U of T to improve safety at Bahen Centre as it reopens
Published: September 29, 2019
The Bahen Centre for Information Technology will reopen Sunday at 11 a.m. following the death of a student on Friday night.
“We are taking immediate steps to improve safety at the Bahen Centre and we will continue to work on permanent changes,” said Sandy Welsh, vice-provost, students at the University of Toronto.
“The safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities. We’ve listened to concerns about the building and are putting in place measures that will improve safety.”
The university has been working with the building’s architects since last spring to design permanent changes that will enhance safety in Bahen. Construction begins Sunday to put temporary barriers in place, with installation of long-term changes expected to get underway later this fall.
“We mourn the loss of our student, and we are here to support our community,” Welsh said. “Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends, fellow students, staff and instructors.”
Once family members confirm their wishes, more information about the student may be shared.
Counsellors and chaplains will continue to be available Sunday until 4 p.m. at the Health and Wellness Centre in the Koffler Student Services Centre (first floor, room 111), in addition to regular services.
“We recognize that many people in our community would like to pay tribute and mourn the loss of one of our students,” Welsh said. “When the Bahen Centre reopens, members of our community who wish to pay respects will have the opportunity to do so and cards to share messages of sympathy and concern will be provided.”
Feeling distressed? Find someone to talk to right now – and if there is an immediate risk, call 911.
Round-the-clock support
Free 24/7 support is available outside the university. Students, staff and faculty can speak to a trained crisis worker at any hour of the day.
- Good 2 Talk Student Helpline 1-866-925-5454. Professional counselling, information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being.
- Gerstein Crisis Centre 416-929-5200
- Distress Centres of Greater Toronto 416-408-HELP (4357)
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at 250 College Street
- Anishnawbe Health Toronto Mental Health Crisis Line 416-360-0486
- My SSP for U of T Students 1-844-451-9700. Immediate counselling support is available in 35 languages and ongoing support in 146 languages.
- Appointed faculty and staff have access to the Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP), offered through Homewood Health, online and by phone at 1-800-663-1142
The following are some of the services available to students on all three campuses:
- St. George campus: Health and Wellness Centre (416-978-8030), located at Koffler Student Services
- U of T Scarborough: Health & Wellness Centre 416-287-7065
- U of T Mississauga: Health & Counselling Centre 905-828-5255
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