We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Search the:

Apply Donate Crisis Centre

University mourns death of student

November 15, 2018

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology mourns the death of Rhyss Glenfield, a first-year student in the Faculty of Business and Information Technology.

Yesterday, tragedy struck one of our own family. Rhyss was crossing the Simcoe Street and Conlin Road intersection when he was struck by a vehicle. We understand that other students and staff rushed to his aid, doing all that they could. The tragic death of a young student hits our community very hard and we are all shocked and deeply saddened. It is at these times when our campus community rallies together to support Rhyss’ family and friends, as well as each other. We must also support the members of our community who were intimately involved and are dealing with emotional trauma. Reach out for help. We are here for you. There is nothing more important than your mental and physical health.

In the meantime, I would like to invite all community members to a vigil in Rhyss’ honour this evening (Thursday) at the Simcoe Street and Conlin Road intersection at 5:15 p.m.

We will lower our flags to half-mast in Rhyss’ memory.

Please remember we are here to help, and there are a number of counselling services and other supports available to assist you. If you need assistance, I encourage you to reach out to one of the services listed below.

Students:

Student Mental Health Services: 905.721.3392 or studentlifeline@uoit.ca
Good2Talk Helpline (24/7): 1.866.925.5454
Students in need of assistance can also drop by the Student Life Office located at the Student Life Building, Room 45 at any time.

Faculty and staff:

An on-site counsellor from Morneau Shepell will be available beginning now until 7 p.m. today for drop-in appointments at the Student Life Office located the Student Life Building, Room 45.
Employee and Family Assistance Program: 1.844.880.9142 or 1.877.338.0275 (TTY service).

Sincerely,
Steven

Dr. Steven Murphy
President and Vice-Chancellor

Last night, the university came together to honour Rhyss Glenfield. Thank you to the students, faculty, and staff who demonstrated that our community is one that cares and is stronger for coming together.

More news

Sallie and Bob Baun attending a Donor Appreciation Reception at Windfields Farm (June 19, 2014).

Ontario Tech mourns the passing of Bob Baun, hockey legend, honorary doctorate recipient and longtime university supporter

image of the signing of the memorandum of understanding between kinectrics and ontario tech university.

Kinectrics Inc. and Ontario Tech University establish partnership to advance nuclear research and innovation

Spending summer vacation competing on the international stage: Ontario Tech students representing Canada at a World Championship event

image of Ontario Tech researcher Dr. Carolyn McGregor talks to elementary students at Australia's Baulkham Hills North Public School.

Ontario Tech researcher inspires young students during visit to her former elementary school in Australia