Back to School

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 ��Ƶ 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 ��Ƶ 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 ��Ƶ 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

#UofTBTS16: Back to School wraps up at U of T

ullahnor — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 17:42:42 +0000

#UofTBTS16: Back to School wraps up at U of T

ullahnor Fri, 09/16/2016 - 13:42

Noreen Ahmed-Ullah

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Noreen Ahmed-Ullah

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U of T has been abuzz with excitement for the past three weeks as Back to School orientations, frosh week, a carnival, the first day of classes and student club fairs welcomed new and returning students to all three campuses.

Back to School has been all about exploring your campus – downtown Toronto, U of T Scarborough or U of T Mississauga – looking for opportunities to expand your horizon and making the most of your time here.

President Meric Gertler kicked off the new school year by offering frosh at a University College orientation a solid piece of advice: “At U of T and here in Toronto, the world is truly your oyster so take full advantage of it,” he said.

Second-year students Hilary Naluz, McKayla Malcolm and Glyn Narca say they're going to do just that. Naluz wants to try out for theatre this year. Malcolm wants to join a sports team. And Narca wants to become more active in student groups.

“Since I’m an equity major, I want to focus on activism,” she said. “In my first year, there was a lot of anxiety. This year after my first week, I realized I’m not doing that this year. I want to get more involved.”

This year's incoming class, the Class of 2020 includes an aspiring filmmaker, an environmental activist, a musician who loves math and a student who has already been recognized for his stellar research.

Read about the chance meeting

On the downtown Toronto campus, students operating the ASKme booths offered advice on everything from where to nap, to favourite places to eat and secret spots when you just want to get away. All you had to do was stop and ask.

Watch U of T News asking two ASKme students some serious questions

As for new things to try: this year the campus has new food offerings. Check out Chef Jaco Lokker’s latest creation – Sambal at the Medical Sciences building and Sid Smith. Some students may also get classrooms newly retrofitted with comfy wider seats and nearby electrical outlets. The university is looking to add more of those in the coming years.

Read story about new food offerings at U of T

Read story about newly refurbished classrooms

Back to School is also about making friends. And what better way for new students to meet other new students than through frosh week. The Mississauga and Scarborough campuses had their own orientation for students as did downtown Toronto's U of T colleges and faculties.

Students wanting to get more involved this year – something many didn’t think about in first year – learned about all the offering at clubs week and this week’s street festival.

And now that Back to School is over, the work begins.

Narca, the equity major, says she's happy with the courses she chose this year, especially an intro course on black history and current issues.

"I'm looking forward to my classes," she said.

Sean Abtahi, a third-year undergrad majoring in biochemistry and physics, said he spent the first week of classes, trying to stay ahead of his readings and prepping for lab work.

"In my first and second year, I was kind of behind on the readings in the first and second week," he said. "This year, I want to get on that and get a head-start on my problem sets. I don't want to leave it to the last minute."

The aspiring medical student says he's also getting involved in academic life. This year, he'll be working with other students to improve their study skills as a peer mentor at the Academic Centre.

"It's my first time doing a work study," he said. "I'll be helping other students."

#UofTBTS16: Introducing U of T’s Class of 2020

krisha — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 13:53:05 +0000

#UofTBTS16: Introducing U of T’s Class of 2020

krisha Fri, 09/16/2016 - 09:53

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(Photo courtesy Grace King)

Krisha Ravikantharaja

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Incoming first years are ready to make their mark

From an aspiring filmmaker to an environmental activist, a musician who loves math and a student who has already been recognized for his stellar research, U of T's incoming Class of 2020 is something special.

U of T News writer Krisha Ravikantharaja spoke to four first years who are all recipients of U of T’s National Scholarship, a program which is marking its 30th anniversary at the university. While they share an academic enthusiasm toward the next four years, these students are a reminder of the wide array of interests and experiences the Class of 2020 is bringing with them.

Grace King’s decision to pursue a double major in environmental studies and anthropology is motivated by her belief that effective activism requires a humanistic approach, or rather putting a face to statistics.

When she returned from an expedition to the Arctic in the summer before her final year of high school, King (pictured above) started the Arctic Awareness Program, a program where she used her own experience to “shift the way children were thinking about climate change and culture in the north.”

Last year, King’s program reached nearly 1,000 Grade 4 to Grade 5 students in Newfoundland.

King was also the leader of the mental health and awareness committee at her high school, and spearheaded a project called Paint it Positive. Over Easter break, the committee painted two washrooms with a mural installation that covered up violent and hurtful comments on the stalls.

“We wanted to see what happens when you try to replace destruction with self-expression. Above the mirrors, we wrote things like, ‘You are worthy’ and ‘You are appreciated,’” she said.

What are you looking forward to most at U of T?
I’m looking forward to the beauty of just being a sponge. This time is so special because I get to be here for the main purpose of sitting in a classroom where people who have dedicated their professions to some passion of learning that makes them feel something are able to provide me with enrichment for my brain and allow me to expand it, and I think that’s something that we take for granted too often.

What are you looking forward to about going to school in Toronto?
I miss the coast already, but Toronto is bustling, and it’s very alive. Yesterday, I went to my first class, and I am just watching all these humans just walking everywhere. Everyone’s got somewhere to go. I think that can be a very cool thing. Toronto’s got so much happening.

Why did you choose U of T?
I was attracted to U of T also because it has such a such a strong foundation for education students in social sciences and humanities. I was influenced to choose it for how it might shape and shift my opportunities as an activist. I think 'my thing' is taking climate change awareness and turning it into something that people can access more. I’m hoping I can shake things up a bit when it comes to the activism scene here.

Born and raised in Victoria, B.C., Nathan Kuehne comes to U of T with more experiences as a researcher in life sciences than the average first year. In Grade 9, Nathan was selected to represent British Columbia at the Canada-wide science fair where he was inspired by the work of other students across the country. When he returned to Victoria, he worked in a medicinal chemistry lab at the University of Victoria.

In Grade 11, he developed an at home test for phenylketonuria (PKU). Kuehne explains that if you have PKU, your body can’t metabolize protein because of an amino acid called phenylalanine. Because there is no cure, patients must avoid eating protein, and monitor how much phenylalanine is in their bloodstream. The current method requires that patients send a blood sample to a lab, making it hard to self regulate and including a week-long waiting period. Nathan’s alternative was a a machine that uses a urine sample.

“After a quick filtration it’s automated by turning a device, a colour change is produced which indicates to the patient how much phenylalanine is in their body so they can self-regulate and self-correct their diet.”

Kuehne went on to present this research at the Canada-wide science fair, and was then invited to present it at TEDxVictoria. In Grade 12, he was selected to be a member of Team Canada at the international science fair which took place in Phoenix for a project which applied the underlying chemistry of his previous research.

Watch Kuehne's TEDx talk

What are you nervous about?
Making new friends: when you know the same people for twelve years you get so comfortable that being in a brand new place with brand new people for four years and having to cultivate all those new relationships is something that is exciting, but also nerve-wracking.

What are you looking forward to about going to school in Toronto?
Being in a big city like Toronto, there’s so much to do and so much to take in. The city is so diverse. Enjoying the city is one of my top priorities.

Why did you choose U of T?
The research being done here is unbelievable. Being at Canada’s largest research institution has so many opportunities. Participating in research is amazing so I’m excited to try and make that happen.

Rebecca Moranis is pursuing a double degree in two seemingly unrelated topics – music and mathematics. While she received her ARCT diploma for piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music in the summer of 2015, her musical passion lies with the flute. This past year, she played with two orchestras: the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra, the latter of which did a tour to New York last summer, which included a concert at Carnegie Hall.

Moranis also started ballet lessons when she was three, and has been studying with Opera Atelier for eight years. She was invited to rehearse for Alcina, one of Opera Atelier’s operas in the summer of 2014, and was thereafter kept on as a performer. Rebecca has also starred as a background dancer in multiple episodes of the television show, Reign.

Moranis was selected to be part of a team that would compete in an international Harvard-MIT Math Tournament, and has tutored math at the ��Ƶ Schools for the past five years.

“I love sharing math with younger students. I’m inspired to do that because a faculty member here at U of T, Lindsey Shorser, has been a role model to me.

“[As a woman,] sometimes you feel like you can’t be as vocal, and it’s hard to prove yourself. [Shorser] has shown me that it’s possible. Representation is so important, and that’s what I hope to do for the girls that I tutor. I want to show them that math is cool, and you can be a girl and not have to hide the fact that you’re intelligent.”

What are you looking forward to most at U of T?
I’m most looking forward to research opportunities, especially because U of T is known for having a stellar research program. I’m looking forward to being able to do research projects that combine music and math, and seeing how I can weave them together like looking at the science of how we perceive music, and the mathematics and patterning of composition.

What are you looking forward to about going to school in Toronto?
I love this city – it’s my favourite city in the world. I love the culture, and the opportunities to appreciate art that are available like music, ballet and going to galleries. The community of Toronto is so open to different kinds of arts.

Why did you choose U of T?
I’ve been studying flute with Nora Shulman for the past two years. She plays with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and teaches at the Faculty of Music. I was partly drawn to stay at U of T because I could keep studying with her. I’ve improved tremendously because of her.

Ben Sprenger has come to U of T with the plan to combine his interests in engineering and filmmaking. From an early age, Sprenger wanted to be an actor, and even attended acting classes. As he became older though, he wanted to star in movies, and so he made his own with the assistance of a sometimes unwilling younger brother.

Eventually, Sprenger became more interested in being behind the camera, and developed his knowledge of lighting, sound, editing, and writing. He hopes to continue his filmmaking endeavours in first year.

“The great thing about being in university is that there’s so many more people that have the same interests as you, and are willing to put in time and work," he said. "I think it will be nice to find people to collaborate with through the Hart House Film Board.”

Sprenger was selected as a semifinalist for the Los Angeles Cinefest for his most recent short film — a mocumentary —When Food Goes Bad, which has been Sprenger’s most labour intensive film to date.

Watch Sprenger's mocumentary

What are you looking forward to most at U of T?

I’m looking forward to opportunities outside of the classroom more than anything to extend my education like opportunities for research and design projects to enrich my experience and develop skills I can use later on.

Is there anything you’re nervous about?
I have typical first-year concerns about not being able to do well in university, but I keep telling myself it’s something everyone goes through so I think I’ve been good at staying level headed and not too stressed out.

What are you looking forward to about going to school in Toronto?
Toronto is such a huge film hub. It’s got a ton of things filming here, TIFF, and this huge film culture of filmmakers from Toronto who stay in the city and make films here and want to mentor other younger filmmakers. I would love to be involved in the film industry.

What’s something you want to do before you leave U of T?
My sister is in second year at U of T for life sciences, and in her first year, she did a research project with another student where they developed a proposal, applied for funding, and they were able to go to Burma. If there’s some way we could work on a research project together, I think that would be quite the family bonding experience.

Why did you choose U of T?
It’s a fantastic university that’s right here in Toronto where I’m from. I chose engineering at U of T because they emphasize creativity so much. Even in first year, there’s a design course that applies our learning to solve real-life problems.

#UofTBTS16: Co-curricular record helps boost your U of T experience

ullahnor — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 19:14:17 +0000

#UofTBTS16: Co-curricular record helps boost your U of T experience

ullahnor Thu, 09/15/2016 - 15:14

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(Photo by Ken Jones)

Arthur Kaptainis

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Arthur Kaptainis

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As you work on a university degree, keep in mind that academics may not always be enough.

A co-curricular record can help complement what you do in the classroom with workplace experiences and skills.

The co-curricular record (CCR), which began in 2013, is an online centralized directory of activities for which students on all three campuses can get formal recognition for everything from work study jobs to volunteer work, regardless of whether they are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.

“It’s a validated document, from the university, and signed by the vice-provost,” says David Newman, U of T’s senior director of student experience.

There are now more than 10,000 students at U of T with co-curricular records.

Look through the directory and learn more about the program

The program allows students to track and showcase their experiences, contributions and skills. And Newman says it’s the kind of thing employers and admission officers for graduate and professional programs like to see.

Listen to a U of T student talking about the program

The paid and unpaid opportunities that can qualify a student for a formal co-curricular record include orientation coordinators, resident dons and mentors. Work-study jobs are on the list as are membership in a Varsity sports team and titled positions with student clubs. Click here to find a link to your campus’ co-curricular program.

“It’s a great way for students to show that they have been engaged not just in the academic side of the university,” says Susan Froom, a Trinity College philosophy and political science student in her fourth year who is vice-president of the association of part-time undergraduate students.

Pier Angeli Taruc, a third-year Woodsworth College life sciences student is working this year as an ASKme orientation consultant, a position that is recognized for a co-curricular record. She hopes the range of activities will be expanded, in her case positions that will help with getting into medical school.

Along with searching for positions that could fit a potential career choice, keep in mind that first-year students are encouraged at orientation to subscribe to Blueprint, a series of workshops related to health and wellness and academic success. Completing the Blueprint program is recognized by CCR.

So are activities for Alternative Reading Week, organized by the Centre for Community Partnerships.

“It’s a really robust program,” Newman says of this initiative. “We go into about 25 community organizations with about 300 students, generally first- or second-year students.”

#UofTBTS16: Keeping U of T students healthy

ullahnor — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 18:50:00 +0000

#UofTBTS16: Keeping U of T students healthy

ullahnor Wed, 09/14/2016 - 14:50

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U of T's Health and Wellness Centre is located on the second floor of the Koffler Student Services Centre (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Krisha Ravikantharaja

Arthur Kaptainis

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Arthur Kaptainis and Krisha Ravikantharaja

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Watching friends struggle with stress, family problems and mental illness without anyone to talk to led Faraz Honarvar to get involved with U of T student clubs focused on mental health.

Karen Young, a psychology and health studies student at U of T Scarborough, started Minds Matter Magazine devoted solely to mental health issues because she saw a real need out there for not only students, but also faculty, staff and alumni.

With a growing focus on mental health research as well as services across the university, there are many supports for students who may be dealing with what may feel like insurmountable challenges.

Students can access counselling services across all three campuses: on the downtown Toronto campus at the Health & Wellness Centre in the Koffler Student Services Centre; at U of T Scarborough's Health & Wellness Centre and at U of T Mississauga's Health & Counselling Centre.

Along with these centres, many faculties host their own programs. The Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education launched the Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre (MPARC), which is dedicated to the promotion of mental health through exercise.

#UofTBTS16: See panoramic 360 degree photos of U of T

ullahnor — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 17:29:58 +0000

#UofTBTS16: See panoramic 360 degree photos of U of T

ullahnor Wed, 09/14/2016 - 13:29

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Students walk to classes at U of T Scarborough (photo by Ken Jones)

Rachel Halpern

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The architecture and sprawling landscape of U of T's three campuses invites even the most amateur of photographers to take a photo.

As you're beginning to explore your campus and looking for those unique nooks and corridors to take that cool photograph, U of T News has highlighted some places to see. Check out these super cool 360 degree panoramic views of places you may or may not be familiar with.

The University College foyer looks magical in 360:

Post from RICOH THETA. #theta360 - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

Here's the Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre at U of T Mississauga:

Post from RICOH THETA. #theta360 - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

If you'd like to get more panoramic photos of U of T, there's plenty to look at from across the three campuses including the Trinity College quad and the rooftop of the Jackman Humanities building at St. George, the Social Sciences building and student residence at U of T Scarborough and the Recreation, Athletic and Wellness Centre at U of T Mississauga. Click here for more 360 photos featured in U of T's virtual reality tour. Don't forget to click the photo to begin moving the mouse in the desired direction.

#UofTBTS16: U of T News visits the ASKme Anything booth

lavende4 — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 16:55:35 +0000

#UofTBTS16: U of T News visits the ASKme Anything booth lavende4 Tue, 09/13/2016 - 12:55

Romi Levine

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Our Community

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Back to School

#UofTBTS16: U of T alumni share their wisdom with the class of 2020

Romi Levine — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 13:45:20 +0000

#UofTBTS16: U of T alumni share their wisdom with the class of 2020

Romi Levine Tue, 09/13/2016 - 09:45

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“Embrace challenge” is Natalie Panek’s advice for the class of 2020

Romi Levine

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From first day nerves to memorable moments, U of T News spoke with a handful of ��Ƶ’s high-achieving alumni about how their university experience shaped who they are today.

Natalie Panek
Master of Science, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering. Graduated 2009.

Few people can call themselves a “rocket scientist”, but Natalie Panek (pictured above) is one of them. The U of T grad works for MDA, the company that developed the Canadarm. She’s currently working on a Mars rover program – how cool is that?

Panek is also an advocate for inspiring young women to pursue careers in science and tech.

“We need more women working in tech industries to stand up and say ‘my job is super cool; this is why I love it,'” she says.

Learn more about Natalie Panek here

Here’s what she has to say about her U of T experience:

What was your biggest takeaway from your time at U of T?
Definitely how important hands-on experience is. Going into an experimental masters where I was having to come up with my own test setup and troubleshoot the equipment when I ordered it and got it in our facilities and actually doing the data collection. It’s one thing to read your books and study and a totally different game to apply what you’re learning to a real life situation

A moment you’ll never forget?

I remember every Tuesday and Thursday playing ultimate Frisbee on the field outside of UTIAS with the other students. We literally played year round. I remember putting grocery bags inside our shoes to keep the snow out in the winter so we can all get a break from our research so we can exercise and hang out together.

What advice do you have for the class of 2020?

Embrace challenge and always look for situations outside of your comfort zone. Because they may be scary and intimidating at first but you’ll learn so much for them. It challenges and tests your capabilities and it helps you grow into a better person.

Shalane Katugampola
B.A. Economics, UTSC. Graduated 2007.

Shalane Katugampola is a master of the digital realm. After graduating from U of T, she worked for Canadian media giants like CBC and Toronto Star as they were building their online presence. She then made the move across the continent to Seattle where she now works as a global product manager for Amazon.

What does it take to score a job at one of the world’s biggest tech companies? Doing your homework, says Katugampola.

"I researched the company’s leadership principles, read letters to the shareholders, learned which areas of the business they were focused on expanding, and spoke to current employees to understand what their experience at Amazon was like," she says.

Here’s what she has to say about her time at U of T:

This year’s first year students are the class of 2020. What advice do you have for them?

My parents always encouraged my brother and I to participate in extracurricular activities because they offer valuable life skills that you don’t learn inside the classroom. Similarly, I would advise future students to round out their experience and take advantage of all that U of T has to offer. Get the most out of your classes, but also join student organizations and meet new people. University is as much an academic experience as it is a social one, and it is the combination of these two experiences that translate so well into the working world.

A moment you’ll never forget?

I was a part of a competitive dance team all throughout university. I spent a lot of time with the team, and we really became a family. Being a part of this group enriched my experience at U of T, making it both fun and educational at the same time. I met a lot of great people and developed new skills. It really shaped me as a person.

Who was your favourite professor?

Professor of International Development Studies, Jack Arn. He’s memorable because he allowed us to be hands-on in his classes. Rather than simply teaching theory, he had us put theory into practice. When you’re out in the real world, that’s really all there is – application. I specifically recall being in his 4th year project management course, where I learned skills that I have applied throughout my career.

Danièle Dennis
Honours Bachelor of Arts, Arts and Culture Specialist, UTSC. Graduated 2015.

Danièle Dennis knows the power of fostering community creativity. She, alongside three UTSC alumni, founded Y+ Contemporary, a Scarborough-based studio space and gallery that’s being used as a platform to showcase local artists.

“A lot of the art scene is very downtown-centric and unless you are actively involved in that network and know those people," she says. "It can be exclusionary."

Dennis is headed to the University of Pennsylvania to pursue her Masters of Fine Arts after receiving a full scholarship.

Learn more about Danièle Dennis here

This is what she has to say about her U of T experience:

What is the biggest takeaway from your time at U of T?

It’s the importance of being in the experience and not trying to rush. It’s the importance of being in the moment and soaking up all the knowledge you’re able to get.

When you show your professors and peers you’re really dedicated and passionate, at U of T they were really able to reciprocate that in terms of the support they offer to you. They’re all on your side, they all want to see you succeed and flourish as an artist.

Who was your favourite professor?

Professor Tanya Mars. She pushed me a lot in terms of performance. That’s really where I think my practice started to evolve.

There’s a lot of notable faculty there – professors that are very passionate and invested in the success of the students.

What advice would you give the class of 2020?

Have fun – I think it’s about the learning experience but it’s also about the people that you meet. I think you learn a lot through these institutions and the faculty but also learn a lot from your peers as well.

Eugenia Duodu
Ph.D, Medicinal Chemistry, UTM. Graduated 2015.

Eugenia Duodu was able to combine her passion for community engagement and her love of science when she became the CEO of Visions of Science, an organization that aims to get students from low-income and marginalized communities to engage in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

“I had witnessed first-hand the impact of being able to be the recipient of meaningful engagement and how that was transformative in my life and my ability to connect with numerous opportunities,” she says.

Here’s what she has to say about her U of T experience:

What is the biggest takeaway from your time at U of T?

The school demanded excellence. What was really cool about U of T was the support that I got from the profs. The excellence was required but the support that was available was so important to me.

A moment you’ll never forget?

It wasn’t from undergrad but even before that. My first introduction to U of T was the summer mentorship program while I was in high school.

It was an opportunity to know what it is like to be in med school or any science field. That was program is why I decided to go to U of T out of all the universities.

What is your advice for the class of 2020?

I feel like by 2020 careers aren’t going to be as concrete and spelled out as they were in the past. I know that I used to struggle in undergrad because I knew that wanted to do something but it did not exist yet. It was a struggle to know well what I would do with myself.

Pursue your passion unapologetically and don’t worry if your career has not been created yet, maybe you just need to create it.

The world is changing and it’s a world where you can make of it what you can.

Rehman Merali
PhD candidate Autonomous Space Robotics

Rehman Merali (above, right) is still completing his PhD at U of T, but he is a “graduate” of the Rotman School of Management’s Creative Destruction Lab – an incubator for tech startups.

“The best way to describe it is ‘Dragon's Den’ meets ‘Survivor’,” Merali says.

He and his high school friend Brian Lee (above, left) founded teaBOT, an automated tea dispenser that lets you customize your blend. You can try it out on campus at the Green Beet Cafe.

Learn more about teaBOT and Rehman Merali here

U of T has been crucial in helping Merali think both like an engineer and a businessman. Here’s how:

What is the biggest takeaway from your time at U of T?

In an academic environment as I was in the PhD program, it really taught me to research and analyse the problem before investing the time and money on one particular solution. The ability to consider multiple solutions without getting too focused too quickly. That was really, really helpful.

A moment you’ll never forget?

Our work at the lab was field robotics. We would take these robots to the Canadian Space Agency and literally drive them around see if our algorithms worked and test them in the field. The most memorable part is going out in the field in a big, sandy, lunar terrain, trying to write code on my laptop while this robot is driving itself around. The problem solving skills that came out of that were really fantastic.

What is your advice for the class of 2020?

Think outside your discipline. Just because you’re in an engineering or arts or science program, keep your eyes and ears out for other opportunities because a lot of your skills will be transferable.

��Ƶ is exceptional for having such a huge student body. I would encourage students to take advantage of the different clubs on campus and different interest groups and not to get pigeon-holed too quickly.

Ina Foalea
Bachelor Commerce, UTM. Graduated 2012.

Since graduating from U of T, Ina Foalea has dedicated her career to health care, taking her all the way to Uganda for a year on behalf of the Clinton Health Access Initiative.

The UTM valedictorian says she enjoys using what she’s learned about business, economics and health care in her career and encourages current students to do the same.

“It’s interesting when you can combine everything into creating something else,” she says.

Foalea is currently completing her MBA at Harvard Business School.

Here’s how she remembers her U of T experience:

What is the biggest takeaway from your time at U of T?

Academics play a very important role but there are so many more lessons to be learned outside classrooms. That doesn’t mean those lessons don’t involve the study part. You learn those technical skills in class but it’s so important to learn those soft skills outside class. That’s either through extracurricular activities or being able to make that connection with your peers, and even with the faculty and finding your interest and your niche. There’s so many opportunities all the time.

A moment you’ll never forget?

I was providing a speech for the university and my parents cannot speak English. For graduation, I invited them to come listen to the speech. I hired them a translator and they actually understood the speech. My mom started crying and then my dad started crying and he never cries. It was exciting because after four years of work and it was their work as well – they supported me and helped me with my tuition. They don’t live in Canada so it was a big journey to even come there.

What was your first day of school like?

Foalea moved from Romania to Canada for university so it was a particularly hard transition for her.
I was absolutely petrified. Good advice for the class of 2020 is to not be as nervous. This sounds cliché because I’m starting school again but push through the first couple of days. Everyone is going to feel uncomfortable; everyone is not in their natural habitat. Make sure you’re yourself and go through the first couple of days until you get accustomed to it.

#UofTBTS16: First day of school brings nerves and excitement to students and profs alike

krisha — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 18:56:57 +0000

#UofTBTS16: First day of school brings nerves and excitement to students and profs alike

krisha Mon, 09/12/2016 - 14:56

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Eric Vanhauwaert is looking forward to participating in intramural sports (all photos by Krisha Ravikantharaja)

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Undergraduate Students

The first day of school is usually a combination of nerves and excitement. As classes begin at the ��Ƶ, students and faculty across all three campuses are navigating the campus, meeting new people, and setting goals for the school year ahead. U of T News reporter Krisha Ravikantharaja talked to some of them.

First-year student Sarah Hanson sat in Sid Smith waiting for her first university class, ever. In her case, it was "Histories of Violence."

Hanson, who hopes to study book and media studies, was excited about all of the possibilities the university has to offer.

“I like the bigger campus, and the looser reins university offers [compared to high school],” she said.

Fellow frosh Eric Vanhauwaert is studying chemistry. In addition to learning to manage all the changes that come with university life, he is looking forward to participating in intramural sports.

For returning students, they've already been through the drill. Some are using their experience to help newcomers to campus. Others, are hoping to focus this year on some of the campus activities and offerings they were unable to participate in during their first year.

Pier Angeli Taruc, a third-year life science student, and Celina Tran, a recent graduate of the molecular genetics program, both remember getting lost during their first days on campus. So, this year both are working at the ASKme booth at King’s College Circle to make other students’ first week a little smoother.

“Most people have been asking how to get to their classes, Tran said. “Once we make eye contact, they’re usually fine coming over and asking questions.”

#UofTBTS16: Are you a U of T student with a question? Check out askastudent

krisha — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 13:59:33 +0000

#UofTBTS16: Are you a U of T student with a question? Check out askastudent

krisha Mon, 09/12/2016 - 09:59

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Aska prefers to remain anonymous (Photo by Chiao Sun)

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An anonymous blog with a sassy voice has been answering questions for U of T students since 1999

They're known as aska, the online persona of the writer(s) of askastudent, a blog that has been answering questions submitted by future and current ��Ƶ students for a decade and a half.

Known for its lighthearted tone and helpful responses, the blog primarily serves as a resource for future and current students about academics and student life at the university. But aska has become accustomed to receiving (and answering) queries about anything and everything.

U of T News asked aska a few questions about what it’s like to lead a double life, what students can expect when they submit a question, and any advice they have for incoming students.

What are your names?

aska 1: People call me aska, people call me askastudent, people call me S O U L D E S T R O Y E R, but seriously, I can’t tell you my real name. This is Hannah Montana levels of serious, and I don’t need people to know about my Miley Cyrus side.

aska 2: I prefer to go by “Your Excellency” but it hasn’t really caught on in my social circles.

So what exactly can you disclose?

aska 1: I can tell you that askastudent is a work-study position at Innis College at the UofT. The idea that sparked askastudent is a simple but powerful one: what if students had the tools to communicate openly and honestly about questions relating to the university? askastudent is our answer to that question.

In 1999, the first year that askastudent ran, it was actually a phone service (yep! We’re THAT OLD – aska would be entering Grade 12 now if they were a person). After year one, we switched to an online blog and never looked back. Right now there are two askas, but that’s not always the case. There have actually been fifteen askas since 1999, and it’s a legacy we’re proud of. Previous askas are now film producers, actors, UofT staff, journalists and more.

Our trademark sassy tone is partially a result of the collective student voice that askastudent has naturally developed, and partially a free therapy session for me, personally.

aska 2: Yeah, what aska 1 said. Askastudent is a great place to find people who are in the same boat as you. We’ve amassed thousands of questions since 1999 and it’s likely that someone else has worried about the same thing as you. I think another purpose of askastudent is to convey a sense of JLaw-level relatability and to bring a human touch to advice as opposed to cyborg generated information. I didn’t say that. That was a joke. We don’t have cyborgs yet.

What are the most frequently asked questions?

aska 1: Colleges, colleges, colleges. People are always asking my advice about which college on the downtown campus they should be in. It puts me in an awkward spot because I have no unbiased way of answering that question. I try to explain that there is no ‘best’ college, and it’s all down to personal preference.

aska 2: I’ve only been aska for a couple of months, but so far I would say that the most frequently asked questions are: How do I make friends if I’m an international student or commuter? How do I come back from a bad semester and stay motivated? How do I get into my subject POst in second year if I don’t have enough credits? I’m on a waitlist for residence or a class, will I get in? If we were psychic, we’d probably get a lot more page views.

How long does it typically take to answer a question?

aska 1: If I could write without interruption, I could probably answer a question in an hour flat – research, writing, adding funny pictures, and all. However, aska also works at a front desk, and so it can sometimes take a whole day to get through one question with all the other tasks we do.

aska has the benefit of knowing a lot about U of T just from working at a U of T office, but I do often have to go on Google odysseys or call other offices for help if I don’t have the answer to a question. (I find I’m always calling the UTSC registrar’s office. Sorry, UTSC.)

aska 2: It really depends on my touring schedule. I try to answer questions as soon as I can, but it’s really nice to have another person to answer questions while I’m away touring with my ABBA tribute band.

In terms of how long it takes me to write each answer, I try to do a lot of research and put a lot of effort into making the response as well-informed as possible. It can take a while. A lot of the times, I’ll consult my colleagues for help if I’m not sure how to respond. Believe it or not, we don’t actually know everything!

Can every student expect to hear back from you?

aska 1: We answer every question, and we try to answer within two weeks’ time. askastudent is definitely not an urgent hotline, so if you have a question you need answered that same day, or even within the week, DEFINITELY consult your college registrar’s office for assistance.

aska 2: If they contain super private information, we tend to not post the question on the blog and answer it over email instead. Again, it really depends on my band’s touring schedule. We’re HUGE in Stockholm.

Are there any questions that stand out?

aska 1: We do have a category called ‘odds are that won’t be asked again’ and another called ‘weirdness,’ which catch most of the bizarre questions.

My all-time favourite question, though, is from this Grade 9 student, who was afraid they wouldn’t get into U of T Engineering because they accidentally lit their Axe body spray on fire at school and got suspended for three days. Seriously, just read it. It’s worth your time.

aska 2: Looking at the 'weirdness' category is always a fun surprise. When we say you can ask us anything, we really do mean it, so I guess we’re kind of asking for some weird ones. On the other hand, hardcore keeners always stand out because I’m the complete opposite and can’t imagine what it would be like to have that mindset.

What’s your #1 piece of advice for incoming first years?

aska 1: As a breakthrough star in failure, my advice is: don’t be afraid of failing. It’s natural to be nervous, but try to embrace the uncertainty ahead. There’s nothing you can’t bounce back from. If you don’t get into the program of your dreams, you can try again or find something else that’s a better fit for you. Try to do right by yourself and learn from your experiences, even if other people are telling you you’re not doing the ‘right’ thing because you’re not going the doctor/lawyer/engineer route.

aska 2: Sleep, eat, go to lecture, and don’t forget to have a life. Try to find a balance between work and play, and you’ll have a great time at U of T.

Why should students submit questions?

aska 1: The university is great at providing information, but making the information fun is a way to make it more accessible to people. That’s my pedagogical justification for why I link to so many Sonic the hedgehog memes in my posts.

You should ask us questions if a) you have a question that’s not too urgent and b) you don’t mind being teased a little bit for the good of the website. I hope people understand that it’s all in good fun, and remember that we’re all on this wild U of T adventure together.

aska 2: I just want students to know that there are people out there who care and that you’re not alone. Even though this is technically a job, we do actually enjoy helping people who feel lost. I try to make sure that the asker feels like their question is valid and that I am leaving them with as much information as possible. We genuinely hope that we have helped in some way, shape or form.

Students should write to us if they want to hear advice from an honest, student perspective. Please don’t give up hope if we take a while to respond. After all, we are students too. (Or in my case, an international tribute band pop star). We are trying our best and you will definitely get a response from us eventually.

Don’t hesitate to share our posts, comment on them, like or follow! We love praise.

Those looking to submit a question to aska, can email askastudent.innis@utoronto.ca, or send a message to their tumblr inbox.

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Natalie Panek
Master of Science, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering. Graduated 2009.

Learn more about Natalie Panek here

Shalane Katugampola
B.A. Economics, UTSC. Graduated 2007.

Danièle Dennis
Honours Bachelor of Arts, Arts and Culture Specialist, UTSC. Graduated 2015.

Learn more about Danièle Dennis here

Eugenia Duodu
Ph.D, Medicinal Chemistry, UTM. Graduated 2015.

Rehman Merali
PhD candidate Autonomous Space Robotics

Learn more about teaBOT and Rehman Merali here

Ina Foalea
Bachelor Commerce, UTM. Graduated 2012.

#UofTBTS16: First day of school brings nerves and excitement to students and profs alike

Read more about student tools like ASKme booths

#UofTBTS16: Are you a U of T student with a question? Check out askastudent

Back to School

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

#UofTBTS16: Back to School wraps up at U of T

#UofTBTS16: Introducing U of T’s Class of 2020

#UofTBTS16: Co-curricular record helps boost your U of T experience

#UofTBTS16: Keeping U of T students healthy

#UofTBTS16: See panoramic 360 degree photos of U of T

#UofTBTS16: U of T News visits the ASKme Anything booth

#UofTBTS16: U of T alumni share their wisdom with the class of 2020

Natalie Panek Master of Science, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering. Graduated 2009.

Shalane Katugampola B.A. Economics, UTSC. Graduated 2007.

Danièle Dennis Honours Bachelor of Arts, Arts and Culture Specialist, UTSC. Graduated 2015.

Eugenia Duodu Ph.D, Medicinal Chemistry, UTM. Graduated 2015.

Rehman Merali PhD candidate Autonomous Space Robotics

Ina Foalea Bachelor Commerce, UTM. Graduated 2012.

#UofTBTS16: First day of school brings nerves and excitement to students and profs alike

#UofTBTS16: Are you a U of T student with a question? Check out askastudent

Natalie Panek
Master of Science, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering. Graduated 2009.

Shalane Katugampola
B.A. Economics, UTSC. Graduated 2007.

Danièle Dennis
Honours Bachelor of Arts, Arts and Culture Specialist, UTSC. Graduated 2015.

Eugenia Duodu
Ph.D, Medicinal Chemistry, UTM. Graduated 2015.

Rehman Merali
PhD candidate Autonomous Space Robotics

Ina Foalea
Bachelor Commerce, UTM. Graduated 2012.