Advocacy

We work together to support equity, diversity and inclusion - on and off campus

 
 

News We’re Proud to Share

We look to our Pillars of Success to make sure that every move we make will:

  • ENHANCE THE WELL-BEING OF SHERIDAN STUDENTS

  • CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT PROMOTES A VIEW OF THE WHOLE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

  • SUPPORT ACCESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO QUALITY EDUCATION

Our Strategic Plan helps us achieve our overall mission to create an exceptional student experience through student focused programs, services, clubs and events, but our work doesn’t stop there!

 
 

We work Together

We collaborate with student leaders and college partners on important initiatives

Featured
Sexual Health and Violence Support Committee
Sexual Health and Violence Support Committee

The Sexual Health and Violence Support Committee is a student-led committee that aims to bring awareness initiatives to Sheridan that can educate students on important sexual health and sexual violence topics in order to provide tools to create a safer, aware, and trauma-informed campus.

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Building Positive Space Committee
Building Positive Space Committee

Sheridan’s Building Positive Space Committee comprises students, staff and faculty from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies, who plan events and initiatives in support of #SheridanPride and advance inclusion at Sheridan for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

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Black History Steering Committee
Black History Steering Committee

The Black History Steering Committee is responsible for the planning, development and execution of activities and initiatives that support the celebration of Black History at Sheridan. Together, this committee is responsible for helping in the planning of initiatives and events throughout the year that empower Black Sheridan students, faculty and staff.

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SSU & CASA

SSU has proudly advocated joined the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) to continue our advocacy efforts on a federal level. CASA is non-partisan, not-for-profit national student organization composed of different student associations representing across Canada. Together, members of CASA advocate for a Canadian post-secondary education system that is accessible, affordable, innovative and of the highest quality. Discover more about the CASA here and read some student advocacy stories.

 
 

Ontario Student Voices (OSV) is committed to transforming Ontario's post-secondary system into one that promotes success, accessibility, affordability, and excellence for every student, both domestic and international. OSV is a vibrant, student-led not-for-profit organization focused on elevating the voices of Ontario’s college and polytechnic students.  They aim to elevate student voices to the provincial stage, ensuring they are heard and included in the decisions that shape their futures. By advocating for student needs and experiences, they are driving meaningful change and fostering a more equitable future for all.

 
 

Conferences & Student Advocacy

Featured
Travelling to Vancouver Made Me Feel Closer to Home
Travelling to Vancouver Made Me Feel Closer to Home

Will, one of your Clubs Coordinators, takes us with him as he recounts his trip to Vancouver for the COCA conference. What happens when the opportunity to travel and socialize with other student leaders comes up and everything goes better than you imagined? Learn more about how Will opened his eyes to things he didn’t think were possible.

My Journey to Vancouver: Planning Your SSU Events
My Journey to Vancouver: Planning Your SSU Events

Have you ever wondered how the SSU chooses performers to book for events that happen throughout the school year? Ritz, your VP of Engagement, shares her experience going to Vancouver and watching talent showcases to discover good entertainment for the Sheridan community to enjoy. Learn more about the educational sessions she attended and how she’ll do her best as your VP!

What It's Like to be an SSU Student Leader
What It's Like to be an SSU Student Leader

Have you ever wondered what the Sheridan Student Union does to support students? Follow Erin as she recounts her trip to Vancouver to attend the Canadian Organization of Campus Activities (COCA) conference and see how events like this bring insight and meaning to student leaders.

Our student leaders are a part of committees that provide feedback, inspire new ideas, and innovate new ways of advocating for Sheridan students.

 
 

WE TAKE ACTION

We amplify student voices and take action through student-focused advocacy

Our advocacy efforts, along with our success pillars, seek to enhance your #SheridanLife. Through our partnerships with various Sheridan College departments, committees, clubs and external organizations, we can show up for students in several ways. The Sheridan Student Union has created and put in place the Advocacy Policies to convey the values and priorities of the organization on a variety of subjects.

These are stances the SSU takes to provide a clearer, and more focused approach to the services and opportunities provided and created for students.

 
 

WE CELEBRATE & HONOUR you

We bring awareness to important issues and celebrate our diverse community.

As your Student Union, we build a sense of community through our initiatives and advocate for safe spaces on campus and online. Through our initiatives and events, Sheridan Student Union will continue to:

  • 8 DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS
    This series is focused on supporting all aspects of student health and well-being; a collection of YouTube videos, blog posts and resources are available help Sheridan students have a holistic approach to wellness.

    LEARN MORE

  • SHERIDAN LIFE RADIO
    We support SheridanLife Radio by amplifying student voices. SLR is a space for students to share their stories, create new worlds, and connect with students through the airwaves. Check out their podcasts, live shows and more.

    LEARN MORE

  • NEW HMC STUDENT CENTRE
    It’s almost time to reveal our new five-storey HMC Student Centre! We worked with students and community partners through the process to design a space that would provide Sheridan students with more ways to support their physical health, mental health and overall well-being.

    LEARN MORE

  • BEE HIVE SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT
    We’ve installed four beehives at our Trafalgar and Davis campuses, with the help of Sheridan alumni, Ted Parks of Teddy Bee Honey in July 2021. The Bee Hive Sustainability Project is a collaboration between Sheridan Alumni and the SSU. Find out how the project started and why we decided to bring bees on campus!

    LEARN MORE

    SHERIDAN STUDENT REFUGEE PROGRAM
    Did you know Sheridan College was the first College in Canada to welcome refugees? The Sheridan Student Refugee Program allows students from around the globe to have access to quality education, and supports each student throughout the journey to Canada and during their time settling into our community.

 
 

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Student governance is one of the primary ways we ensure our advocacy efforts are rooted in the current needs of all students. This year, the student-elected Board of Directors have approved five new scholarships, bursaries and awards; supported resources for Health Specialists; and found innovative ways of advocating for the whole student experience. You can also join us at our community events throughout the school year!

“Through my love and passion for law, I can advocate and represent students as their vice president and ensure that all students have access to justice and students are aware and knowledgeable of their rights and responsibilities.”

- Amalia Powell
VP of Advocacy & Community

Are you passionate about advocacy and looking for a way to make a difference in the Sheridan Life? Here are a few ways to get started:

  • NEW CLUBS AT SHERIDAN
    Are you looking for ways to feel connected at Sheridan and have an idea for a club you want to create? Sheridan Student Union supports students looking to start or join clubs, and many of our clubs advocate for social issues, diversity and inclusion. If you're thinking of starting a club at Sheridan, here are a few new and prospective clubs you may want to explore:

    1. LATINO ASSOCIATION

    2. 2SLGBTQIA+ CLUB

    3. UKRAINIAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION

    4. VIETNAMESE STUDENT ASSOCIATION

    5. ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS CLUB

    6. YOGA CLUB

    7. CREATIVE WRITING CLUB

  • SSU BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    The Sheridan Student Union is a student-led organization and we are governed by a student elected Board of Directors. Students are voted in by their peers to represent their interests, needs, and ideas within the SSU. They make up our Board of Directors and help advocate for student life and change on campus.

  • SUPPORT & SHARE IMPORTANT WORLD ISSUES
    Take some time to research social causes you’re passionate about and find petitions and organizations actively working towards creating change in our community and world. Share the petitions on social media and commit to the cause in real life. Together, we can make a difference. Here’s one pledge you can take to get started from White Ribbon :

    I pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about all forms of gender-based violence.

    TAKE THE PLEDGE

  • STUDENT LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
    Our student leaders work in various departments within the SSU to help create change and positively impact the Sheridan community.

    Advocacy can look different for everyone. Whether you get involved with the clubs' department or join the services team or accessible services, join our team and help enhance the Sheridan Life.

  • GET CREATIVE & SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
    Maybe you want to #SherYourStory or start a podcast with the SheridanLifeRadio? Or maybe you already have a blog or YouTube channel geared towards advocacy. Whether you decide to express yourself through words, art or sounds, using your voice can be a powerful step in creating change.

    Tune into the latest SheridanLife Radio podcasts and live shows for a little inspiration.

 
 

Student Voice & Advocacy

These students leaders are using their voice (or artwork) to make a difference

Featured
How To Advocate for Indigenous Students @ Sheridan
How To Advocate for Indigenous Students @ Sheridan

“I think one of the coolest things I learned during this event was that Chelsea was instrumental in advocating for the Centre of Indigenous Learning and Support at Davis. It’s still so inspiring to know that because of “the girl that didn’t take no for an answer,” current and future Sheridan students can now find solace and comfort here”.

National Coming Out Day 2021: More Than Just a Day
National Coming Out Day 2021: More Than Just a Day

“I don’t think National Coming Out Day should be about pressuring people out of the closet though, which unfortunately I’ve seen happen in the past. Everyone's story is different, and everyone is on a different point in their journey; sharing our experiences can helps us feel connected and inspired – and even if you don’t have a story to share yet, it doesn’t mean this day isn’t for you.”

Why I Decided To Join the Board of Directors- Rhema Javed
Why I Decided To Join the Board of Directors- Rhema Javed

One of the main things that attracted me to this role was the job description. It said something along the lines of "Do you have a drive to make a positive change for students on campus?" Helping the community is a big part of my program, and I thought what better way to start than with my college community.

Meet The Designer: Ri Beltran
Meet The Designer: Ri Beltran

Some designs are bold, others more abstract, but collectively, they all share an encouraging and empowering feel. Ri’s sticker designs celebrate being ace with beauty and grace. Check out Ri’s designs and look out for the sticker collection at our Swag shop! Proceeds will go directly to the student designers.

Meet The Designer: Apollo Avery
Meet The Designer: Apollo Avery

In celebration of #SheridanPride 2021, four talented Sheridan Animation students created their own unique design for our Pride sticker collection. When asked about this design, Apollo said “I based my sticker design around D&D because I find that the escapism aspect of the game resonates with many LGBT+ creators (including myself).”

Meet the Designer: Nicole Taylor
Meet the Designer: Nicole Taylor

In celebration of #SheridanPride 2021, four talented Sheridan Animation students created their own unique design for our Pride sticker collection. We are proud to share Nicole’s work with the Sheridan community and will continue to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community through advocacy, art, and student-led projects.

Meet the Designer: Selina Baek
Meet the Designer: Selina Baek

Selina’s sticker designs are full of empowering words and affirmations. We are proud to share Selina’s work with the Sheridan community and will continue to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community through advocacy, art, and student-led projects.

A Straw-Free Marquee
A Straw-Free Marquee

"I wanted to ignite real, sustainable change - not only within the organization - but on campus as well." Duaa shares her experience implementing a straw-free initiative to help eliminate waste with the SSU.