Student Help and Advocacy Centre
Summer 2026 –
Service operations are closed during the Summer Semester and have only remote hours – stay tuned for more info on when we reopen in the upcoming Fall Semester!
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
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! 💜💛
Meet our Coordinator, Isabela Ramirez! (She/Her) 💜
“Hey! I’m Isabela, a fourth year Political Science major with a minor in One Health. Outside of SHAC, I’m active in the Pre-Law and Poli-Sci Society. Some of my hobbies include reading, watching Formula One, doing ballet and listening to music. A fun fact about me is that I can speak three languages!”
Winter Office Hours
Tuesday: 9:30AM-2PM
Thursday: 9:30AM-2PM
Isabela can be contacted for assistant at [email protected]
Meet our second Assistant Coordinator, Ella Lake! (She/Her)💜
“My name is Ella Lake. I am in my fourth year of the Honours Justice and Legal Studies program at the University of Guelph, specializing in Business and Management with a minor in Project Management. I’m passionate about advocacy, student support, and legal education. I’m particularly interested in pursuing a career in corporate or contractual law. Outside of SHAC, I enjoy hiking, reading and baking!”
Winter Office Hours
Monday: 8:30AM-11AM
Wednesdays: 8:30AM-11AM
Ella can be contacted for assistance at: [email protected]
Meet our first Assistant Coordinator, Hope (She/They)! 💜
“Hi I’m Hope! I’m in my second/third year of a double honours major in Political Science & Theatre Studies.
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, & the Celtic Students Society.”
Winter Office Hours
Mondays: 11:30-2pm
Fridays: 10:30am-1:00pm
Hope can be contacted for assistance at: [email protected]
As we approach the new year it’s important to remember what to look out for when signing a lease.
If you’d like assistance understanding your tenant rights, lease, or any processes associated with off campus living, SHAC is here to help you!
Come stop by our office hours this week or send us an email.
Please note the SHAC team will be out of office for the winter break. Stay tuned for updates and more events coming in winter 2026. 💜⭐️
Are you a current tenant or looking to rent? Join us for our Tenancy Workshop with the Legal Clinic of Guelph and Wellington County!
🏡 During this event, you will learn more about your tenant rights, tips looking for housing, how to solve common issues and more. There will also be food provided!
Join us on November 5th from 6:30PM to 8:30PM at UC430 and become a super tenant!
👉 RVSP on Gryphlife and we can’t wait to see you!
