Dear U of T community,
It is with a heavy heart that I share a copy of an email that I sent on Jan. 7, together with Principal Linda Johnston, to our UTSC community.
While this incident occurred at our Scarborough Campus, I recognize that it is a matter of concern for many across our tri-campus community.
Melanie A. Woodin
President, University of Toronto
__________________________
From: UTSC Principal <principal.utsc@utoronto.ca>
Date: January 7, 2026 at 3:48:24 PM EST
To: UTSC Principal <principal.utsc@utoronto.ca>
Subject: A message from President Melanie Woodin and Principal Linda Johnston
Dear UTSC community,
This morning Toronto Police Service (TPS) advised that an arrest has been made in the death of Shivank Avasthi, a third-year undergraduate student at UTSC, and the individual is in custody.
We know that today’s TPS update may be unsettling. We are personally heartbroken and know many of you may be feeling a range of emotions in the wake of this senseless violence. We want to assure you that supports are available, including mental health supports (please see below). Our Campus Safety staff are available 24/7 to assist students, staff, faculty and librarians. We encourage you to make use of safety resources, including Travel Safer (a walk-safe campus escort service), UTSC’s Lone Worker program and mobile Bluelight. More information can be found on the UTSC Campus Safety page or via the Campus Safety mobile app. Please download the Campus Safety app and the UTAlert app.
As members of our community grieve, a book of condolence will be available to express sorrow and share memories of Shivank, and other commemorations will be communicated in the near future.
We want to thank our Campus Safety teams and TPS for their dedicated efforts in making an arrest and, recognizing the impact on our community, providing ongoing additional presence on campus. We are continuing with increased patrols on the UTSC campus and in the Highland Creek Valley.
Any additional measures that may be forthcoming will be communicated by the relevant campus offices.
Supports:
For everyone:
Campus Safety staff are available on-campus 24/7. For non-emergency supports please call 416-287-7398 (non-emergency number).
In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or call Campus Safety at 416-978-2222 (emergency number).
In the event of a mental health crisis, call, or text the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8.
For students:
U of T Telus Health Student Support provides all UTSC students free immediate and/or ongoing confidential 24/7 counselling support in over 146 languages via call or chat.
A comprehensive list of mental health services and resources for UTSC students can be found here.
For faculty/staff/librarians:
U of T employees (who participate in the University’s group benefits program) can access short-term counselling through the Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP). This free, immediate, and confidential service is available by phone, web, or mobile app 24 hours per day.
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO SCARBOROUGH
Office of the Vice-President and Principal
Arts & Administration Bldg, Room AA 421
1265 Military Trail,
Toronto, Ontario, M1C 1A4
Canada
www.utsc.utoronto.ca