Exams

For the first time, Robarts Library offers child-minding pilot during fall exams

geoff.vendeville — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 19:50:07 +0000

For the first time, Robarts Library offers child-minding pilot during fall exams

geoff.vendeville Wed, 10/30/2019 - 15:50

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Chelsea Chen, who was pursuing an English teaching certificate, visits the new family study space with her kids, London and Chloe, in 2018 (photo by Geoffrey Vendeville)

Geoffrey Vendeville

Topic

Our Community

Student Experience

Exams

Graduate Students

Robarts

U of T Libraries

Undergraduate Students

To help student-parents get some quiet study time during the fall exam season, Robarts Library is offering students with young children up to four hours of free child-minding at the library’s family study space over two weekends in November.

Student-parents can register for the child-minding pilot by email to drop off their kids aged 12 and under on Nov. 16, 17, 23 and 24 between 1 and 5 p.m.

The pilot is a first for University of Toronto Libraries, which created the family study space last year.

User Services Librarian Kyla Everall says research done before the creation of the special study area showed how much stress student-parents face.

“They’re busy with their classes. They’re busy with their family responsibilities and possibly also working on the side,” she said.

“And child care is extremely expensive in Toronto.”

The family study space on the ninth floor of the stacks is equipped with desktop workstations for adults and a chalkboard, child-sized furniture and range of toys for kids. Two child-minders from U of T’s Early Learning Centre, a licensed child-care facility, will provide supervision.

The libraries partnered with U of T’s Family Care Office on the pilot. A T-card is required to access the stacks.

Interested students can learn more online and are required to register by emailing libraryhelp@utoronto.ca.

Nine tips to manage your nerves during U of T exam season

geoff.vendeville — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 19:01:08 +0000

Nine tips to manage your nerves during U of T exam season

geoff.vendeville Fri, 04/12/2019 - 15:01

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(photo by Stephen Dagg)

Geoffrey Vendeville

Topic

Our Community

Health & Wellness Centre

English

Exams

Faculty of Arts & Science

Faculty of Information

Undergraduate Students

Women and Gender Studies

After weeks of assignments, group projects and everything else, they’re here: finals. They are the last hurdle before summer and can often induce anxiety that hinders performance.

So what can students do to keep a cool head during the exam period and give it their best?

While different methods work for different people, U of T News asked a psychology professor, master's student and registered nurse at U of T for their tips. Zindel Segal is in the psychology department at U of T Scarborough and specializes in psychotherapy and mindfulness, while Danielle Lum is doing a master's in information studies after graduating from U of T in English and women and gender studies. She’s also a senior researcher at the Innovation Hub in the division of Student Life. Elsa Kiosses is a health promotion nurse at U of T Scarborough.

Here are their tips:

1. Find your stress signature: There’s no way around it: exams are stressful. But each person experiences and copes with stress differently. The first step is to identify your own stress symptoms, which Segals calls a “personal stress signature,” so you can respond appropriately.

Do exams make you distracted? Lose sleep? Worry? “You move from the recognition that you’re living in a stressful ecosystem to the personal signature of stress in your mind and body,” he says. “Once you have that, then you can start taking action.”

2. Self-care is key: At exam time, a little kindness to yourself goes a long way, Segal says. “This attitude of ‘Be stoic, push through it, what's the big deal?’ – that isn’t helpful,” he says. If exams make you restless, try going for a half-hour walk around campus or in nature, he says. For others, it may help to listen to relaxation or mindfulness meditation practices for 20 or 30 minutes.

3. Hug your animal: When the going got tough in exam season, Lum sought out some furry companionship. She took out her dogs Rosie and Sully, a mixed-breed rescue dog and a Doberman, or she cuddled her cat Amigo. Those who don’t live with animals can catch Bella the long-eared therapy dog on certain days at Gerstein library, and therapy dogs make occasional visits to other spots on campus, too. One study suggests therapy dogs reduce levels of cortisol, the biological marker of stress.

Students play with Bella the therapy dog’s ears at Gerstein library (photo by Geoffrey Vendeville)

4. A chunk of wisdom: Instead of studying non-stop, Lum broke up her time into two- or three- hour chunks, with time to decompress in between. She worked backwards from each exam date to plan her study time, prioritizing earlier exams and those in subjects that she felt were harder.

Although some students cram in the hallways before an exam, that never worked for Lum. “I tend to listen to music and try to chill out and not be too overwhelmed,” she says.

5. Surround yourself with healthy snacks: While studying, it’s tempting to grab food on the go to maximize your time in the library. Kiosses, at the Health & Wellness Centre at U of T Scarborough, suggests keeping healthy snacks on hand. “Try brain foods such as multi-grain crackers, fruits, nuts, veggies and milk,” she says.

6. Get some shut eye: While Lum admits it was difficult to find the time to sleep as much she was used to during exams, she rarely went with less than six hours. She’s pulled all-nighters to finish assignments, but not to study for a test. “What I’m able to retain over a period of cramming doesn’t make up for the deficit of writing an exam on little sleep,” she says.

7. During the exam, pause and breathe: Even hours upon hours of studying won’t prepare you for every question you might face on an exam. If a question throws you for a loop, it’s natural to worry. But try not to panic. “The mind is getting over-heated, and that’s not going to help you,” Segal says.

“What’s possible in those moments is to step back from the mind and focus on sensations and being in the moment,” he adds. “For example, feeling the pressure in the soles of your feet as you press into the floor, feel the weight of your body in your chair. Maybe take four conscious in breaths and four conscious out breaths.”

8. If you didn’t do well, ask why – and learn from it: If the exam didn’t go your way, look back on what went wrong, Segal says. Talk to classmates, a TA or your professor to understand what happened and don’t be too hard on yourself. “If the Leafs get turfed out of the playoffs in the first round, some people might say that’s really bad,” he says. “But a good coach would say that this is a learning experience for a young team and we’re going to do better next year.”

9. Celebrate your achievements: Whenever you reach an important milestone, take the time to pat yourself on the back before taking up the next challenge, Kiosses says. “Take the time to enjoy the feeling when you are getting through each task, exam, assignment and feel good about yourself,” she says. “Positive thinking can positively impact your motivation and performance.”

Want more advice? Learn how to bring your A-game to exams with tips from U of T sports psychologist Katherine Tamminen

Feeling distressed? Find someone to talk to right now – and if there is an immediate risk, call 911.

The following are some of the mental health services available to students on all three campuses:

Downtown Toronto: Health and Wellness Centre (416-978-8030), located at Koffler Student Services

U of T Scarborough: Health & Wellness Centre 416-287-7065

U of T Mississauga: Health & Counselling Centre 905-828-5255

Round-the-clock support

Free 24/7 support is available outside the university. Students, staff and faculty can speak to a trained crisis worker at any hour of the day.

Good 2 Talk 1-866-925-5454

Gerstein Crisis Centre 416-929-5200

Distress Centres of Greater Toronto 416-408-HELP (4357)

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at 250 College Street

Anishnawbe Health Toronto Mental Health Crisis Line 416-360-0486

My SSP for U of T Students 1-844-451-9700. Immediate support is available in 35 languages and ongoing support in 146 languages.

Appointed faculty and staff have access to the Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP), offered through Homewood Health, online and by phone at 1-800-663-1142.

Phew! U of T student made her final, thanks commuters who helped during TTC delay

geoff.vendeville — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 20:12:14 +0000

Phew! U of T student made her final, thanks commuters who helped during TTC delay

geoff.vendeville Tue, 04/25/2017 - 16:12

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Despite the TTC delay that almost made her miss her sociology final, A. Zhang reached the exam room and was able to write the exam (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Geoffrey Vendeville

Author legacy

Geoffrey Vendeville

Topic

Our Community

Students

Undergraduate Students

Faculty of Arts & Science

Subheadline

"Toronto is a much kinder place than any other large city I’ve travelled to"

A. Zhang has a habit of arriving early for everything – which made getting stuck on the TTC the morning of an important exam all the more stressful.

The first-year undergraduate shared her story after U of T News published an article about the strangers who helped her reach the exam room in the nick of time last week.

Zhang was travelling on the Bloor-Danforth Line on the way to a 9 a.m. sociology final on McCaul Street on Friday. Then, the subway stalled.

“For me, it’s ironic because I’m always early to everything so the one time I’m late for something, it has to be my exam, and I have to almost miss it,” she said.

A 24-minute delay was caused by a suspicious package found at the Bloor-Yonge Station, which turned out to be a false alarm, according to TTC spokesperson Stuart Green.

Zhang – stuck somewhere underground with minutes to go before her peers would receive their exam booklets – understandably lost her cool.

“There was a lady sitting (nearby), and she noticed that I was crying,” Zhang recalled. “Six or seven people around her were talking to me, asking me what was wrong, comforting me.”

“Another ”lady offered me a tissue, which was really kind of her.

Finally a woman with a British accent – Zhang didn't catch her name – offered to pay for an Uber from Chester Station. But by the time they exited, the estimated wait time was 20 minutes and Zhang had none to spare.

By then the subway was back up and running so the stranger guided Zhang through the mob in the station and “squished” her onto an overcrowded train.

From St. George Station, she ran to the exam hall and arrived at 9:30.

“When I got there my TA was super friendly,” she said. “He said, ‘You made it!’ and for some reason that triggered me, and I burst into tears.”

She was able to write the exam on the spot, she said. The final, she added, was worth 35 per cent of her final mark – not 50 per cent as U of T News reported last week based on an interview with a commuter.

In hindsight, Zhang says she wasn't entirely surprised by the outpouring of support she received.

“I personally think Toronto is a much kinder place than any other large city I’ve travelled to,” she said. “A lot of people say there’s a kind of distance in Torontonians, but I think it’s more politeness.”

Late for an exam? Here's what to do:

Sandy Welsh, vice-provost of students, offered some general advice for students across all three campuses.

“If you are late, go to the exam location to learn about your options. If you have missed the exam entirely, go to your registrar's office as soon as possible,” Welsh said.

“It is not the end of the world – but I understand it may feel this way in the moment.”

The silver lining to Zhang's story, Welsh said, was that it's a “reminder that our city is filled with caring people.”

“It is heartwarming that people, who were also delayed, took the time to help reassure the student and help get her to her exam,” she said. “I went home on Friday a proud Torontonian and happy that our city is looking out for our students as well.”

For students in the Faculty of Arts & Science at the downtown Toronto campus, Deborah Robinson, the faculty registrar and director of undergraduate academic services, said they can still write the exam if they are under 20 minutes late, although they won't get more time. If they miss the final, they can petition to write a deferred exam.

“If a student doesn’t have a history of having previously requested a deferred exam because of a timetable misread or some other issue, the petition is usually granted,” she explained.

“If something does go wrong – if you get sick the day before the exam, for example, or if your alarm doesn’t go off – remember that there are people here ready to help and support you.”

More exam season tips from Donald Boere, assistant principal and registrar at U of T's Innis College

Information for U of T Scarborough students

Information for U of T Mississauga students

After TTC delay, passengers rally to help student get to final exam

geoff.vendeville — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 17:53:34 +0000

After TTC delay, passengers rally to help student get to final exam

geoff.vendeville Fri, 04/21/2017 - 13:53

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A stranger put a U of T student in an Uber so that she would get to her final exam on time, according to a commuter (photo by Chris Tyler via Flickr)

Geoffrey Vendeville

Author legacy

Geoffrey Vendeville

Topic

Subheadline

“TTC delays bring out ugliness in people but on this morning, compassion and care won out”

A U of T student – late for a final exam – benefited from the kindness of strangers on the TTC on Friday, a commuter told U of T News.

Ana Laing said the subway had stalled around 8:30 a.m. on the Bloor-Danforth Line when she noticed a young woman in tears.

Passengers stopped their grumbling to ask the woman what was wrong, Laing said.

“She lets us know that this delay was going to make her late for an exam that was worth 50 per cent (of her grade) – she was obviously distraught,” Laing remembered.

The student who said she went to U of T didn't give her name or the name of her course, Laing said.

One person offered the student a tissue, while others offered sympathy. And as the train pulled into Chester Station, another woman offered pay for an Uber to take the student to class, Laing said.

“A few of us clapped, and later wished we could learn if she ever made it,” Laing said.

Find out what happened to the student

“Everyone who was involved wished each other good day, and suddenly the TTC delay wasn't so bad.”

What to do if you're late for an exam

If the TTC or the forces of nature are conspiring against your academic success, don't panic – there is hope.

Information for U of T Scarborough students

Information for U of T Mississauga students

For students on the downtown Toronto campus, college and faculty registrars offer advice.

“If you're late for your exam for whatever reason... go to the exam hall anyway,” says Donald Boere, assistant principal and registrar at U of T's Innis College. “Someone there will be able to explain what your options are.

“You may be able to write the exam on the spot, write it somewhere else, write it later,” he added. “If you have missed your exam entirely, go straight to your registrar's office, and they can give you some options.”

U of T students can beat stress one bead at a time

ullahnor — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 21:01:18 +0000

U of T students can beat stress one bead at a time

ullahnor Thu, 02/23/2017 - 16:01

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The beading workshops allow students to socialize, unwind and learn a bit about the Indigenous handicraft of beadwork (photo by Hannah James)

Hannah James

Author legacy

Hannah James

Topic

City & Culture

Indigenous

SAGE

Centre for Indigenous Studies

Exams

With papers due and exams coming, participating in a creative activity like beading can be a great stress reliever.

Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement (SAGE) is hosting its Beading Circle Workshops, offering students the chance to try the handicraft practiced in many Indigenous communities in Canada.

The goal is to select your colours, thread the needle and narrow your focus to one goal: try to learn how to make something beautiful. Taught by Sharon L. Clarke, a U of T alumnus, teacher and accomplished bead artist, the workshops are meant to give students the chance to socialize, unwind, and learn a bit about the history and practice of beadwork.

“It’s to create a sense that community, safety and trust can be built here,” says Dhanela Sivaparan, SAGE coordinator and a social justice master's student at U of T.

Beading is just one of many events offered by SAGE, a graduate student-run group that promotes academic and personal development for Indigenous graduate students through workshops, presentations, meetings and other events. Headquartered at the Centre for Indigenous Studies, SAGE also serves graduate students at U of T Scarborough and U of T Mississauga.

SAGE coordinator Dhanela Sivaparan (left) and her sister Durika Sivaparan (middle), also a grad student, are taught by Sharon L. Clarke (right) about different beading patterns (photo by Hannah James)

On a recent day, Clarke begins instruction by offering the option to smudge with sweet grass and says she wants everyone who comes to her workshops to feel welcome and included.

Clarke – a U of T alumnus – didn’t learn how to bead until adulthood. As a dancer and singer, she has beaded her own regalia. She has her own special set of colours – turquoise, lime green, peach and red – which were given to her by an elder.

“I think her technique is nice because it’s kind of going through the step-by-step,” says Paran who has been learning how to bead with Clarke.

This beginner-level group is making colourful disc-shaped earrings with beads stitched onto canvas and felt.

Student Sheena Kitchemokman shows Clarke pictures of the beaded regalia she wears as a jingle dancer and says eventually she’d like to be able to bead those patterns herself.

Busy with midterms, she’s here to blow off some steam.

“It’s good. It’s therapeutic,” she says.

Clarke, whose beadwork has been exhibited, says there’s always more to learn, and it’s something she says she loves sharing with others.

“To me it’s like medicine,” says Clarke.

The SAGE Beading Circle Workshops happen every Wednesday, from noon-2 pm at the Turtle Lounge. Lunch is provided.