Word from the Dean

Kristen Boon

As we mark Black History Month (BHM) in February, we of course recognize and celebrate the leadership, commitment, and contributions of Black students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members who help shape our Faculty every day.  We also celebrate our community’s commitment to building a more inclusive legal profession in the near and far future.

I would like to draw particular attention to the resources and opportunities available to Black law students, as highlighted on our Black Applicants webpage. This page was created intentionally — to ensure that prospective Black students feel encouraged to apply and confident that they will be supported throughout their legal education. It reflects our commitment to a holistic admissions process, and to fostering an environment in which Black students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. From curriculum offerings engaging racial justice and critical race theory, to dedicated wellness, mentorship, counselling, and financial supports, these initiatives are designed to support student success as our Faculty strives to advance equity.

A very warm thank you to Vice Dean Pacifique Manirakiza who has been deeply involved in initiatives involving balck students and faculty. A specialist in international criminal law, and a full professor at the Faculty, he has taken on a leadership role in the Programme de common law en français (PCLF) and has been a member of the steering committee for an action plan on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility. He is also an active supporter of the Black Law Students’ Association, University of Ottawa Chapter (BLSA uOttawa). It is a pleasure to work with him as a member of the executive team, and he contributes an enormous amount to our community.

We are deeply grateful to Gladys Osien, LLB ’19, for her ongoing leadership as our Black Legal Mentor-in-Residence and Special Advisor to the Dean on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. In her work with the BLSA uOttawa, Gladys has provided mentorship, guidance, and support to students, while also working with administrators to better understand the lived realities and experiences of Black students. She has been an integral part of a recent Faculty strategic planning process which includes objectives for equity, diversity, and inclusion.  

Gladys is an active and influential voice at our leadership table, and her contributions continue to strengthen our community.   She was a special guest at the BHM Speed Networking event on February 5, a unique opportunity for students to connect with Black professionals, hear their stories, and build relationships.

Advancing equity through innovation has been a central priority of my deanship. I am thrilled to recognize Garrick Apollon, LLB ‘03, Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, whose entrepreneurship clinic is transforming how we train future lawyers to work with small businesses and local entrepreneurs. As the founding director of the Norton Rose Fulbright Entrepreneurship and Innovation Legal Clinic, Apollon leads an initiative that provides legal support to Indigenous, Black and social entrepreneurs across Canada. 

On February 24, Professor Apollon will be hosting a Black History Month CPD cinema event featuring Our Children, Our Future: The Legacy of Principal Thando Hyman. This original documentary by Professor Apollon chronicles the remarkable journey of Principal Thando Hyman, a prominent Black school principal in Toronto who dedicated her life to transforming the education system and confronting anti-Black racism. 

We also want to acknowledge the important work and leadership of BLSA uOttawa and particularly its Co-Presidents, Daniella Chukwu and Grace Tsegakele. The Ottawa chapter fosters community through social events, collaborations with other Black student groups, and initiatives that promote awareness and education about racism and discrimination within the legal system. Their work reminds us that future lawyers are also future leaders and agents of change. BLSA uOttawa is hosting two excellent events this month:

Beyond the Faculty, the University of Ottawa is hosting a wide range of events throughout Black History Month, from watch parties and speed networking to comic book clubs. I encourage you to explore the Black History Month Events Calendar and participate in these opportunities for learning, connection, and celebration.

Upcoming Events

February 23, 2026 | The Centre for Law, Technology and Society - Chilling Effects: Repression, Conformity, and Power in the Digital Age
11:30 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. | FTX 147A | Event in English | Registration required | Target : All

February 23, 2026 | International Commercial and Trade Law Student's Association - Trade Law Career Panel: Discussion on Trade Law Careers in a Shifting World
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | FTX 416 | Bilingual Event | Registration Required | Target : All

February 24, 2026 | Entrepreneurship Hub Documentary Screening - Our Children, Our Future: The Legacy of Principal Thando Hyman.
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | DMS 4101 | Event in English | Registration Required | Target : All

February 25, 2026 | ILSG - Beyond Recognition: Canada’s Legal Duties Under UNDRIP and UNDA Panel
11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. | FTX 147 | Event in English | Register in the Source 

Medical assistance in dying in Canada: Provincial and Indigenous trends & human rights perspectives
11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. | FTX 302 + Zoom | Event in English | Registration required

Conway Professionalism Speaker Series - opportunities.
4:30 a.m. –  6:00 p.m. | FTX 147 | Event in English | Registration required

February 26, 2026  | Community Beading Circle 
10:00 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. | FTX 316 | Bilingual Event | Drop-in 

February 26, 2026 | Career Development Centre - Summer Plans Drop-In (Fellowships, Student Proposed Internships, Job Search)
11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. | FTX 230 | Bilingual Event | Drop-In | Target : All

February 26, 2026 | Career Development Centre - Thrifting Thursdays
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | BRS 435 | Bilingual Event | Drop-In | Target : All

February 26, 2026 | Black Law Student Association - Open Mic Night
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | LIVE! on Elgin | Bilingual Event | Register on the source | Target : All

March 4, 2026 | Law Practice Program information session - Pathway to the Lawyer Licensing process in Ontario
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Virtual (Zoom) | Event in French | Registration required

Please visit the webpage for more Upcoming Events.

Important dates and deadlines

  • Feb. 2 – Apr. 15, 2026 | Winter courses
  • Feb. 17, 2026 | Last day to 
    withdraw from a course or an activity and receive a financial credit
  • Mar. 2 – Mar. 6, 2026 | Reading Week

  • Mar. 11, 2026 | Career Connections

  • Mar. 20, 2026 | Last day to withdraw from a course or an activity (no financial credit)

  • Mar. 26, 2026 | Course Fair for English courses

  • Apr. 3 – Apr. 6, 2026 | Easter break

  • Apr. 3, 2026 | Good Friday, classes cancelled (statutory holiday)

  • Apr. 7, 2026 | Last day to submit an option form (signed by the option coordinator) to the Student Centre

  • Apr. 14, 2026 | Make-up classes for Friday, April 3 (Friday schedule applies, CLAW courses only)

  • Apr. 15, 2026 | Make-up classes for Monday, February 16 (Monday schedule applies, CLAW courses only)

  • Apr. 16, 2026 | CLAW Study Break

     Please visit the webpage for more Important dates and deadlines.

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