Support at RC
Hello once again, it’s Natiela and Raghib bringing you more information before the big day–the Black Student Leadership Conference. Today, we wanted to give you a taste of what offerings UofT and Rotman Commerce have to support you as a student!
As a Black student in Rotman Commerce, I’ve found an invaluable support system through Black Rotman Commerce (BRC). Many clubs at RC focus on specific interests like finance or accounting, but BRC is dedicated to fostering community, mentorship, and professional growth for Black students across all fields. Through BRC, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with Black professionals and alumni across various industries, gain mentorship, and build a network of peers who understand the unique experiences of Black students in business.
BRC hosts our flagship event every January, the Black Career Conference (BCC), which we just ran for the seventh year. The BCC was created for students and graduates from all different fields, bringing together corporate sponsors, Black professionals, and industry leaders to provide career insights, networking opportunities, and mentorship. The event features panel discussions, keynote speakers, and recruitment opportunities, all aimed at empowering Black students as they navigate their career paths. Over the years, BCC has grown into a highly anticipated event, fostering meaningful connections and opening doors for Black talent in various industries. If you are interested in attending, stay tuned by following our Instagram: blackrotmancommerce, for our conference next year!
Beyond BRC, the University of Toronto offers a variety of Black-focused organizations that provide academic, social, and professional support. The Black Student Association (BSA) and Black Hub bring together Black students across faculties, while culturally specific groups like the Nigerian Students’ Association, Eastern Africa Students’ Association, and Caribbean Studies Students’ Union (CARSSU) celebrate heritage and build community. For those seeking academic and career-focused support, Black STEM Network (BSN), Black Law Students Association (BLSA), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and many more offer mentorship, networking, and industry resources tailored to Black students in various fields. These organizations help foster a sense of belonging and ensure that Black students have the opportunities they need to thrive. To explore more Black student clubs and associations, check out this link to a list of clubs.
You might be wondering, who should I go to if I have questions about my academics, career, or life as a whole? Your college registrar can help you out with all sorts of general inquiries, and many have staff that are trained to provide learned guidance to BIPOC students. If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, or just think you need someone to talk to, Rotman Commerce has its own dedicated mental health counselor that students can book an appointment with.
Requiring financial support is a perfectly common aspect of education to many Canadian students. UofT and Rotman Commerce fully embrace this with our many financial support services. If you’ve applied to OSAP and fear that the grant/loan money won’t fully cover your tuition, you can apply to UTAPS; a UofT exclusive financial aid program that gives grants to fill any gaps left by OSAP. Beyond this, we have a massive network of scholarships to apply to including ones available to all Arts and Science students, college-based scholarships, Rotman Commerce exclusive scholarships, and even scholarships that are targetted towards BIPOC students. Definitely worth checking out!
125 St. George Street, home to many RC services!
Rotman Commerce continues to make strides towards creating a learning environment that’s catered to all, and we hope that you find all the support you need here. It’s been a pleasure getting to check up with you in anticipation for the Black Student Leadership Conference on March 12th. Stay tuned, as next week, we’ll talk specifically about why you should attend the BSLC!
