Student Help and Advocacy Centre

Welcome to the Student Help and Advocacy Centre (SHAC)! We are a student-run advocacy and referral centre here to provide you with a confidential and inclusive space for students to ask questions and get information.

We offer a variety of support in areas including academic guidance, housing/tenancy, legal aid, human rights, and financial assistance. Our services are tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients. If you have any questions or need support, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Office Hours Fall 2024

Dani, SHAC Coordinator
shac@uoguelph.ca
Monday: 8:30AM — 12:00PM
Wednesday: 8:30AM — 12:00PM
Friday: 12:00PM — 2:00PM

Isabela, SHAC Assistant Coordinator
shachelp01@uoguelph.ca
Tuesday: 12:00PM — 2:00PM
Thursday: 12:00PM — 2:00PM

Ella, SHAC Assistant Coordinator
shachelp02@uoguelph.ca
Tuesday: 10:00AM — 12:00PM
Wednesday: 1:00PM — 3:00PM

FREE Legal Drop-in with the Legal Clinic of Guelph and Wellington County
Mondays: 1:00 — 4:00PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86944522464
Meeting ID: 869 4452 2464 Passcode: 570977

Areas of Focus

Academic

Academic guidance in understanding your rights and responsibilities
Assistance in addressing academic misconduct and the appeal process
Options for accommodation and conflict resolution for your concerns
Navigating course admissions, adding/dropping courses
Referrals to ideal academic services and resources

Housing & Tenancy

Tenancy workshops and support around the Residential Tenancies Act
Providing lease reviews
Offering legal information about conflicts with landlords/roommates, evictions, and rent increases, to navigate these situations and understand your rights
Housing & Tenancy Workshops
Referrals to housing/tenancy-related supports such as Off-Campus Living so you can make informed decisions

Legal

Free legal aid via professional office hours held during the fall and winter semester
Legal information on tenancy, employment, human rights, changing legal name and gender identity, and preparing for judicial hearings
Referrals to off-campus legal resources, to connect you with the support you need to resolve legal issues

Human Rights

Explanation of the Human Rights Code, Constitution, and Charter of Rights
Explanation of the Employment Equity Act, to understand your rights in the workplace
Support for instances of discrimination and navigating processes
Legal Information and support for human rights related issues
Assistance in legal name and/or gender identity change
Referrals to professional services and resources in the area of human rights

Financial

Review student-led club partnership agreements and sponsorship contracts
Assistance in scholarship and OSAP applications
Post-graduate work permit & work study permit information
Offering referrals for employment issues such as constructive dismissal and medical leave

Give Us Feedback

If you have used our SHAC services, we would appreciate hearing any feedback you might have. If you have any questions, please contact shac@uoguelph.ca for more information.
Give Us Feedback