Work with us to ensure the sustainability of BPMH

protectbpmh

Sign Our Petition: Why this petition matters

by peerstogether
on Dec 11
We wish to express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the proposed closure of the Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health (BPMH) program at the University of Toronto. As current students in classes and alumnae of the BPMH program, we have personally experienced the invaluable benefits and unique opportunities that this program provides its students.
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Students request continuation of courses

by peerstogether
on Dec 11
To: New College Principal Bob Gazzale, New College Vice Principal Alexandra Guerson, […]
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How to enroll in the BPMH minor

by peerstogether
on Sep 18
As students know, the BPMH program is a wildly popular minor in […]
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March 27 Meeting Minutes

by peerstogether
on Apr 3
We note that only an hour was scheduled for this meeting, and Professors Boyagoda and Eyoh spoke for over 40% of the time. At the beginning of the meeting, students asked for recording so other students could participate, but again this was denied. We have therefore prepared these minutes with as much detail as possible.
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Feb 12, 2024 Meeting Minutes, with responses and further questions

by peerstogether
on Feb 28
The following Minutes are organized under five topic headings that we formulate as questions or concerns arising from the information shared by Professors Eyoh and Boyagoda at the Feb 12 meeting. In these Minutes, we summarize our notes from the meeting. Where relevant, we have consulted with program faculty to confirm facts about the program. We include these faculty responses after our own meeting notes.
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Program Support Dossier

by peerstogether
on Feb 2
Created in response to the November 2023 administrative recommendation to close the BPMH program, the Dossier contains 77 letters of support from current and past BPMH students, plus letters of support from 42 local and international scientists, scholars, and community members.
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What Students Are Saying

This program was what got me excited about attending U of T.

It was refreshing to see a big Western university putting value on intersectional knowledge that is not centered around the Western world, and that encouraged diverse discussion of mental health that values community kindness and inclusion.

Jackie

BPMH student

As a U of T alum and now grad student in clinical psychology, I can say that the courses and instruction offered through New College were formative not just to my career but to my identity.

I saw it as a remarkable home for passionate, wise instructors.

I can think of so many friends and colleagues who have described their time with these courses as nothing short of life-changing.

James

Program alum

BPMH is part of why I have chosen UofT…. It is not only an academic program; it plays a role in helping students, the wider community and even global mental health.

U of T, as a leading university, should care about something like this.

Sophia

Program student

The BPMH program is a very unique offering, compared to what’s available here at the University of Toronto and at many other institutions.

Given that research and academia is heading towards greater interdisciplinary collaboration, this program is positioned for growth and success in the evolving landscape of education.

I know that I am not alone when I say that the BPMH program is central to my undergraduate plans.

Program student

Opportunities to harmonize academic knowledge with practical applications for living a fulfilling life are rare within the university milieu. This program stands as a beacon of such balance, offering a unique space where academic rigor met with practical wisdom.

It is an oasis for those of us seeking not just knowledge, but transformation.

The program’s value cannot be overstated—it is indeed a diamond in the rough, one that must be preserved for the enrichment it brings to its students and the broader community.

Program student

BPMH program equips students with the skills necessary to conduct meaningful, rigorous, and ethical scientific inquiry that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries.

This program and its faculty stand as an exemplar for fostering a sense of responsibility in the ethical and rigorous pursuit and application of knowledge.

Program student
What is PATH?

We travel together and connected

In Fall 2022, a team of students and professors in the Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health program started a peer support network for our student community. We develop and implement plans for mental health and well-being support, and receive and share training in peer support strategies.

Portfolio of Student Work

Our PATH network platforms student art and creative work from Speak-Listen-Live and other course projects