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!
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
Undergraduate Student Guide to Navigating Academic Misconduct Cases
Academic misconduct processes and hearings can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. This page is your one-stop resource for understanding academic misconduct procedures, your rights, and the supports available to you, so you can make informed decisions every step of the way.
If you have questions or would like support, reach out to your CSA Vice President Academic. They can help explain the process, connect you with relevant resources, and, where appropriate, attend meetings or hearings as your support person.
Remember: no question is too small. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll help point you in the right direction.
TODAY! Access virtual drop-in services with the Legal Clinic of Guelph & Wellington County. ⭐️✨
Every Monday during the semester from 1-4pm, drop-in to the legal clinic virtually using Zoom.
The Legal Clinic of Guelph & Wellington County can assist tenants with their housing matters, including:
• evictions
• maintenance
• tenant rights
• rental subsidies
• co-op housing
To access the Zoom link visit our site CSAonline.ca/shac
#Guelph #GuelphStudents #UoG #UniversityOfGuelph #GuelphHousing
Meet one of our ‘26-27 SHAC Assistant Coordinators, Ruth! ⭐️💜
“Hi, my name is Ruth. I am a first-year Master’s student in the Human Health Science department, and I’m very excited to join the SHAC team this year as an assistant. Outside of school, I like going for walks, trying new food spots, and watching movies.”
Ruth can be reached by email at [email protected] or in person during office hours! ✨
[I.D: A two toned purple striped background features a large white textbox reading “SHAC Service Team”. The rest of the textbox is filled with the same information from our caption. On the right side of the graphic is a circular shaped picture of the SHAC Assistant Coordinator. Ruth is a black person with black curly hair who is smiling. The SHAC logo is also featured on the bottom of the graphic, alongside text reading “CSAONLINE.CA/SHAC University Centre Room 235”.]
Meet one of our ‘26-27 SHAC Assistant Coordinators, Emmaline! ⭐️💜
“Hey! I’m Emmaline, a 2nd-year Criminal Justice & Public Policy student and an Assistant Coordinator with SHAC! Outside of SHAC, you can usually find me around campus at events or with RLS. I enjoy Formula 1, listening to music, and volunteering! I’m here to help with events, answer questions, provide referrals and housing/legal support, or simply be a friendly face to connect with on campus.”
Emmaline can be reached by email at [email protected] or in person during office hours! ✨
[I.D: A two toned purple striped background features a large white textbox reading “SHAC Service Team”. The rest of the textbox is filled with the same information from our caption. On the right side of the graphic is a circular shaped picture of the SHAC Assistant Coordinator. Emmaline is a mixed white and asian person with brown straight hair who is smiling. The SHAC logo is also featured on the bottom of the graphic, alongside text reading “CSAONLINE.CA/SHAC University Centre Room 235”.]
Meet our ‘26-27 SHAC Coordinator Hope! ⭐️💜
“Hi I’m Hope (she/they)! I’m in my 4th-year of a double honours major in Political Science & Theatre Studies. After working as an Assistant last year, I am excited to step into the role of SHAC Coordinator for the 2026/7 academic term. Outside of studying, I dance on University of Guelph’s Hip Hop Team (Atcha Crew). You might run into me on campus at Debate Club, in the Political Science Society, Kaleidoscope Magazine, or Theatre Students Federation.”
Hope can be reached by email at [email protected] or in person during office hours! ✨
[I.D: A two toned purple striped background features a large white textbox reading “SHAC Service Team”. The rest of the textbox is filled with the same information from our caption. On the right side of the graphic is a circular shaped picture of the SHAC Coordinator. Hope is a white person with brown curly hair who is smiling. The SHAC logo is also featured on the bottom of the graphic, alongside text reading “CSAONLINE.CA/SHAC University Centre Room 235”.]
FALL ‘26 Office Hours! 💜⭐️
Experiencing an issue related to academics, finances, housing/tenancy, human rights, or legal and university processes? You’re not alone! Come drop-in anytime during our office hours, or send us an email.
🌟Mondays*: 2:30pm-5:00pm
🌟Tuesdays: 8:30am-12:30pm
🌟Wednesdays: 11am-1:30pm
🌟Thursdays: 8:30am-11:00am
🌟Fridays: 9:30am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-3:30pm
SHAC is a student-run advocacy and referral center that provides a safe space for students to ask questions and get information. Referrals & advocacy services on walk-in or appointment basis. Areas of Expertise: academic, financial, housing / tenancy, human rights, legal, and university processes. Free legal clinic services once a week with a paralegal or articling student via office hours. (Fall & Winter semesters only).
**Every Monday from 1-4pm you can also access FREE virtual legal clinic drop-ins from our friends and partners at the Guelph Wellington Legal Clinic! @gwlegalclinic !
[I.D. A two toned purple striped background features a large text block with the information listed in the above caption. On the Top and bottom of the text block sits the SHAC logo as well as text reading “CSAONLINE.CA/SHAC University Centre Room 235”.]
ATTENTION GRYPHONS!! Monday, April 13th will be the last day to access Guelph Wellington Legal Clinic’s Zoom drop-in hours. Through their partnership with SHAC, the legal clinic provides free advice to students every Monday from 1:00pm-4:00pm.
To access this amazing service before the end of our semester, visit the CSA’s website. From here, click on “services” and select SHAC. Once redirected, a Zoom link can be found on the right hand side of the SHAC page!
Thank you again to @gwlegalclinic for everything you do!
As we head into the summer season, it’s important to know your rights as a worker! 💼☀️✅
If you have any questions navigating your employment rights, come stop by our office in UC 274 (directly across from the South elevators on the second floor) or send us an email. Always remember, SHAC has your back!
To learn more check out the awesome resources @cleolegalrights has to offer. 🤝
Hey Gryphons, don’t forget to print off your lease for our Hot Chocolate & Housing Help event TOMORROW! ⭐️
Join the Student Help and Advocacy Centre March 3rd from 9:00am – 2:00pm for some hot chocolate and housing help. Bring your lease, ask questions, and get clarity on your tenant rights— with a warm drink on us! ☕🏠
When: March 3rd 9:00am-2:00pm
Where: University of Guelph UC Courtyard
UPDATED TIMES FOR TOMORROW’S EVENT! ⭐️📝
Calling all students! Join the Student Help and Advocacy Centre March 3rd from 9:00am – 2:00pm for some hot chocolate and housing help. Bring your lease, ask questions, and get clarity on your tenant rights— with a warm drink on us! ☕🏠
When: March 3rd 9:00am – 2:00pm
Where: University of Guelph UC Courtyard
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Need help navigating tenancy? Join us for a tenancy workshop with the Legal Clinic of Guelph and Wellington County and Interhall Council!
During this event, students can learn about rental agreements, dealing with landlords and accessing legal resources. Whether you’re a current tenant or looking for housing, this workshop will give you all the tools you need to feel confident about your tenancy.
📆February 11, 2026
⏰6PM to 8PM
📍John Eccles Centre
Free food will be provided. We can’t wait to see you there!
It’s not too late to register for our Self-Defense Course in partnership with Gryphon Fitness & Recreation ( @gryphonsfitrec )! ⭐️💪
Boost your confidence & Gain knowledge of how to stay safe through the practice of useful skills!
Partake in this hands-on program, learning to evade & escape, strike with arms & hands, pinch, head butt, kick to lower legs, as well as fight from the ground and safely fall & roll.
You won’t want to miss this! Sign up now: *Registration ends Jan. 20, 2026. Link in our bio for more details.
Hey Gryphons, did you know about these resources? Check out these tips to help you have a wonderful winter semester & start your year off right! ❄️📚
1. Supported Learning Groups (SLGs) 🧠👍
– SLGs are free group study sessions led by upper-year undergraduate students.
– You can attend every week or drop in occasionally. SLGs are usually held in person in the library but are sometimes held virtually. Check the schedule for details
2. Plan Your Semester Workshops with Student Wellness 🗓️✔️
– Student Wellness Services is offering workshops throughout January for students registered with the Student Accessibility Centre (SAS), with the goals of Identifying key dates and deadlines in your courses, filling out your planner/calendar with all important dates for the semester, and tips & tricks to set yourself up for success!
– Please reach out to [email protected] with questions.
3. Student Wellness Counselling Services @uofg_wellness 🫂💬
– Student Wellness offers Same Day Drop-In Counselling service which provides 1:1 support, information, and referrals to students dealing with a variety of same-day, emerging or crisis situations.
– Student Wellness also offers additional drop-in counselling time slots for: Racialized Students, Graduate Students, or International & ELP Students
4. Academic Clubs 📚🤝
– Joining a club is a great way to enhance University life by engaging in fun activities, building your resume, or making new friends.
– Check out GryphLife’s list of clubs to find groups related to your field of study.
5. The Writing Centre @uglibrary 📝💻
– University of Guelph’s McLaughlin Library is home to the Writing Centre. Here, both students and faculty can seek support or attend workshops.
Don’t forget that SHAC is always here to help you navigate challenges that might arise.
– Our office is located at University Centre 274 (directly across from the South elevators on the second floor).
Have a good semester! 💜💛
