Inlight is committed to actively engaging students in the co-design of research and knowledge translation activities that directly impacts them. This research approach ensures that students are equal partners in the co-creation of the direction, development, and execution of student mental health research.

This Call for Applications seeks students representing each of the three U of T campuses at any level of study, who are passionate about student mental health to join the Student Advisory Committee. This advisory body will support Inlight’s mandate and ensure the representation, prioritization, and engagement of diverse student voice in student mental health research and related activities across the University of Toronto.

Eligibility Requirements

Inlight Student Advisory Committee members are current U of T students during the 2026-2027 academic year in good academic standing‚ who are passionate about student mental health research. Members exemplify a diversity of expertise, which may include personal, professional, academic, or volunteer experience in mental health and/or mental health research.

All students bring meaningful lived experience through navigating the environments and expectations of postsecondary life. At Inlight, we value this broad range of perspectives, and we also aim to ensure that our advisory work includes students with specific lived experiences related to mental health and the systems that support student well-being. 

When we refer to this specific lived experience, we mean an experience that may include, but is not limited to: 

• Personal experience with mental health concerns or symptoms at any point during one’s academic journey 

• Experience accessing mental health supports, including university-based or community-based services 

• Experience with academic accommodations or disability-related services 

• Experience supporting peers and/or loved ones through formal or informal roles (e.g., peer support, advocacy, student leadership) 

These forms of specific lived experience are valued but not required, and all students are encouraged to apply. Applicants are not expected to disclose personal or sensitive information. Any experiences may be shared to the extent that feels comfortable. 

About the Student Advisory Committee

Term 

The official term of the Student Advisory Committee term runs from May to April, aligned with the academic year and spanning three semesters: Summer, Fall, and Winter. 

• Summer semester (May–August): Focuses primarily on onboarding, orientation, and relationship-building with the Inlight team and fellow advisors. 

• Fall semester (September–December) and Winter semester (January–April): These semesters include the majority of advisory activities, aligned with active research and knowledge mobilization projects. 

Activities 

The Advisory Committee will operate as a standing advisory network, with members engaged on an as-needed basis depending on project timelines and goals. Advisory activities may include:  

• Advising Inlight staff and Inlight-affiliated researchers on mental health research (e.g., study design, recruitment, interpretation of findings) 

• Supporting knowledge mobilization activities (e.g., reviewing materials, advising on dissemination approaches) 

• Organizing, planning and participating in Inlight initiatives related to student mental health and well-being (e.g., annual research symposium, campus events) 

Operating Model 

Meetings are convened as needed based on project requirements and student availability. To support meaningful collaboration, meetings will be held in person whenever possible, with hybrid options available for advisors who are unable to attend in person (particularly during the summer semester). 

Meeting frequency, format, and duration will be determined collaboratively, with attention to project needs and students’ academic and personal commitments. Typically, advisors attend one two-hour meeting each month. 

Advisory members will be recognized for their time and contributions through a stipend provided each semester of their term on the committee. 

Commitment  

Members can expect to spend an average of approximately three hours per month on advisory-related activities over the course of their term. In addition to regular monthly involvement, members will be expected to attend an in-person training and onboarding session (“Days of Collaboration”) at the start of their term. 

How to Apply

Applications may be submitted via this online form: https://uoft.me/sac26

The application form includes a brief section about you and area of study information, followed by four application questions about your interest in student mental health research, and personal or professional lived experiences. For long answer questions, there is no minimum word limit, and the maximum word limit is 250 words. Unless otherwise noted, all questions in the application are mandatory. Applicants may save and return later to complete their application, as long as the form is submitted before the deadline. 

After submitting the form, applicants will receive a link to an optional self-identification survey that is not associated or linked to their primary application. 

Note: With their permission, applicants not selected for the Student Advisory Committee will be added to a priority contact list for future engagement opportunities of this initiative. Any interested community member may also join the mailing list to receive updates on these opportunities. 

If you are interested in learning more about the activities of this program and future opportunities for engagement, please sign up for our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/fcd386d27772/student-signup 

If you have any questions about Inlight and the Student Advisory Committee, please contact our engagement team at studentmh.research@utoronto.ca. 

Inlight is an Institutional Strategic Initiative at the University of Toronto enhancing student mental health and wellness through world-class research, innovations, and applications, in collaboration with postsecondary students, institutions, and community partners.