve problems that may arise during your graduate studies.

You can contact the following offices to get advice or have a confidential conversation. If you are not sure what office is right for you, or where to start, we suggest you contact staff at CGMS or UTGSU to discuss your situation. They can help you determine the best path forward for you.

• Centre for Graduate Mentorship and Supervision (CGMS) – You can have a confidential conversation with a staff member at the Centre for Mentorship and Supervision about any concern you have or issue you are facing. CGMS can confidentially help you talk about your experience or concern, advise you on your options, and provide direction for next steps.

• Your Graduate Unit/Faculty Registrar Office – You can talk to the graduate coordinator, chair or director of the graduate unit or your Registrar. These members of the graduate unit or Faculty Office may have a more nuanced understanding of the situation, may be able to provide more specific advice, or may be able to identify an effective solution based on the situation. You are always able to request that conversations with these individuals remains confidential.

AT OISE, CONNECT WITH THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE CHAIR (Dr. Rob Simon) OR THE COORDINATOR FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND STUDENT EXPERIENCE (Maíri McKenna Edwards)

• Equity Offices – The University of Toronto has specialized Equity Offices that advance the University’s commitment to equity and excellence and meet the complex needs of our tri-campus community. If you need support, we encourage you to connect with our subject matter experts for guidance and advice. We can discuss specific situations and can assist you to prepare your concerns/complaints and support you through the process.

• Health and Wellness Peer Support – With a single click, chat with a trained University of Toronto student peer about whatever is on your mind, right away. Support is offered in a one-on-one, drop-in, non-judgemental, confidential and accessible virtual space

• Office of the Ombudsperson – As part of the University’s commitment to ensuring that the rights of its individual members are protected, the University Ombudsperson is devoted to ensuring procedural fairness and just and reasonable outcomes. Matters are dealt with in strict confidence and will not be discussed with anyone without your written approval. However, please note that the Ombudsperson cannot start an investigation until all other University avenues have been exhausted.

• School of Graduate Studies – You can connect with staff at SGS, including Student Services and the Vice-Dean of Students, to get information about policies, guidelines, advice on informal intervention and formal appeal processes. The SGS GradHub also provides links to many other services for students.

• University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union – The UTGSU provides its members with confidential advocacy services. If you are experiencing academic and/or administrative difficulties, including problems with your supervisor, department, or the university, the GSU can assist you with advice, information and representation. Any information you give will remain strictly confidential.