St. George

In photos: U of T campuses spring to life as students move into residence, head to first day of class

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 13:00:15 +0000

In photos: U of T campuses spring to life as students move into residence, head to first day of class

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 09/03/2024 - 09:00

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Jacob Domingo Chan, third from left, was among many first-year students who received a helping hand as they moved into residences on U of T's three campuses ahead of the new school year (photo by Polina Teif)

Rahul Kalvapalle

Topic

Our Community

Back to School 2024

Graduate Students

St. George

Trinity College

U of T Mississauga

U of T Scarborough

Undergraduate Students

University College

The ��Ƶ’s three campuses are abuzz with excitement as students from the Toronto region, across Canada and around the world kicked off a new school year.

The fall 2024 semester marked the first time that students on the St. George campus, U of T Scarborough and U of T Mississauga had their first day of classes on the same day, Sept. 3 – part of an effort to align key academic dates across the university.

AskMe Anything volunteers were also out in full force to offer tips and guidance, especially to the thousands of first-year students navigating the first day of their post-secondary education.

U of T President Meric Gertler welcomed new and returning students, as well as faculty, staff and librarians, in a video message released last week.

“[U of T] is an exciting place to be, and this is an exciting time to be a part of it,” he said.

Photographers were on hand across all three campuses in recent days to capture the sights – and energy – of a new academic year:

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Welcome signs wrap U of T’s main gates on the St. George campus as students make their way to and from classes on the first day of a new school year.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

The weeks leading up to the first day of school featured plenty of enthusiasm as students and their families carted belongings into residences at U of T Mississauga.

(photo by Polina Teif)

At St. George, volunteers and residence staff were on hand to provide a warm welcome, refreshments and help hoisting bins and boxes.

(photo by Polina Teif)

“I was nervous at first, but everyone’s been so welcoming,” said University College student Cassidy Smith, who posed for an Aug. 25 photo with her mother as she moved into her dorm.

“There’s such a good energy around the place and I can feel that this is going to be like a second home to me."

(photo by Terrence Tong)

At U of T Scarborough, luggage carts – and several volunteers – helped ferry students’ belongings between the parking lot and residence buildings.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Gabriella Baichwal, who was born in Toronto and grew up in Chicago, joked that she “brought way too much stuff” to fill up her single room in Trinity College on the St. George campus.

“I brought all my clothes, a mini-fridge and all of this stuff, and I feel like a spoiled brat. But that’s OK – you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do,” said Baichwal, as her parents helped unload items from their vehicle’s roof.

Her father, Ravi Baichwal, whose own father went to grad school at U of T in the 1960s after moving from India, said he was “incredibly proud” of his daughter for following in her grandfather’s footsteps.

“I have that incredible pit of anxiety and hope all mixed up into one,” he said.

(photo by Polina Teif)

There were plenty of opportunities for students to meet new friends, showcase their school spirit and learn about extra-curricular opportunities at the tri-campus cheer-off event and clubs carnival held on the St. George campus ahead of the Labour Day long weekend.

(photo by Polina Teif)

More than 300 U of T clubs were present at the clubs carnival, an annual event organized by the U of T Students' Union. There is also a Student Groups Fair on Sept. 5 and 6 at U of T Mississauga, and a UTSC Clubs Fair at U of T Scarborough on Sept. 23.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Orientation programs at U of T Mississauga included a painting activity that invited students to harness their creativity.

(photo by Terrence Tong)

It was all smiles at U of T Scarborough as students, friends and family settled in for the fall term.

'Your gateway to the world': President Meric Gertler welcomes U of T community to fall term

mattimar — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 15:43:38 +0000

'Your gateway to the world': President Meric Gertler welcomes U of T community to fall term mattimar Thu, 08/29/2024 - 11:43

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As the ��Ƶ prepares to kick off a new school year, President Meric Gertler is extending a warm welcome to new and returning students, faculty, staff and librarians across the university’s three campuses.

“Each of you brings unique talents, perspectives and dreams – and each of you has a place in our academic community,” he said in a video released today. “Together, we're expanding the boundaries of knowledge in every field, challenging ourselves and each other in the adventure of learning, discovery and innovation.”

President Gertler called U of T “your gateway to the world,” highlighting its diverse community and wide range of international opportunities.

“It's an exciting place to be, and this is an exciting time to be part of it. Thank you all for joining us. I wish you all the best in the year to come.”

Learn more at UTogether

Back-to-school 2024: 6 things every U of T student should know

mattimar — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 16:37:14 +0000

Back-to-school 2024: 6 things every U of T student should know

mattimar Wed, 08/21/2024 - 12:37

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U of T's ASKme Anything booths are a great resource for help and information on all three campuses (photo by David Lee)

Mariam Matti

Topic

Our Community

Back to School 2024

U of T Entrepreneurship

There’s always more to discover at the ��Ƶ – whether you’re setting foot on one of its three campuses for the first time or have been here for years.

With its diverse opportunities, expansive resources and vibrant community, there are nearly endless ways for students to make the most of their time at one of the world’s top universities.

The following list, though by no means exhaustive, is meant to serve as a starting point for those who are looking for tips on everything from answering basic questions to finding their community – and even starting their own company.

Navigating campus life

Need help finding your way around? U of T’s tri-campus map tool is a great resource when it comes to figuring out where to go – and don’t forget that most lectures start 10 minutes after the hour to make sure students have time to get where they need to be.

“Where do I get a…?”

U of T's ASKMe Anything ambassadors aim to build a warm and welcoming community for students on all three campuses (photo by David Lee)

Starting out at U of T can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming – and many students have a lot of questions.

“How do I find out about orientation events and activities?”

“What is a TCard and where do I get it?”

“How much time is there to walk from class to class?”

Fortunately, U of T’s ASKme Anything booths and ambassadors are here to help. The initiative is all about building a warm and welcoming community for students on all three campuses.

ASKme Anything booths will be operating on the St. George campus from Aug. 19 to Sept. 9 on weekdays, plus Saturday, Aug. 24 and Sunday, Aug. 25. They will be conveniently located at the campus gate at King’s College Road and College Street, at St. George and Ursula Franklin Streets and near Sidney Smith Hall at St. George and Willcocks Streets.

At U of T Mississauga, students are encouraged to visit the Hub Hello Desk in the Student Services Hub to have their questions answered and to connect with student services on campus. The desk is open from 9:30 to 5 p.m.

At U of T Scarborough, ASKme Anything booths will be set up in Scarborough Circle, the lobby of the Sam Ibrahim Building, the front vestibule of the Instructional Centre and in the Bladen Wing hallway just outside of Tim Horton's from Sept. 3 to Sept. 14.

There are also welcome booths at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Terminals 1 and 3.

Finding your community

Students attend Clubs Day at the U of T Mississauga campus (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Diving into university life by joining a club provides the opportunity to learn new things, connect with others and enrich the student experience. From sports and the arts to social causes, there are hundreds of community-oriented clubs and student groups across the three campuses – meaning there’s literally something for everyone.

Interested students should check out the Clubs Carnival on Aug. 30 at King’s College Circle on Front Campus. At U of T Mississauga, students are invited to the Student Groups Fair to find out more information on clubs on Sept. 5 and 6 outside the Communication, Culture and Technology Building.

U of T Scarborough students will get to explore groups and clubs on campus on Sept. 23 at the UTSC Clubs Fair. The location of the event has yet to be determined.

The Student Organization Portal is a great resource to discover campus groups and includes information on what each group does and how to go about joining it.

Explore U of T’s thriving startup scene

Exhibitors gather at the True Blue Expo during U of T Entrepreneurship Week

U of T Entrepreneurship (UTE) is hosting AcceleratorFest on Sept. 18 from 12 to 6 p.m. at the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus.

The event offers an opportunity for aspiring and established entrepreneurs – as well as those who are merely curious about what it takes to effectively create your own job while attending university – to explore the many resources, spaces and programs available to them across U of T’s tri-campus network.

There will be representatives from more than a dozen campus accelerators, founders who turned their ideas into impactful businesses and a tour of ONRamp, UTE’s co-working and community spaced housed inside the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus.

Stay in the know with UTogether and connect with U of T on social media

There are many ways to connect with the U of T community and stay in the loop for events happening across the three campuses.

The UTogether web page is a hub of information and helps connect students, faculty members, staff and librarians with important resources – such as health and wellness supports – as well as news and messages from U of T leadership.

The social media directory is useful for those looking to find and connect with the various university accounts on social media. Use keywords and filters to search or browse the listings. Below are the quick links to the main social media accounts on each campus.

On Instagram

On TikTok

First day of classes (now the same across all three campuses)

Students on the first day of classes at the U of T Scarborough campus (photo by Ruilin Yuan)

So when does the fall term actually begin? For the first time, students on the St. George campus, U of T Scarborough and U of T Mississauga will begin on the same day: Sept. 3.

The alignment follows a review that recommended standardizing critical dates such as the start and end of classes, exam periods, reading weeks and fee deadlines across the three campuses.

The new, more co-ordinated approach is expected to provide a more streamlined and predictable academic experience for the university community.

In photos: Student-run Black Grad event celebrates community, culture and excellence

davidlee — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 16:47:24 +0000

In photos: Student-run Black Grad event celebrates community, culture and excellence

davidlee Mon, 06/24/2024 - 12:47

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Graduating students and recent graduates from across the three campuses sit in Hart House’s Great Hall during the student-run Black Grad celebration, organized annually by U of T's Black Student Association (all photos by Polina Teif)

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Subheadline

"Your success is not just personal, but a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations"

Peals of applause reverberated through Hart House’s Great Hall as dozens of graduates and graduating students at the ��Ƶ took to the stage at the Black Student Association’s annual Black Grad celebration, which brings together U of T community members from across the three campuses.

Taking a page from their U.S. peers, students at U of T began organizing Black Grad celebrations in 2017 as a way to honour students’ resilience, diversity and academic accomplishments.

U of T News writer Adina Bresge and interactive digital producer Polina Teif captured the celebration earlier this month:

(photo by Polina Teif)

Rows of graduates and graduating students waited to be called to the stage, where each was congratulated by ambassadors from across U of T’s three campuses.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Doyin Adeyemi, president of U of T's Black Students' Association and head of the 2024 Black Grad Planning Committee, said she was honoured to be in a room filled with such Black excellence, acknowledging the challenges her fellow graduates had faced to reach this milestone.

“Your success is not just personal, but a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations,” Adeyemi said.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Meshach Homer said the significance of the occasion hit him as soon as he donned his kente stole.

“When I got here and I saw so many Black people like me, it just feels like we've achieved something so great,” says Homer, who was graduating with an honours bachelor of arts degree from the Institute of Communication, Culture, Information and Technology at U of T Mississauga.

He says the milestone was all the more special because he was sharing it with his mother, who flew in from Trinidad to see the son she’d raised as a single parent graduate from one of the world’s top universities.

“It’s a big thing to see me happy for all that I have achieved and all that she has achieved raising me the way I am.”

(photo by Polina Teif)

After the proceedings, graduates reunited with friends and family at a reception for hugs, photos and food.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Hannah Flores, a spoken word poet, scientist and life sciences student at New College in the Faculty of Arts & Science, performed a piece dedicated to “the only Black student in the room.”

In keeping with the 2024 theme, “Legacy in Motion: Passing the Baton of Excellence,” the student-run event’s speakers and performers recognized the rich tradition of Black community, culture, and excellence and reminded graduates of their role in carrying forward that mission of empowerment.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Dozens of graduates gathered in the Hart House courtyard for a Class of 2024 portrait.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Naomi Tekle Kiros said attending Black Grad felt like the culmination of a dream she’s been working toward since Grade 8.

“I felt that I was truly honoured and rewarded for what I've accomplished at this campus,” said Kiros, who is graduating with an honours bachelor of arts degree with a double major in sociology and critical studies in equity and solidarity.

Wearing the stole provided by the organizers, a traditional Ethiopian kemis and gold headpiece, Kiros said she was overwhelmed by the sense of fellowship and community permeating the hall and wanted her outfit to highlight how her heritage has shaped her vision for the future and plans to go to law school.

U of T holds flag-raising ceremonies across its three campuses to mark start of Pride Month

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 20:21:00 +0000

U of T holds flag-raising ceremonies across its three campuses to mark start of Pride Month

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 06/04/2024 - 16:21

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(photos by Nick Iwanyshyn, Don Campbell and XiaoXiao)

Jelena Damjanovic

Don Campbell

Topic

Our Community

Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education

Subheadline

"Let us celebrate the progress we have made while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead"

Flags have been raised across the ��Ƶ’s three campuses to mark the start of Pride month.

At the St. George campus, the Progress Pride flag was hoisted above Varsity Stadium during an event hosted by the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education (KPE) and the Sexual and Gender Diversity Office.

Gretchen Kerr, dean of KPE, welcomed guests at the event and noted that June is also the start of National Indigenous History Month – a reminder that fighting for 2SLGBTQ+ rights also means fighting for an end to all forms of oppression. “I’m old enough to remember the Toronto bathhouse raids in 1981 and the violence exerted against the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We’ve made progress since then, but we can’t take our feet off the gas pedal,” Kerr said.

"Raising the Progress Pride flag today at U of T is essentially important as we mark Pride within the context of our ongoing efforts to address many systems of oppression, discrimination, and harassment,” said Jodie Glean-Mitchell, U of T's executive director of equity, diversity and inclusion.

"Pride Month is a time to celebrate the contributions that 2SLGBTQ+ people and communities have made – and continue to make – across the university. It is a time to educate ourselves on the past and present lived experience of queer and trans people. Most importantly it's a time to push back, a time for resistance... There is purpose in us being here. We have work to do. But we can only do it together."

At U of T Scarborough, the More Colour, More Pride and Trans Pride flags were raised to mark the beginning of Pride Month.

“Each of us will choose to mark this day in different ways,” said Cherilyn Scobie Edwards, senior director of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office (EDIO) at U of T Scarborough.

Left: U of T Scarborough community members gather to mark the start of Pride Month. Right: Cherilyn Scobie Edwards, senior director of equity, diversity and inclusion, delivers remarks (photos by Don Campbell)

Edwards noted that not everyone has the privilege of being able to celebrate Pride. “It is my hope that today we continue to note that the struggle for freedom and acceptance has not ended and that the fight for true freedom continues,” she said.

Professor Linda Johnston, acting vice-president of U of T and principal of U of T Scarborough, and Diana Pearson, equity, diversity and inclusion coordinator with the EDIO, also offered remarks.

The ceremony was followed by a courtyard celebration in front of the Arts and Administration Building featuring snow cones, a Pride balloon display, interactive floral mural and a welcome table set up by the Positive Space Committee.

Pride flags were also raised at U of T Mississauga last week.

The Progress Pride flag is raised at U of T Mississauga (photos by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Back at Varsity Stadium, Jasmine Lew, a kinesiology major and track-and-field athlete who was nominated by their peers as the 2SLGBTQ+ community impact honouree, said the raising of the Progress Pride flag is a deeply meaningful moment. “Let us celebrate the progress we have made while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead,” said Lew, “and let us recommit ourselves to building safe and brave spaces that empowers us to love who we love and live authentically.”

Wrapping up the event, Terry Gardiner, KPE’s director of equity, diversity and inclusion, said the raising of the Pride flag represents “a rallying call for all of us, as a community, to continue to work together to bring to life our vision of truly inclusive societies for everyone, everywhere.”

Wesley J. Hall elected to serve as the 35th chancellor of the ��Ƶ

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 17 May 2024 00:41:06 +0000

Wesley J. Hall elected to serve as the 35th chancellor of the ��Ƶ

Christopher.Sorensen Thu, 05/16/2024 - 20:41

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(photo supplied)

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Wesley J. Hall, business leader and champion of equity, diversity and inclusion, will serve as the next chancellor of the ��Ƶ.

Hall was elected by U of T’s College of Electors to serve a three-year term effective July 1, 2024.

He will be the university’s 35th chancellor since its founding in 1827.

“As I take on the role of the chancellor at the ��Ƶ, I am deeply privileged and humbled to carry forward the institution’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and advancement, values that strongly align with my personal beliefs,” said Hall, who holds several honorary doctorates and an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

“I take on this role with a vision where every voice resonates, every perspective is honoured and appreciated, and every opportunity is open to all, regardless of background or experience. Rooted in the belief that education is a fundamental human right, this esteemed position is about dismantling barriers and paving the way toward a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone.

“We are living in a diverse world – but there is still more work to be done. Together, let us champion inclusivity, ensuring that the university remains a beacon of excellence, progress and limitless possibilities.”

Elected for a three-year term, the chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university, presiding at convocations, conferring all university degrees and acting as ambassador to the wider community and alumni worldwide. The chancellor also plays an essential role in advancing the university's interests within the local, provincial, national and international arenas.

Hall’s election follows a rigorous search process conducted by the College of Electors and chaired by Candice Jay. The college, which was established by the Governing Council in 1971, comprises members representing the constituent alumni associations of the ��Ƶ Alumni Association (UTAA) and is charged with the responsibility of electing alumni governors and the chancellor.

“Dr. Wesley Hall is a widely respected and inspirational business leader, and he is deeply committed to creating opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities,” said Meric Gertler, president of U of T.

“His professional and personal accomplishments and talents make him eminently qualified to take on the position of chancellor. I am delighted that he has accepted this key role, and on behalf of the entire ��Ƶ, I thank him for his willingness to contribute his immense talent and experience to the advancement of our academic mission.”

Hall is Executive Chairman and Founder of WeShall Investments, Kingsdale Advisors and the BlackNorth Initiative. WeShall Investments is a private equity firm with a diverse portfolio of companies predominantly led by BIPOC entrepreneurs. The BlackNorth Inititiave is committed to removing systemic barriers impacting the Black community.

He has improved the lives of thousands of children in the Caribbean and Canada, donating both his money and time. And he has been instrumental in mentoring many of Canada’s Black entrepreneurs and leaders.

“I am delighted with Dr. Wesley Hall's appointment as Chancellor-elect,” said Anna Kennedy, chair of U of T’s Governing Council.

“Dr. Hall's remarkable achievements in the business world and unwavering dedication to empowering marginalized groups resonate deeply with the ��Ƶ’s values of equity and inclusivity. He is an authentic leader and a community builder, and we anticipate his transformative leadership will enrich our institution's culture and the experience of our students.”

In 2021, Hall partnered with the Rotman School of Management to introduce a new course on Black entrepreneurship and leadership, the first of its kind in North America. Developed in partnership with the BlackNorth Initiative, and with Hall as the lead instructor, the course has proven to be highly successful.

In 2023, U of T conferred a Doctor of Laws honoris causa on Hall in recognition of his innovative corporate and entrepreneurial leadership, and for his outstanding service to the local community, as a champion for equity on behalf of the Black community. He has also received honorary doctorates from five other universities.

"In addition to his remarkable professional accomplishments, Dr. Wesley Hall’s philanthropic initiatives demonstrate his deep commitment to societal betterment,” said Jay in her role as chair of the College of Electors. “His clear focus on equity and opportunity, and his authentic and inspiring approach as an individual and leader distinguishes him as an outstanding candidate for the role of chancellor. He has a fantastic way of connecting with students and shares stories that inspire change and action. We cannot be more thrilled to welcome him as the next chancellor of the ��Ƶ.”

Hall’s achievements in business, and his work to advance and broaden opportunities for the Black community, have been recognized with numerous awards. In 2021, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2022, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce recognized him as Canadian Business Leader of the Year. Long celebrated for his generosity and his commitment to charitable causes, Hall’s board service includes SickKids Foundation, Pathways to Education Canada, the Toronto International Film Festival and Huron University College. He also served on the Capital Markets Modernization Task Force for the Ontario Ministry of Finance.

Hall will succeed Chancellor Rose Patten, whose second term comes to an end on June 30, 2024. At that time, she will have completed the maximum length of service in the role permitted by the ��Ƶ Act, 1971.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chancellor Patten for her tireless and exceptional work on behalf of the University over the past six years,” said President Gertler.

“I know it is deeply appreciated by the entire University community, and we all look forward to paying tribute to her in the weeks to come.”

U of T budget invests in teaching, research and student well-being as sector’s challenges mount

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 18:22:52 +0000

U of T budget invests in teaching, research and student well-being as sector’s challenges mount

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 04/09/2024 - 14:22

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(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Topic

The ��Ƶ is continuing to invest in students – with financial aid, new housing and innovative classroom technologies – and drive forward world-class research, all while taking steps to address headwinds buffeting Canada’s post-secondary sector.

The 2024-2025 balanced budget, approved by Governing Council on April 4, plans for $3.52 billion in spending during the upcoming fiscal year, an increase of 4.9 percent over the previous period.

That includes hundreds of millions of dollars for student aid and an estimated extra $125 million related to increases in faculty, staff and librarian compensation following the repeal of Ontario’s Bill 124, which had placed strict limits on public sector pay increases for several years.

While the additional costs related to compensation required money to be redirected from other areas this year, more than $18 million will still be spent on everything from teaching innovations to upgrading classroom technologies, as well as supporting work on sustainability and inclusive research networks that seek to eliminate systematic barriers and advance members’ discoveries on a global stage.

The budget also details significant investments in capital projects that are planned or underway across the three campuses, ranging from student residences to new spaces for learning and research.

“The investments being made in teaching, learning and research across the ��Ƶ’s three campuses make it possible for students and faculty to continue to excel in their chosen fields,” says Trevor Young, U of T’s vice-president and provost.

“They also underscore the university’s dedication to supporting the well-being and success of all its community members – both in the upcoming academic year and for many years to come.”

Demand for programs remains strong. Enrolment exceeded 99,000 students last fall and there are plans to increase domestic undergraduate spaces by 2,500 in the next five years, focusing on areas like nursing and medicine, including at the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health (SAMIH).

However, the university is forecasting slower revenue growth in the years ahead.

“We’re heading into a new planning environment compared to where we have been over the last decade,” says Jeff Lennon, U of T’s assistant vice-president, planning and budget.

He adds that the university continues to balance its budget and has benefited from strong returns on investments which will contribute to revenue growth next year. But he stresses that U of T continues to face increasing financial pressure as a result of “extraordinary increases in compensation for faculty, staff and librarians following the repeal of Ontario’s wage restraint legislation, which has required the redirection of funds from other priorities.”

That’s in addition to the financial impact of slowing enrolment amid a more complex geopolitical environment, frozen provincial base operating grants and provincial restrictions on domestic tuition, he says.

Tuition fees for Ontario students, cut by 10 per cent in 2019, remain frozen, resulting in a $15-million impact to the university’s plan for next year. The cut and subsequent freezes to tuition have resulted in a $195-million reduction in annual revenue to the university as of 2023 relative to the pre-2019 framework that had allowed for annual domestic tuition increases of three per cent, Lennon says.

The continuing tuition fee freeze runs counter to the findings of a blue-ribbon panel, which last year recommended that the province lift the freeze on domestic tuition and called for a five-per-cent tuition increase next year for Ontario students and a minimum increase of 2 per cent in subsequent years. Last month, the Ontario government announced that it would provide $1.3 billion over three years to help stabilize the province’s colleges and universities, with particular assistance for institutions with more acute budget shortfalls.

Fees for U of T domestic undergraduate students from outside the province, meanwhile, will see a five-per-cent increase in the upcoming year, while international fees will increase by an average of 2.1 per cent – although the cost to students for the latter will continue to be offset by $90 million that U of T has earmarked for international student scholarships.

Another potential headwind is the federal government’s changes to international study applications for undergraduate students, which is meant to crack down on institutions that have rapidly recruited large numbers of students from outside Canada. While U of T is not a target of the new rules, the changes may nevertheless create uncertainty for future students, Lennon says.

Despite these challenges, U of T continues to make priority investments in several areas, including through its University Fund. For example, it is planning to spend $5.1 million to fund various divisional research and teaching initiatives, including: hiring new faculty; supporting programs that help students deal with the rising cost of living in Toronto; experimenting with AI in the classroom, flexible course delivery models and more opportunities for experiential learning; and adding programming around subjects such as data science, machine learning, global leadership, and life sciences.

There are also efforts to enhance access for underrepresented students through outreach programs, mental health supports and financial supports.

As in previous years, student aid remains a top priority in the 2024-2025 budget – with more than $380 million set aside for financial supports – part of the university’s pledge that no domestic student admitted to a U of T program will be prevented from studying because of a lack of financial means.

The university is expanding its student residences with plans to add about 1,250 new spaces to its current inventory of more than 10,500 spaces across the three campuses. This past fall saw the opening of Harmony Commons at U of T Scarborough and a deal that gives U of T preferential access to CampusOne on the St. George campus. The new Oak House residence on Spadina Avenue is under construction and plans are underway for a new Phase IX Residence at U of T Mississauga.

U of T is planning to invest $4.6 billion in 29 capital projects across the three campuses, which are to be funded through a mix of: cash reserves; debt; future cash contributions; and partnerships with donors and governments. Major projects under construction include the Lash Miller expansion and Academic Wood Tower on the St. George campus, as well as the Sam Ibrahim instructional centre and SAMIH building at U of T Scarborough.

Future projects include the James and Louise Temerty Building on the site of the west wing of the current Medical Sciences Building, a new commerce building, the redevelopment of the 215 Huron site on the St. George campus and a literature, arts and media and performance building at U of T Scarborough.

“These and other projects reflect the ��Ƶ’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure, fostering innovation and enriching the academic experience of students, faculty and staff across the three campuses,” says Scott Mabury, U of T’s vice-president, operations and real estate partnerships.

“Such forward-looking investments play a key role in making sure we remain at the forefront of academia, research and innovation on a global scale.”

In photos: Under cloudy skies, U of T community gathers to experience near-total solar eclipse

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:22:01 +0000

In photos: Under cloudy skies, U of T community gathers to experience near-total solar eclipse

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 04/09/2024 - 10:22

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The April 8 solar eclipse in the skies over U of T Mississauga, where the clouds parted just in time to give watch party attendees a thrilling spectacle (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Topic

Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics

Faculty of Arts & Science

Skies darkened and temperatures dropped as the solar eclipse swept across the ��Ƶ’s three campuses Monday, bringing community members together to marvel at the celestial spectacle.

Hundreds of community members gathered outside and donned safety glasses to gaze skyward in hopes of witnessing the eclipse from the three campuses, which were adjacent to the path of totality. Others tuned into a livestream hosted by U of T’s Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics.

While gathering clouds obscured the sun around Greater Toronto, the skies cleared just in time to give a lucky few a clear view of the rare astronomical alignment – including those who gathered for a free viewing party at U of T Mississauga.

Here’s how the day unfolded through the lenses of photographers at the university:

(photo by Matthew Volpe)

On U of T’s St. George campus, hundreds pulled out their phones to capture the CN Tower as the city lights pierced through a blackened mid-day sky.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Clouds gave way to clear skies at just the right moment for hundreds of people gathered at U of T Mississauga to witness the solar eclipse.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

While Mississauga was not in the path of totality, the near-total eclipse turned the sky slate grey and deep blue, while a chill in the air cooled the warm spring day.

(photo by Dan Weaver)

At U of T Scarborough, community members convened outside the Science Wing as overcast skies loomed over the Ma Moosh Ka Win Trail.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

A station set up by Vera Velasco, a U of T Mississauga plant physiologist at Growth Facilities research greenhouse and growth chambers, walked attendees at the viewing party through an experiment tracking how the eclipse impacts photosynthesis. As the eclipse occurred, Velasco and fellow researchers also showed its colours using a spectrometer.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Astronomer Marta Bryan, an assistant professor in U of T Mississauga’s department of chemical and physical sciences, spoke to the crowd about the science behind the solar eclipse, complete with a demonstration from some of the younger audience members playing sun, moon and Earth.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

While it's possible to see a total solar eclipse from somewhere on Earth every few years, it will be another 120 years before viewers in southern Ontario are treated to an eclipse as total as the one on April 8. "It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime event for all of us," Bryan says.

Read a Q&A with astrophysicist Laurie Rousseau-Nepton about Indigenous perspectives on the eclipse

Five things to look forward to at Entrepreneurship Week 2024

rahul.kalvapalle — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 17:31:12 +0000

Five things to look forward to at Entrepreneurship Week 2024

rahul.kalvapalle Mon, 02/26/2024 - 12:31

Cutline

U of T’s annual Entrepreneurship Week takes place March 4 to 7 and features more than 15 events across U of T’s three campuses, including pitch competitions, startup showcases, keynote speeches, workshops and panel discussions (supplied image)

Rahul Kalvapalle

Topic

Our Community

Entrepreneurship Week

Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus

U of T Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

The ��Ƶ is gearing up for its annual tri-campus Entrepreneurship Week, a four-day showcase of U of T’s diverse and extensive entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Taking place from March 4 to 7, Entrepreneurship Week features more than 15 events across U of T’s three campuses, including pitch competitions, startup showcases, keynote speeches, workshops, panel discussions and more.

All events are free and open to students, entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and anyone else interested in learning about – and being inspired by – the startups, founders and research-based entrepreneurship ecosystem that have made U of T one of the top five university startup incubators in the world.

“There is no wrong door for the entrepreneurs in our community. Regardless of what and where you study or how far along you are on your journey, there is a place for you,” says Jon French, director of U of T Entrepreneurship. “This week is an opportunity to showcase the calibre of our talented founders and the breadth and depth of opportunities we can offer over 600 teams annually.”

Here are some of the key events and themes for the upcoming edition of U of T’s annual celebration of all things entrepreneurship:

Watch startups compete for funding and prizes

U of T Entrepreneurship’s marquee business pitch competition is the Desjardins Startup Prize, which will see startups and their founders vie for more than $100,000 in cash prizes.

This year’s shortlist includes companies that are innovating across an array of important areas including neurodegenerative disease treatments, greenhouse gas monitoring, oral hygiene and AI chatbots. The competition, which is split into early-stage and later-stage startup categories, will take place during True Blue Impact Day on March 7.

On March 6, U of T Mississauga’s ICUBE accelerator will host Pitch with a Twist, an annual pitch competition for women entrepreneurs that is judged by an all-women panel. The event, which marks the lead-up to International Women’s Day on March 8, will also feature a keynote address by Catherine Addai, founder of the women’s clothing company Kaela Kay.

Hear from entrepreneur-investor power couple Eva and Allen Lau

(photo supplied)

This year’s Desjardins Speaker Series address will be delivered by Eva and Allen Lau, spouses who are both alumni, successful entrepreneurs and co-founders of Two Small Fish Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm.

In a keynote titled “School of Fish: Lessons Learned from Swimming Upstream,” the Laus will discuss an array of topics including the story of digital storytelling platform Wattpad – co-founded by Allen Lau, with Eva Lau as one of its founding members – from its inception in 2006 to its $600-million exit 15 years later.

The Laus will also offer their advice for early-stage founders, discuss the current investment climate and explore opportunities and challenges in the Canadian innovation ecosystem – including their thoughts on key industries and technologies such as AI, quantum computing and electric vehicles.

The hybrid event will take place on True Blue Impact Day on March 7.

Get inspired by leaders from underrepresented groups

U of T Entrepreneurship continues to celebrate and advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurship world through its Entrepreneurship Week programming.

At U of T Scarborough on March 5, attendees can take in an International Women’s Day panel discussion featuring Fennella Bruce, media consultant and founder of FKB Media Solutions, and Melanie Ratnam, founder of the researcher-focused software platform Indaggo and president the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology. The event will also feature opportunities to network with women leaders and entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, on the St. George campus, the second day of Entrepreneurship Week will feature the return of the popular Fireside at FemSTEM conversation series featuring special guest Yasaman Soudagar, co-founder and CEO of the neuroscience startup Neurescence who completed her PhD in experimental quantum optics at U of T and École Polytechnique in Montreal.

Another moderated conversation on March 7 will examine women who are transforming Canada’s music and arts landscape. The discussion, titled “I’m first cause I’m a L-A-D-I-E: Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Female Empowerment in Canada’s Hip Hop and Black Music Industries,” will feature: Tinesha Richards-Morris, director of 925 Agency Inc. and former managing director the arts and culture non-profit Manifesto; Annalie Bonda, label manager for independent record label Golly Geng Inc. and former executive director of arts training organization The Remix Project; and Keysha Freshh, a solo emcee and member of all-female hip-hop crew The Sorority. Audience members will have the chance to network with key figures in Canada’s music industry, learn how to navigate its barriers and discuss the role of gender in the Canadian music landscape.

Learn about mental wellness, stress management and how to deal with failure

This year’s Entrepreneurship Week will kick off with a keynote address and panel discussion on a critical but often overlooked topic in the world of entrepreneurship: stress management and mental wellness. The session will begin with a keynote from Lauren Brown, lead facilitator and program co-ordinator of mindfulness, meditation and yoga for U of T’s Division of Student Life, that will explore how entrepreneurs can harness their intuition and tackle stress. The keynote will be followed by a moderated discussion with a panel of founders.

Themes of wellness and resilience will also be explored during “Redefining the 'F-word’ (Failure, not the other one),” a fireside chat with U of T Scarborough's entrepreneur-in-residence Elina Chow and executive coach Matthew Fuller. The chat will include a candid exploration of failure in entrepreneurship.

Experience the new Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus

(photo by David Lee)

For the first time, this year’s Entrepreneurship Week will see several events hosted at U of T’s new Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus.

The result of a historic $100-million donation by Gerald Schwartz and Heather Reisman, the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus serves as a hub for entrepreneurship, innovation and advancement in AI and related fields.

The building’s west tower will serve as the anchor location of Entrepreneurship Week 2024, hosting events including the curtain-raiser on mental wellness on March 4 and the entire slate of events on True Blue Impact Day on March 7, including the Desjardins Startup Prize and Speaker Series as well as the True Blue Expo featuring more than 40 startups, 12 campus-linked accelerators and numerous community partners.

Learn more about U of T Entrepreneurship

‘A win for students’: U of T acquires 20 per cent of privately owned CampusOne residence

rahul.kalvapalle — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 17:24:56 +0000

‘A win for students’: U of T acquires 20 per cent of privately owned CampusOne residence

rahul.kalvapalle Wed, 02/07/2024 - 12:24

Cutline

(all photos by Lisa Logan Photography)

Rahul Kalvapalle

Topic

Our Community

Operations & Real Estate Partnerships

Undergraduate Students

Subheadline

The deal enables U of T to place students directly in CampusOne and offer them residence programming and supports

In a deal that immediately adds as many as 890 beds to the university’s student housing stock, the ��Ƶ has purchased a 20 per cent stake in the privately owned CampusOne residence located adjacent to the St. George campus.

U of T acquired the equity share from Knightstone Capital Management for $55 million.

While CampusOne was already affiliated with U of T, the ownership stake means the university can now place students directly in the 25-storey building on College Street (students previously needed to apply to CampusOne). U of T will also be able to influence residence programming and support services so they further align with those of the university’s existing residences, as well as its policies and procedures.

Scott Mabury, U of T’s vice-president, operations and real estate partnerships, said the deal potentially increases the number of beds in its portfolio by nine per cent, helping it to meet the rapidly rising demand for student housing.

“Not only will this acquisition allow U of T to better meet its first-year residence guarantee for fall 2024 in a residence directly adjacent to campus, it does so without the long lead time required to build a new residence – and without the costs and resources that entails,” Mabury said.

“For our students, staying in a residence operated by U of T and programmed by our Student Life people is important and desirable. This is a win for students, and therefore a win for the university.”

Mabury estimated the deal saves U of T at least $200 million compared to constructing a similar-sized residence from scratch.

“We paid 20 per cent to have [priority] access to the whole thing – all 890 beds. If we were building them ourselves, we would be spending at least a quarter of a billion dollars,” Mabury said. “I can’t overstate how good an outcome this is.”

The acquisition is one of several steps taken by U of T to address the growing demand for student housing on its three campuses.

Less than a kilometre away from CampusOne, at the corner of Spadina and Sussex Avenues, is Oak House, a new 23-storey residence that will house 508 students and is scheduled to open in fall 2024.

U of T Scarborough, meanwhile, opened Harmony Commons last year – a 746-bed residence dedicated to first-year undergraduate students that meets Passive House standards for energy efficiency. And U of T Mississauga is moving to build a new student housing complex on Residence Road, near its Oscar Peterson Hall and Schreiberwood residences.

Owen McCartney, director of asset management for U of T’s real estate team, said that the development period for a student residence is typically at least five years, whereas the CampusOne deal will have an immediate impact.

“These rooms can all now count toward the first-year residence guarantee, whereas previously they did not,” McCartney said.

Located at the corner of College and Huron Streets, CampusOne was constructed on land partially owned by U of T that was leased to Knightstone Capital Management. It offers accommodations ranging from studio apartments to single rooms in multi-bedroom suites. Amenities include a fitness centre, game lounges, movie theatre, arts studio and quiet study rooms.

U of T Food Services operates all-day dining programs in the building.

Negotiations for the acquisition began in spring 2023 and the transaction officially closed in mid-December. However, U of T was given the green light by CampusOne’s owners to begin placing students in the residence last summer before the deal was complete.

In addition to receiving 20 per cent of the building’s operating income, the deal will also see U of T earn a small fee for each student it places in CampusOne.

Mabury said the agreement is the latest example of U of T’s 4 Corners Strategy, which aims to advance the university’s academic and research missions by providing high-quality innovation space, student and faculty housing, and other key services – all while generating new revenue streams through ancillary retail and other leasing agreements.

“This deal is the result of years of work – including building the Real Estate and Partnerships team and bringing real estate expertise to the table – that are now generating new opportunities for the university.”

St. George

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Five things to look forward to at Entrepreneurship Week 2024

Watch startups compete for funding and prizes

Hear from entrepreneur-investor power couple Eva and Allen Lau

Get inspired by leaders from underrepresented groups

Learn about mental wellness, stress management and how to deal with failure

Experience the new Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus

Learn more about U of T Entrepreneurship

‘A win for students’: U of T acquires 20 per cent of privately owned CampusOne residence

Wesley J. Hall elected to serve as the 35th chancellor of the ��Ƶ