#UofTBacktoSchool

Top students from around the globe who came to the University of Toronto on a scholarship named after former prime minister and U of T graduate Lester B. Pearson celebrated the start of the school year at a reception Wednesday.

The 35 Pearson Scholars come from all over the map – Brazil, India and Singapore, to name a few places – with a wealth of ambitions. Some aspire to be computer scientists; others, doctors, forensic pathologists and economists.

U of T President Meric Gertler, Vice-Provost, Students Sandy Welsh and Vice-Provost, International Student Experience Joseph Wong welcomed the students at Hart House, providing advice and encouragement for the road ahead.

President Gertler told the students they should expect to feel right at home at U of T, where “more than 20 per cent” of undergraduates are international students, coming from 168 different countries. “Diversity of experiences and perspectives is a huge asset in helping our scholars find answers to the great, global questions of our time,” he said.

"U of T's internationalism is not an accident of our excellence; it is absolutely fundamental to it," U of T President Meric Gertler told the winners of Pearson Scholarships for outstanding international students (photo by Geoffrey Vendeville)

Welsh told the scholarship winners that while they navigate the transtion to university life in a new city, they can always count on the university’s support. “As you get settled into your new normal and start to become familiar with new routines and places,” she said, “we want to assure you that there are many people and resources [at the university] to help make sure that you have a fulfilling undergraduate experience with us.”

Wong told the scholars that the university's goal isn't just to prepare its students for life after U of T, “but for the world after U of T.” A U of T education is meant to help students develop global fluencies that will help them thrive and contribute to their communities, he said. The scholars seem to be off to a flying start: There are four in Wong's first-year seminar, and one has emailed him saying she is experiencing an “existential crisis” after already completing all the required readings.

Later in the evening, one scholarship winner offered the others some advice. Mubarak Abdela, an electrical engineering student, came to the university from Ethiopia in 2013 as one of the first MasterCard Foundation Scholars from Sub-Saharan Africa. At first he struggled to learn English and adapt to Canadian culture, but with the support of his peers and the university, he earned his degree and is now working toward a master’s at U of T.

#UofTBackToSchool: ASKme ambassador answers your questions if you're new to campus

geoff.vendeville — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 04:00:00 +0000

#UofTBackToSchool: ASKme ambassador answers your questions if you're new to campus

geoff.vendeville Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00

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Akanksha Shelat, a computer science and cognitive science student from Dubai, knows the campus inside and out now that she's in fourth year. This is her second year as an ASKme ambassador (photo by Geoffrey Vendeville)

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Downtown Toronto campus

University of Toronto Mississauga

University of Toronto Scarborough

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Upper-year student Akanksha Shelat answers some of the most popular questions about U of T

Every day during University of Toronto orientation, Akanksha Shelat is bombarded with questions.

The fourth-year computer science and cognitive science student is an ASKme booth ambassador for the second year running.

“I love sharing my experiences with people,” she says.

She might not be able to tell you the meaning of life – although yes, a professor did jokingly ask her that once – but she knows how to get a TCard, how to join a student club and where to find the best grub on campus. She helped U of T News answer some of your questions.

1. Where are some good places to eat on campus?

If you're tummy is grumbling, try using this online campus map to find eateries. (Choose your campus in the top right-hand corner.) “My personal favourites are The Green Beet in Gerstein Library and The Cube in the Bahen Centre,” Shelat says.

We asked U of T President Meric Gertler and the university's director of culinary operations, Chef Jaco Lokker, for personal recommendations.

Have questions about university meal plans? See the food services site for help.

2. Where can I find a campus map?

It's not always easy to find your way at Canada's largest university. But you can find directions online using this digital map. It even plots a course for you if you plug in the names of buildings, from Sidney Smith to Isabel Bader Theatre, for example.

You can pick up a paper copy at the Nona McDonald Visitor's Centre at 25 King's College Circle.

3. How do I get a TCard?

Your TCard is your permanent student ID. You will need it to borrow books from the library, work out at campus gyms and show your kids how awkward you looked in university. The good news is that you can obtain a TCard at any of the three campuses.

On the downtown Toronto campus, the TCard office is on the first floor of the Koffler Centre at 214 College St.

At U of T Mississauga, the TCard office is on the lower level of the CC Atrium, room 0160A.

And at U of T Scarborough, the office is on the fourth floor of the Bladen Wing.

But wait: you will need proof of citizenship, government-issued photo ID and your letter of admission (or student number or JOINid).

4. How do I get involved with student clubs?

Missed the clubs fair? Not to worry. The university's directory of campus organizations, Ulife, has an extensive list of campus clubs that you can browse alphabetically or by interest.

You can also find a club – and load up on swag – at the University of Toronto Students' Union today until 3 p.m. About 170 clubs and course unions will have booths along St. George Street, from College Street to Hoskin Avenue and Harbord Street. The UTSU also hosts a Winter Week of Welcome in January along the same lines.

5. Where can I work out?

It's time to get physical. The downtown Toronto campus is home to the Athletic Centre, which has seven gyms, three pools, a strength and conditioning centre, indoor track, squash courts, dance studio and more. It's up to the standards of elite athletes like U of T student, Olympian and world champion Kylie Masse.

You can also get your sweat on at Hart House, the Varsity Centre and Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport.

At U of T Mississauga, the Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre, in the William G. Davis building, has three separate fitness areas and a running track.

And at U of T Scarborough, you have the Toronto Pan Am Centre, co-owned by the City of Toronto. The centre has four gyms, two Olympic-sized pools and a climbing wall more than 12 metres high.

6. How can I connect to campus Wifi?

The wireless network “UofT” is open to current students, faculty and staff. To connect, you need your UTORid and password, and your UTORid must already be activated. There is a step-by-step guide here.

7. How do I know where my classes are?

For that you need ACORN (Accessible Campus Online Resource Network). It helps your sign up for classes, update personal information, check your fees balance and see your grades. If you're having problems enrolling in courses, you should contact your registrar.

#UofTBackToSchool: first day of classes at U of T brings nerves, excitement for new students

Romi Levine — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 15:41:31 +0000

#UofTBackToSchool: first day of classes at U of T brings nerves, excitement for new students Romi Levine Fri, 09/08/2017 - 11:41

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City & Culture

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First day jitters, fresh faces and excitement over the year ahead filled U of T’s downtown Toronto campus Thursday.

But it isn't just students – like the ones in the video above – who get butterflies in their stomach on the first day of classes. Read about how sociology Professor Jooyoung Lee gets ready to start the new semester.

It might be time to hit the books, but there are still plenty of orientation activities in the coming week. And it's not too late to learn about the amazing resources available to U of T students across all three campuses.

#UofTBackToSchool: Football goals and academic dreams

hjames — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 04:00:00 +0000

#UofTBackToSchool: Football goals and academic dreams

hjames Thu, 09/07/2017 - 00:00

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Griffin Assance-Goulais, a first-year life sciences student, says he dreams of playing football for the Varsity Blues and becoming a doctor (photo by Hannah James)

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SOAR

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When you’re shy, sometimes you need a little push.

That’s what Griffin Assance-Goulais learned when his younger brother lovingly shoved him in front of University of Toronto's Varsity Blues defensive line coach Joe Cappiello at a tryout camp in Oshawa, Ont., and said, ‘Hey coach, this is my brother Griffin and he wants to go to your school.'"

He got noticed. It was, Assance-Goulais says, exactly what he needed to pursue his dream of studying science and playing football at U of T.

“When I want something, I want it,” says Assance-Goulais, an accomplished athlete who competed in high school sports, including javelin, shotput and football.

As a high school student, he also took part in two of U of T’s programs for teens, which he says helped crystallize his goals. He spent one week last year at the Faculty of Medicine's Youth Summer Program and prior to that spent March break at the SOAR Aboriginal Youth Gathering.

#UofTBackToSchool: computer science launches second-year learning communities

rasbachn — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 15:03:21 +0000

#UofTBackToSchool: computer science launches second-year learning communities

rasbachn Wed, 09/06/2017 - 11:03

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Teaching stream faculty Jennifer Campbell (second from left) and Jacqueline Smith (second from right) with peer mentors (left to right) Sonata Abdullh, Farhan Samir and Charlie Zhang (photo by Nina Haikara).

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Department of Computer Science

Faculty of Arts & Science

Learning Communities

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The SLCs are the first in the Faculty of Arts & Science

University of Toronto’s department of computer science is ranked one of the top 10 in the world, where undergraduates go on to publish breaking research and lead hackathons. And Jacqueline Smith, an assistant professor of computer science, teaching stream, wants to do more to ensure students have the best experience possible.

“Speaking to students last year, they were identifying a different kind of experience compared to first year, when they were learning how to be a student, doing the course work and trying to get into the program,” says Smith. “These students were finding that once they got into second year it was a whole other ballgame – they’re in, now what?”

To answer this, Smith and computer science’s Jennifer Campbell, an associate professor, teaching stream, are introducing second-year learning communities (SLCs). These learning communities will be modelled after the Faculty of Arts & Science’s first-year learning communities, which are an integral part of the first-year experience across many disciplines.

The initiative, supported by Advancing Teaching and Learning in Arts & Science (ATLAS), is the first SLC at U of T.

The SLC format will be similar in that students will meet in groups of 25 to 30 at a set time each week, co-ordinated by an upper-year peer mentor and an assistant peer mentor, but second-year activities will be focused on the field of computer science.

For instance, hackathons, where programming enthusiasts and experts work on problems, typically over a sleepless weekend, are often seen as intimidating for the first-time attendee. Smith envisions “hackathon support groups” so that students can explore skills development outside the classroom, together.

Campbell and Smith also want to answer an important question: What is computer science?

“We’re going to be painting a better picture for them: what computer science is, and what they can do with a computer science degree. There are so many more things they can do, other than programming all day.”

Campbell and Smith consulted with the Sexual & Gender Diversity Office to develop the SLC program’s application form.

“One of the things that we believe is helpful, not only for women, but for any underrepresented group, is being part of a community. It really helps people stay in computer science,” she says.

The faculty also plan to expose students to the many local career opportunities and provide support on resumé writing and technical interview skills.

“Community is an underlying theme,” says Smith. “We want to help them connect with their classmates, and be good citizens of this department and their future workplace.”

#UofTBackToSchool: student's mission of compassion

rasbachn — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 14:05:53 +0000

#UofTBackToSchool: student's mission of compassion

rasbachn Wed, 09/06/2017 - 10:05

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A native of India, Deborah Emilia Solomon epitomizes the broad internationalism that U of T’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship aims to promote (photo by Ian Patterson)

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Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

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The recipient of a Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, Deborah Emilia Solomon wants to devote her engineering career “to the service of others”

Deborah Emilia Solomon can’t remember exactly how old she was when she saw a documentary about the Africa Mercy, a hospital ship that relies on a crew of volunteers to bring high-quality medical care to people in the poorest regions of Africa. But she vividly recalls the impact the video made on her as a young girl and her determination to join their efforts when she became old enough.

“From the minute I saw that documentary, I knew it was what I wanted to do,” says Solomon, one of 37 young people who have received a Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – a new awards program created to bring exceptional students from around the world to U of T. “I knew I wanted to help others, and I loved the way the Mercy ship brings medical care to places that can’t access it. It really spoke to me.”

The Mercy Ships organization doesn’t take volunteers younger than 18, so Solomon isn’t eligible yet. But last spring, she sent an email to the program’s administrators anyway. “I would love to be a future volunteer,” she wrote, noting that she would be studying engineering – and hopes to enter the biomedical stream in her third year at U of T. Once she has a year of specialized studies behind her, she figures she’ll be able to help operate biomedical equipment on board. “Please do keep me in mind for perhaps the year 2020–21.”

It was a typical move for Solomon, who applies relentless discipline and determination to everything she takes on. Ask her how she pulled off an average of 98.9 per cent in Grade 12, and she’ll tell you about the schedule she keeps to document how many times she has reviewed material: three check marks indicate exam-readiness.

A quote she has written in her journal reads, “The only failures are those who fail to try.” The author? Alumnus Lester B. Pearson, whom she cites as an inspiration. She can rhyme off a list of Pearson’s accomplishments – from implementing universal medical care to spearheading UN peacekeeping – and says she was “blown away” at being able to meet Pearson family members at a campus event last May. The quote in her journal “serves as a vital reminder for me to press forward, to never hesitate, to venture into the unknown and to never stop trying,” she says.

A native of India, Solomon epitomizes the broad internationalism that the scholarship aims to promote. She has lived in several countries – Singapore, China, India and, most recently, Canada. (Her father’s work as a ship surveyor involves international postings.) “I feel as if I can fit in anywhere,” she says, and notes that one of the reasons she’s especially excited about studying at U of T is the diversity of its students.

The scholarship covers tuition, books, incidentals and residence for four years, and recipients can choose any area of study at U of T. With engineering, Solomon knows she’s selected a field that has traditionally been male-dominated, but she says she no longer sees gender as an issue. At her high school – Corpus Christi Catholic Secondary School in Burlington, Ont. – boys and girls often worked together on math and science problems without any discrimination, she says with a shrug that would likely have impressed Pearson himself. And she’s excited to see that 40 per cent of last year’s incoming class at U of T engineering was female.

She’s already working to improve her odds of success at U of T – this summer, while on a trip back to India, she planned to squeeze in a calculus course to brush up on her math skills before her undergraduate studies formally began this fall. “It’s a good chance to get familiar again with some of the toughest math,” she says.

If – when – she’s accepted for a volunteer stint on the Africa Mercy, the experience of life at sea won’t actually be new for Solomon. When she was a child, her family spent about six months living on board a ship sailing through the Solomon Islands for one of her father’s job postings. “I think part of my interest comes from that experience,” she says. “But what it’s really about is the work that the Mercy ships are doing and the lives that they’re touching.”

Her family has a tradition of helping others: her uncle and several other family members have worked to help deliver free health care to low-income people in India, and she loves the idea of carrying on the legacy. “I really hope that I can devote more of my life to the service of others,” she says. She looks thoughtful as she says this, and then her mind turns to the Mercy ships again. “I have to send more emails,” she says.

This article originally appeared in U of T Magazine.

U of T ranked No. 1 in Canada, one of world’s top 10 public universities

rasbachn — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 15:23:19 +0000

U of T ranked No. 1 in Canada, one of world’s top 10 public universities

rasbachn Tue, 09/05/2017 - 11:23

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U of T remained the top Canadian university for the eighth year in a row and maintained its 22nd position worldwide (photo by Diana Tyszko)

Jennifer Robinson

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Times Higher Education

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Times Higher Education editors warn top countries could slide if research funding is cut

The familiar names are all still on the annual influential ranking of the world’s best universities by Times Higher Education (THE). But the editors are warning countries not to get complacent – especially when it comes to falling levels of federal investment in university research.

In the 2018 THE ranking released Tuesday, the University of Toronto maintained its 22^nd position, tied this time with the National University of Singapore. U of T also remained the top Canadian university for the eighth year in a row and in the top 10 of publicly funded universities worldwide.

“We’re proud the University of Toronto has once again been named one of the top global universities, which demonstrates the tremendous impact of our research and our world-class performance in teaching,” said Vivek Goel, U of T’s vice-president of research and innovation.

The number of institutions THE rated increased this year to 1,000 – for the first time in its 14-year history – and included locations around the world, from Zurich to Singapore, Peking to Princeton. Oxford University was once again ranked the world’s best post-secondary institution of higher learning.

Canada had six institutions crack the top 200 on the THE list, on par with France and Sweden. Australia had eight, the United Kingdom 31 and the United States was tops with 62.

Thanks to huge increases in funding and hiring in recent years, China now has seven universities ranked among the top 200 in the world – and three in the top 30 for the first time.

Research funding issues are a real concern for countries that have fared well on THE’s ranking, the company’s news release stated. For example, universities in the U.K. face an uncertain future because of Brexit and the possible loss of EU funding.

In the United States, “nearly all of the U.S.’s top-200 representatives faced drops in their research income per academic staff member and future levels of federal research income under the Trump administration are in doubt.”

Australia's position in future years “may suffer if the government goes ahead with plans to cut funding by 2.5 per cent, which would result in an A$2.8 billion loss in income across the sector,” THE said in its release.

In Canada, researchers and universities across the country are currently pressing the Trudeau government to act on all 35 of the recommendations made by the Canada’s Fundamental Science Review panel, led by former U of T president David Naylor.

The panel, which issued its report in April, found per capita federal investment in fundamental science has slumped in recent decades and recommended a set of sweeping changes.

To date, Federal Science Minister Kirsty Duncan has said the government will act on some recommendations but has stopped short of promising to act on all 35, including a $1.3-billion boost in federal research funding over four years.

“For Canada to continue to be seen as an important international leader in critical research, our universities need to have all 35 of the Naylor report recommendations acted upon by the federal government,” said Goel.

“The report presents a thoughtful, coherent plan that addresses all dimensions of Canada’s research system through a set of tightly linked recommendations,” he said. “We will continue to work with our university colleagues across Canada to encourage the government to act.”

Last month, U of T re-emphasized the importance of implementing all of the Naylor recommendations “to strengthen the foundations of Canadian research” in its pre-budget submission to the federal government. U of T welcomes the report’s call for greater investments in discovery research.

U of T also highlighted the role fundamental research plays in enhancing productivity, driving economic growth and supporting the development of innovation superclusters in everything from making key medical discoveries to helping companies solve R&D challenges to supporting the creation of new startups by its students and researchers.

Overall, the University of Toronto continues to be the highest ranked Canadian university and one of the top ranked public universities in the five most prestigious international rankings: Times Higher Education, QS World Rankings, Shanghai Ranking Consultancy, U.S. News Best Global Universities and National Taiwan University.

Read about the rankings in the Globe and Mail

U of T grads have one of the best employability outcomes in the world, new ranking says

#UofTBackToSchool: thousands of new U of T students find home in residence

geoff.vendeville — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 14:03:22 +0000

#UofTBackToSchool: thousands of new U of T students find home in residence

geoff.vendeville Tue, 09/05/2017 - 10:03

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Students help Michelle Cheung, a human biology student, move into her shared dorm at Sir Daniel Wilson residence in University College (photo by Geoffrey Vendeville)

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Undergraduate Students

Thousands of first-year students started a new chapter in their lives by moving into their dorms on the St. George campus on the weekend.

Like worker ants, University of Toronto student volunteers helped newcomers move into their residences, lugging boxes, mirrors and mini-fridges up flights of stairs and through narrow hallways.

As of Tuesday, 15,700 first-entry students are registered to start classes at U of T. More than half are women. About 54 per cent are from the Greater Toronto Area while 21 per cent come from other countries.

U of T News caught some of the move-in action on Sunday.

At University College, about 650 first-year students moved into residence over the weekend. Frosh leaders, including Julia Ayse Gercek and Jacqueline "Jax” Wong (below), greeted new students and their families as they pulled up to Sir Daniel Wilson Residence on St. George Street.

“Once you get to your door, we cheer ‘You live here’ and it makes an instant connection – not only to the building but to the community as well,” Wong said.

Julia Siciliano, a commerce student from North York, unpacked her belongings in Whitney Hall with her dad Massimo, who graduated from the same U of T program in 1990.

Up the street, Woodsworth frosh leaders welcomed new students with music blaring from speakers. Stephanie Anter, whose son Nathaniel is enrolled in mathematical applications in economics and finance, borrowed a luggage cart from her hotel. Justin Zelnicker, an international relations and employment relations student (below), gave them a helping hand.

At nearby Innis College, it took a co-ordinated family effort to move Elizabeth Pratt (below, left), an engineering science student, into her suite-style residence. Even her 13-year-old sister Camille (below, right) chipped in.

Meanwhile at Trinity College, Maclean Rozansky and Haris Sheikh teamed up to carry a mini-fridge across the quad. They greeted newcomers with a smile.

“We’re trying to create an atmosphere that shows that no matter (the students’) interests or strong suits that there’s a place for them here and they can find a really wonderful home,” Rozansky said.

Over at Victoria College, the Bhambra family was preparing for another one of their own to start their studies at U of T. Nikhil Bhambra is part of the class of 2021, majoring in computer science. His older brother Shaan graduated in June of this year in molecular genetics and global health. Nikhil’s mom Anna (below) helped her son make his bed in the Upper Burwash Residence.

Victoria College upper-year students Ben Levy and Tara Moulson moved so many fridges ...

... that they kept count with tally marks on the back of their orientation t-shirts.

At New College, Joaquim Landry, a biology student who plays guitar, got lots of help moving into his new digs. (He's looking for a band, by the way.)

#UofTBackToSchool: 12 things every student should do before graduating

rasbachn — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 20:02:09 +0000

#UofTBackToSchool: 12 things every student should do before graduating

rasbachn Fri, 09/01/2017 - 16:02

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(photo by Ken Jones)

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We know you’ve just arrived here, but consider this your bucket list: the things you should try at least once while you’re a University of Toronto student. Better yet, explore all three campuses and create your own set of “must-dos.” Let this be inspiration to get you started!

1. Stroll down Philosopher’s Walk. Arrive at the meaning of life. Failing that, arrive at a decision over what to have for lunch.

(photo by SimonP)

2. Take an AstroTour and view a planetary body through the telescopes at McLennan Physical Laboratories.

(photo by Geoffrey Vendeville)

3. Go to a concert by the U of T Gospel Choir.

(Photo courtesy of Facebook)

4. Study in one of the suspended pods at the Leslie L. Dan Faculty of Pharmacy building.

5. Attend the U of T Drama Festival and see your fellow students on stage at Hart House Theatre.

(photo by Scott Gorman)

6. Paint your face and cheer on the Blues at a football game at Varsity Stadium.

(photo by Ken Jones)

7. Attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Soldiers’ Tower. You’ll be moved. We promise.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

8. Eat a veggie dog from Nasir’s hotdog stand at U of T Scarborough. (Drake does!) Nasir’s weekly riddles are awesome.

(photo by U of T Drizzy)

9. Take a “walk with your prof” on a guided tour of the U of T Mississauga campus. You might spot a deer. You might also get to know a prof. Watch for the signs.

(photo by Cesar Mejia)

10. Swim in the Hart House pool. With the skylights and arches, it almost feels as if you’re swimming outside … in Rome.

(photo by Hart House)

11. Search for the elusive secret tunnel that runs beneath the U of T Mississauga campus.

(photo by Erik Mauer via Flickr)

12. Study in every U of T library at least once. There are 44 of them, and many are stunning!

(photo by Dominic Ali)

#UofTBackToSchool: 10 things new students should know

geoff.vendeville — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 04:00:00 +0000

#UofTBackToSchool: 10 things new students should know

geoff.vendeville Fri, 09/01/2017 - 00:00

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A study circle in the University College quad (photo by Jason Krygier-Baum)

Rachel Halpern

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Starting at a new school can be overwhelming. From finding classrooms to buying textbooks, there’s a lot to think about. As you’re heading back to school, here are 10 things you should know about supports and services offered by the University of Toronto:

1) Safety

The safety of students, faculty and staff is a top priority at U of T. The university has offices, programs and campaigns that address violence and harassment, safety on campus, environmental health and safety, fire prevention and emergency housing.

Visit the U of T Safety website for information to help you stay safe on campus. And be sure to register for emergency alerts from the university via telephone, email and text.

2) Sexual and gender diversity

The Sexual & Gender Diversity Office (SGDO) provides education, programming, resources and advocacy on diversity for students, staff, faculty and the LGBTQ community. This includes the university’s Positive Space campaign, a program that seeks to create and identify safer and more inclusive spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersexed, queer, questioning and Two-Spirited students, staff, faculty, alumni and allies at U of T.

3) Multi-faith spaces

If you're wondering where to pray or meditate, U of T offers rooms for people of all faith communities to practise their religion, their traditions and rituals.

Multi-Faith Spaces (St. George)
Multi-Faith Spaces (University of Toronto Mississauga)
Multi-Faith Prayer Room (University of Toronto Scarborough )

4) Indigenous Students

For those wanting to explore their Indigenous roots, U of T provides programming, services and resources for Indigenous students, providing them with a variety of supports to help them succeed. The university community is also invited to come and participate at events across the three campuses to learn more about Indigenous cultures and traditions.

Aboriginal Student Services/First Nations House (St. George)
Indigenous Centre (University of Toronto Mississauga )
Indigenous Outreach Program (University of Toronto Scarborough )

5) Health and wellness

U of T offers a wide range of health and wellness services. These include general health services (e.g., health checkups, prescriptions, nutritional care) and mental health services (e.g., psychotherapy, group therapy, assault counselling).

Health & Wellness Centre (St. George)
Health & Counselling Centre (University of Toronto Mississauga )
Health & Wellness Centre (University of Toronto Scarborough )

6) International students

Whether you’re an international student studying at U of T or a domestic student considering a study abroad program or research opportunity, the university provides support and resources.

Centre for International Experience (St. George)
International Education Centre (University of Toronto Mississauga )
International Student Centre (University of Toronto Scarborough )

7) Accessibility

Working to create a safe and comfortable community for students to navigate their disability and related barriers, the university provides students with a network of resources, both inside and outside the classroom.

Accessibility Services (St. George)
AccessAbility Resource Centre (University of Toronto Mississauga )
AccessAbility Services (University of Toronto Scarborough )

Photo by Jason Krygier-Baum

8) Academic success

Whether you want to improve your study habits, better manage your time, work on essay-writing skills or learn how to research, U of T offers workshops, programs and tools to help you with your academic success. The university also offers writing centres where students can get individual consultations with trained writing instructors.

Academic Success (St. George)
Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre (University of Toronto Mississauga )
Academic Advising and Career Centre (University of Toronto Scarborough )

9) Financial support

There are many sources of financial aid available to help you cover the costs of your U of T education. Find out more information about financial assistance programs and view the video below.

10) Get connected

Be sure to follow U of T on social media to learn more about your campus, events and resources:
Twitter, Instagram or Facebook
Twitter, Instagram or Facebook (University of Toronto Mississauga )
Twitter, Instagram or Facebook (University of Toronto Scarborough)

Photo by Ken Jones

For additional info on navigating services and resources, you can also check with your college, faculty or campus student life departments.
Student Life (St. George campus)
Centre for Student Engagement (University of Toronto Mississauga)
Department of Student Life (University of Toronto Scarborough)

#UofTBacktoSchool

Inaugural Pearson Scholars receive warm welcome on campus

Read more about Abdela and the first graduates of the MasterCard Foundation Scholars program

#UofTBackToSchool: ASKme ambassador answers your questions if you're new to campus

1. Where are some good places to eat on campus?

2. Where can I find a campus map?

3. How do I get a TCard?

4. How do I get involved with student clubs?

5. Where can I work out?

6. How can I connect to campus Wifi?

7. How do I know where my classes are?

#UofTBackToSchool: first day of classes at U of T brings nerves, excitement for new students

Read more about Back to School at U of T

#UofTBackToSchool: Football goals and academic dreams

Read more about U of T's SOAR program for teens

#UofTBackToSchool: computer science launches second-year learning communities

#UofTBackToSchool: student's mission of compassion

U of T ranked No. 1 in Canada, one of world’s top 10 public universities

Read about the rankings in the Globe and Mail

U of T grads have one of the best employability outcomes in the world, new ranking says

#UofTBackToSchool: thousands of new U of T students find home in residence

#UofTBackToSchool: 12 things every student should do before graduating

#UofTBackToSchool: 10 things new students should know

1) Safety

2) Sexual and gender diversity

3) Multi-faith spaces

4) Indigenous Students

5) Health and wellness

7) Accessibility

8) Academic success

9) Financial support

10) Get connected