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Fiona Rawle, associate dean, undergraduate at the University of Toronto Mississauga, has received  for her extraordinary contributions to the COVID-19 response in Ontario.

“The University of Toronto congratulates Fiona Rawle, on this important recognition,” said Professor Christine Allen, U of T’s associate vice-president and vice-provost, strategic initiatives. “In the early weeks of the pandemic, she asked faculty and students on social media how they could better help each other – and then collaborated with colleagues Ann Gagne and Simone Laughton to help faculty and librarians share their experiences and advice. She designed and led a series of virtual sessions on remote learning for faculty, staff and teaching assistants.

“Her creativity and determination to help students learn and thrive has had a real impact.”

Rawle, who is also an associate professor, teaching stream, in the department of biology at U of T Mississauga, said everyone is under more stress than usual these days and “if ever there was a time for a pedagogy of kindness, it’s now.

“I’m truly honoured to receive this recognition,” Rawle said. “But I want to point out that I’m part of a broader community of faculty and staff that are so dedicated to giving students meaningful learning experiences.

“The wonderful thing about UTM is our community – it is truly supportive and collaborative.”