Black and Racialized Graduate Student Support Network (BRGSSN)

The Black and Racialized Graduate Student Support Network (BRGSSN) provides essential support and resources to Black and racialized* graduate and post-graduate students at the University of Guelph. The BRGSSN offers engaging socials, workshops/presentations, and discussions that explore unique insights, challenges, joys, and achievements of graduate and post-graduate studies, and beyond. It serves as a dedicated space for connection and community building, knowledge sharing and learning, and overall mutual peer support.

Topics explored through the BRGSSN include:

• Building community and meaningful connections with fellow graduate students
• Expanding professional and academic networks
• Culturally responsive supervision (mentorship and advising)
• Navigating professional and personal expectations
• Self-advocacy in academia
• Leadership, scholarship, and professional development opportunities at U of G and beyond
• Strategies for career planning and navigating employment pathways in Canada
• Academic and career journeys of Black and racialized faculty and professionals

How to Participate:

The BRGSSN is open to all Graduate students (domestic and international) attending the University of Guelph who identify as Black and/or racialized*. RSVP to attend its programming and events on GryphLife!

* A note on language: There is no consensus on the use of terms like “underrepresented”, “racialized”, “person of colour”, “equity-deserving”, etc. We use the term “Black and racialized” to be intentional about the demography of students Cultural Diversity Services was designed to support. We also recognize that this language may be new to some and may feel exclusionary to students who prefer to self-identify in other ways. We welcome students to use language that feels most meaningful to them. More than anything, our hope is that you feel seen, respected and supported in the spaces we create together.