UTogether

'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

Topic

Our Community

Back to School 2024

UTogether

Meric Gertler

St. George

U of T Mississauga

U of T Scarborough

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

U of T welcomes federal budget's investments in research and innovation

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 18:39:56 +0000

U of T welcomes federal budget's investments in research and innovation

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 04/16/2024 - 14:39

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(photo by Matthew Dochstader/Paradox Images)

Topic

Research and Innovation

The ��Ƶ is welcoming measures in Tuesday’s federal budget that boost research programs and support a new generation of talent across Canada, strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem and knowledge economy.

The spring 2024 budget, announced by Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s deputy prime minister and finance minister, allocates more than $3 billion in investments in Canada’s research ecosystem over the next five years.

This includes increases to the tri-council funding agency budgets, additional support for master’s and PhD students and post-doctoral fellows, and more money for major research infrastructure projects – a clear recognition that universities are drivers of economic growth and can find solutions to the challenges facing Canada and the world.

“Today’s budget is a very significant and welcome recognition of the critical role the research ecosystem plays in driving Canada’s productivity and prosperity,” said U of T President Meric Gertler.

“It builds on this government’s earlier investments in research and innovation, and helps secure Canada’s global competitiveness for future generations.”

The budget’s key elements for the post-secondary sector include an increase of 30 per cent, across five years, in Canada’s three research funding agencies: the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

The budget also invests $825 million in support of master’s and PhD students and post-doctoral fellows, boosting the value of these scholarships and fellowships significantly, and adding a further 1,720 students or fellows each year.

“In the knowledge economy, the global market for ... ideas is highly competitive and we need to make sure talented people have the right incentives to do their groundbreaking research here in Canada,” the budget document states.

In addition, the budget lays out a plan for the creation of an advisory Council on Science and Innovation, which will be tasked with setting priorities and boosting the impact of federal investments in science and innovation. And it proposes the creation of a new capstone research funding organization to optimize the impact of the federally funded research councils.

The budget also earmarks $2.4 billion, previously announced, to consolidate Canada’s competitive edge in AI – a field where U of T researchers are playing a leading role.

The measures come as post-secondary institutions in Ontario grapple with a challenging financial environment and follows growing calls across Canada for reinvestment in research and innovation.

U of T is a member of the Coalition for Canadian Research, which has urged the federal government to increase support for research to enhance Canada’s competitiveness as a destination for top talent and accelerate Canadian researchers’ efforts in tackling pressing national and global challenges.

“Canada has many strengths in this new strategic race, including unparalleled access to talent, an increasingly successful commercialization pipeline from researchers to business, and a federal government focused on developing the industries of tomorrow,” Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives, noted in a May 2023 column for The Hill Times.

In October, the coalition – whose members include post-secondary institutions as well as research hospitals, life sciences companies, charities, students and early-career researchers – released an open letter calling for “ambitious reinvestment” to support Canada’s research and innovation ecosystem amid an increasingly competitive global landscape and rising societal and economic challenges.

More than 10,000 U of T community members take part in Indigenous cultural competency training

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 21:05:10 +0000

More than 10,000 U of T community members take part in Indigenous cultural competency training

Christopher.Sorensen Fri, 04/12/2024 - 17:05

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John Croutch, Indigenous training co-ordinator and a member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded First Nation, says he hopes participants walk away from his sessions with a greater understanding of the impacts of settler colonialism and its focus on the erasure of Indigenous Peoples (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Topic

Indigenous Initiatives

Truth and Reconciliation

Subheadline

In response to high demand, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at U of T has hired a second training co-ordinator to deliver four-part learning series

The ��Ƶ’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives has hit a milestone in its educational efforts: providing Indigenous cultural competency training to more than 10,000 students, staff, faculty and librarians across the university.

John Croutch, Indigenous training co-ordinator and a member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded First Nation, leads the four-part learning series, which explores Canada’s hidden history of Indigenous-settler relations, the impact of state decisions and policies, the role of land acknowledgments, and the nature of allyship.

“Reconciliation is about building a relationship between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous Peoples so that we can see that we are not so different,” says Croutch, who joined the Office of Indigenous Initiatives in 2018.

“As you start to build those relationships, you start to feel more comfortable around Indigenous Peoples because you know what we've been through.”

Given high demand for the sessions, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives recently hired a second Indigenous training co-ordinator, Andrea Johns, to support the delivery of programming and create more opportunities for engagement.

Croutch says he hopes participants walk away from his sessions with a greater understanding of the impacts of settler colonialism and its focus on the erasure of Indigenous Peoples.

“I hope it will help them understand some of the socioeconomic conditions that Indigenous Peoples live with and the fact that we were segregated in schools, hospitals and on reserves … in the past, the average Canadian could never build a relationship with us,” he says. “But that’s beginning to change.”

While the training sessions touch on uncomfortable truths that can be difficult for many Canadians to hear, Croutch’s expansive knowledge, strong facilitation skills and willingness to share lived experiences allow him to connect deeply with learners.

“John is a talented trainer who is able to deliver complex and challenging content in a way that informs the participant without placing blame and offers solutions and a path forward in reconciliation efforts,” says Shannon Simpson, senior director of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. “He has been able to reach community members who may not otherwise have considered this important and, in doing so, has shifted views and opinions.”

Participants’ feedback echo these sentiments. They describe Croutch as “a deeply engaged and passionate expert” who “challenges us with uncomfortable truths in a way that inspires further reflection and learning.”

Another participant described the sessions as “the history lesson we should have gotten in school.”

While Croutch says he still encounters some individuals who want to debate the history or challenge his teachings, he’s seen a shift in how people react to the training over the years.

“I have noticed a definite upswing in awareness and less resistance than I did in 2019,” he says. “I believe that the university is doing much more to facilitate that awareness of Indigenous presence and futurity … for example, Indigenous land acknowledgments, the accommodation of smudging, the Ziibiing landscape project, the Maanjiwe nendamowinan building at the Mississauga campus, Feather Bearers at convocation, and the Indigenous Tuition Initiative to name a few.

“There is also less resistance to the trainings, I believe, because as more people train, the resisters are beginning to become the outliers.”

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

Anne Innis Dagg, renowned zoologist and feminist, remembered as ‘the woman who loves giraffes’

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:33:32 +0000

Anne Innis Dagg, renowned zoologist and feminist, remembered as ‘the woman who loves giraffes’

Christopher.Sorensen Fri, 04/05/2024 - 15:33

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(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Topic

Anne Innis Dagg, a renowned zoologist and feminist, is being remembered for her passion for her long-necked research subjects.

The Waterloo, Ont.-based scientist, conservationist and feminist whose story was chronicled in the award-winning documentary, The Woman Who Loves Giraffes died Monday after a brief illness, CBC reports. She was 91.

Innis Dagg was celebrated for her foundational contributions to giraffe science and advocacy for women in academia – and she leaves behind a deep and decorated legacy at the ��Ƶ.

Even before she enrolled to study biology at U of T, her family name was a familiar presence around campus. Her mother, Mary Quayle Innis, served as the dean of women at University College, and her father, Harold Innis, was an esteemed professor of political economy and the namesake of Innis College.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Innis Dagg won a gold medal – and a $500 prize – for graduating first in her class in 1955. After staying at U of T for another year to earn a master’s degree in genetics, she used the prize money to underwrite her first trip abroad to study wild giraffes.

In an interview ahead of her Snider Lecture at U of T Mississauga last year, Innis Dagg recalled the skepticism about her solo 1956 trip to South Africa, where she became the first Western scientist to observe the world’s tallest mammal in its natural habitat.

“I just wanted to see them and be near my beloved giraffe,” she said. “I didn’t really think about it being unusual.”

After receiving a PhD in animal behaviour from University of Waterloo, Innis Dagg was hired as an assistant professor in the University of Guelph’s zoology department in 1968.

But even as she gained recognition for her scholarship, Innis Dagg struggled to secure a tenured faculty position. “My career was sidetracked by the institutional sexism that was rampant in academia,” said Innis Dagg.

Despite career setbacks, Innis Dagg went on to publish more than 60 scientific articles and more than 20 books – and, alongside naturalist Bristol Foster, co-wrote what is considered to be a seminal text in the field of giraffe science, 1976’s The Giraffe: Its Biology, Behaviour and Ecology.

In 2019, Innis Dagg was named an honorary member of the Canadian Society of Zoologists and a Member of the Order of Canada.

She was awarded an honorary degree from U of T in 2021. In her address, she urged graduating students to chase their curiosity even in the face of challenges.

“Find another way. Reach out to others who will help you. Look for those mentors who will bring out your best – and shine,” she said.

“Finally, be kind to nature and the animals with whom we share the world. It is my everlasting hope that people will treat animals and their environment with the same respect as we treat each other.”

Watch Innis Dagg receive her U of T honorary degree

In photos: Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library marks 15 years as a 'hub for academic exploration’

Christopher.Sorensen — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:42:59 +0000

In photos: Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library marks 15 years as a 'hub for academic exploration’

Christopher.Sorensen Thu, 03/28/2024 - 10:42

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Vivienne Poy, former senator and former U of T chancellor, cuts a cake celebrating the 15^thanniversary of U of T’s Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library (photo by Paul Terefenko)

U of T Libraries Staff

Topic

The ��Ƶ’s Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library celebrated its 15th anniversary this week as a hub for academic exploration and cultural dialogue.

The library houses the largest research collection dedicated to Hong Kong and Canada-Hong Kong studies outside of Hong Kong itself – and plays an important role in enriching knowledge and understanding about Hong Kong and its connections with Canada.

It is named after Richard Charles Lee, a prominent figure in Hong Kong and father of Vivienne Poy, a former senator and former U of T chancellor who played a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange between Canada and Hong Kong.

Larry Alford, U of T’s university chief librarian, spoke about the library's influence on the community at a reception and open house event.

“From its inception, this library was envisioned not just as a repository of knowledge but as a catalyst for academic exchange and cultural dialogue,” he said, noting that the library leverages Toronto’s unique cultural diversity and plays a pivotal role in nurturing relationships with international students, scholars and researchers.

“Given Toronto's substantial Hong Kong diaspora, the Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library stands as a vital hub for academic exploration. It attracts not just members of the diaspora but also a wider audience from across the metropolitan area, Canada and the world.”

Alford was joined at the event by Poy, who talked about the library's rich history and humble beginnings, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who shared her perspectives on the library's impact on the city and emphasized its significance within the community.

The event also included a Faculty of Music clarinetist’s performance of three iconic Hong Kong songs and a poetry recital by representatives of the ��Ƶ Cantonese Debate Group.

Photographer Paul Terefenko was there to capture the event.

Maria Lau (photo by Paul Terefenko)

Maria Lau, director of the Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library addresses attendees at the reception.

(photo by Paul Terefenko)

Vivienne Poy, former senator and former U of T chancellor, spoke about the rich history and humble beginnings of the Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library.

(photo by Paul Terefenko)

Mayor Olivia Chow emphasized the significance of the Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library, highlighting its impact not only on university students and Toronto residents, but also on a global scale. She also noted its pivotal role in preserving history and digitally archiving significant items, particularly those of importance to Hong Kong.

(photo by Paul Terefenko)

Clarinetist Jasmine Chan of the Faculty of Music performs for attendees at the event.

(photo by Paul Terefenko)

Vivienne Poy, right, and Neville Poy meet with event attendees.

(photo by Paul Terefenko)

From left to right: Maria Lau, Vivienne Poy, Olivia Chow and Larry Alford.

U of T constructing Canada’s tallest academic timber building

Christopher.Sorensen — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:18:33 +0000

U of T constructing Canada’s tallest academic timber building

Christopher.Sorensen Thu, 01/18/2024 - 13:18

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The Academic Wood Tower has started to take shape in the Bloor Street cultural corridor, where it will serve as a beacon for green architecture – and provide high-quality spaces for three of the university’s faculties and schools (Rendering courtesy of Patkau Architects + MJMA)

Topic

Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy

Faculty of Arts & Science

Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education

Goldring Centre

Meric Gertler

Rotman School of Management

Sustainability

The ��Ƶ has begun raising a new 14-storey mass timber building that will set a precedent for sustainable design.

Once complete, the tower is expected to be the tallest academic timber structure in Canada and one of the tallest mass timber and steel hybrid buildings in North America.

U of T, which was recently named the world’s most sustainable university by QS World Rankings, is committed to furthering its role as a global model with projects like these.

“This inspiring piece of architecture will provide our students, faculty and staff with state-of-the-art spaces for research, learning and community engagement,” said Meric Gertler, president of the university. “It will stand as a testament to U of T’s global leadership in sustainability, as well as our commitment to city-building. It will also showcase Canada’s leadership in wood construction technologies and the forest products industry. We are very grateful to our donors and to all those helping us to realize this incredibly exciting vision.”

State-of-the-art spaces for three U of T faculties and schools

Located near the intersection of Devonshire Place and Bloor Street on U of T’s St. George campus, the tower will provide high-quality spaces for the Rotman School of Management, the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy in the Faculty of Arts & Science and the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education.

Widely considered one of the world’s most innovative business schools, Rotman is home to a unique ecosystem of labs and research centres that provide cutting-edge thought leadership. The top five floors of the Academic Wood Tower will house Rotman’s specialized executive education programs.

“The Academic Wood Tower will provide ample space to inspire our program’s participants as they work to explore and transform themselves, their organizations and their communities,” said Susan Christoffersen, dean of the Rotman School of Management. “Carefully designed to set a precedent in sustainability, space configuration and educational technologies, the tower will equip researchers and learners with the tools and forward-thinking design to educate the leaders of tomorrow on pressing business topics.”

The Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy is a world-renowned hub for dialogue and debate, highly sought after for its thought leadership on the most pressing issues of our time. It hosts hundreds of high-impact events each year that engage scholars from across U of T and around the world.

“I’m delighted that the Munk School’s faculty and students will be part of the Academic Wood Tower community,” said Melanie Woodin, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science. “This new building will provide much-needed space as our experts continue to provide timely research guidance on current events and train tomorrow’s leaders in public policy.”

“We look forward to bringing together students, faculty and other community members in this inspiring space,” added Peter Loewen, professor in the department of political science and director of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.

The tower will be directly connected to the Munk School Observatory building and the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport, one of the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education’s main facilities. The new floors will allow the faculty to continue to expand its work as one of the world’s top-ranked sports science programs of its kind, which includes facilitating the university’s massive slate of co-curricular physical activity and sports programs.

“The Academic Wood Tower will provide critical additional space for our faculty,” said Gretchen Kerr, dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education. “Its proximity to the Goldring Centre and Varsity Stadium will provide us with a fantastic – and convenient – set of facilities as we continue to support healthy living through our teaching, research and programming.”

A highly watched case study in sustainable design

Even prior to construction, the Academic Wood Tower was attracting significant attention for its innovative design.

Designed by award-winning Canadian firms Patkau Architects and MJMA Architecture & Design with consulting from Blackwell Structural Engineers and Smith+Andersen, the Academic Wood Tower’s unique and sustainable structure has already won a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence.

The same team worked on U of T’s Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport, which included the tower’s foundation and basement as part of its construction. Now, with the first deliveries of mass-timber components to the site, construction of the Academic Wood Tower is proceeding under the management of industry leader Pomerleau. The university anticipates completing the building in 2026.

The building is expected to serve as a case study for designers and engineers who can analyze this milestone achievement and potentially apply the tower’s best practices to their own projects.

“U of T’s Academic Wood Tower proves that we can reduce emissions, responsibly construct new buildings and contribute to the vibrant architectural fabric of a dense city like Toronto,” said Sandra Hanington, vice-chair of the university’s Governing Council.

Mass timber offers a wealth of structural advantages, including a high degree of fire safety and a low carbon footprint. Wood naturally absorbs carbon, taking it out of the atmosphere and reducing greenhouse gases. It is also one of the only major building materials that is a renewable resource.

Many of the tower’s components can be manufactured prior to their arrival, which means that they can be assembled easily and efficiently once on site, minimizing the level of construction disruption in this busy area of the city.

Working together on a global issue

Funding the tower’s construction has been a collective effort with the federal government and numerous donors all making key contributions to bring this vision to life.

The building has received significant support from the Government of Canada’s Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) program, which encourages the use of innovative wood-based building technologies in construction projects to help Canada reach its Paris Agreement commitments and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Canada is a leader in wood construction technologies and home to one of the largest forest industries in the world. Fittingly, the tower’s timber is homegrown, originating in Western Canada.

“The Government of Canada’s Green Construction through Wood program is supporting more sustainable Canadian materials for the construction industry,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of energy and natural resources. “The ��Ƶ’s Academic Wood Tower project is one of many examples of innovative technologies being used to create resilient and low-carbon buildings, while preventing carbon emissions. I congratulate all those involved in this important project.”

“The Academic Wood Tower at U of T is a historic development that symbolizes where we are headed: a cleaner future where Canadian workers sustainably use Canadian materials to build more affordable and sustainable communities,” added Julie Dabrusin, parliamentary secretary to the minister of environment and climate change and to the minister of energy and natural resources. “The Government of Canada is pleased to help get this tower built, right here in Toronto.”

The project’s commitments to sustainability and innovation are an example of the university’s Defy Gravity campaign priorities in action. Donor support has been critical to getting the tower off the ground.

“U of T’s donors make projects of this scale a reality,” said David Palmer, vice-president, university advancement. “Their inspiring commitment has given the world a striking and practical blueprint for building sustainable design – tangibly demonstrating that we can create inviting, cutting-edge research and learning spaces while maintaining our commitment to sustainability.”

Explore related campaign priorities: Create a sustainable future

U of T community members recognized with Order of Canada

rahul.kalvapalle — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 21:23:33 +0000

U of T community members recognized with Order of Canada

rahul.kalvapalle Fri, 01/05/2024 - 16:23

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(photo by Sgt Johanie Maheu/OSGG-BSGG)

Rahul Kalvapalle

Topic

Our Community

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

UTogether

Alumni

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Computer Science

Faculty of Arts & Science

Faculty of Music

Order of Canada

University Health Network

Subheadline

The governor general recently announced 78 new appointees within the Order, including three promotions

A psychiatrist who has advanced the understanding of the genetics of schizophrenia. A composer and conductor who has helped nurture the next generation of classical musicians. A computer scientist whose work helped enable the development and adoption of touchscreen interfaces.

These are just a few of the ��Ƶ community members who were recently recognized by appointments to – or promotions within – the Order of Canada.

The Governor General announced 78 new appointments to the Order of Canada on Dec. 28 (including three promotions). They include Anne Bassett, a senior clinician-scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), a senior scientist at University Health Network (UHN) and a professor in the department of psychiatry in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine; Gary Kulesha, an associate professor, teaching stream, in the Faculty of Music; and Bill Buxton, an adjunct professor of computer science in the Faculty of Arts & Science.

“I greatly value the opportunity to celebrate individuals whose perseverance, ingenuity and community spirit have benefited Canadians throughout the country,” Gov. Gen. Mary Simon said in a statement. “As governor general, I have seen first-hand that our communities are rich in both excellence and diversity, which we need to do our utmost to recognize.”

Created in 1967, the Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest civilian honours. It recognizes individuals whose achievements and service have had an impact on communities across Canada and beyond.

Here is a list of U of T faculty, alumni, supporters and friends who were appointed to, or promoted within, the Order of Canada in the latest round:

Current and former faculty

Anne Bassett, a senior scientist at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, UHN, senior clinician-scientist in the Schizophrenia Division at CAMH and a professor in the department of psychiatry in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, was named a Member of the Order for her research and clinical contributions to advancing the understanding of the genetics of schizophrenia. She completed post-graduated medical training at U of T.

Ian Burton, a professor emeritus in the department of geography (now geography and planning) and School of the Environment in the Faculty of Arts & Science, was named an Officer of the Order for his scholarship and policy work on climate change adaptation.

Bill Buxton, a current adjunct professor and former associate professor in the department of computer science in the Faculty of Arts & Science, was appointed an Officer of the Order for his research and innovations shaping the way humans interact with technology. A U of T alumnus who holds an honorary degree from the university, Buxton’s work on multi-touch systems helped usher in the development of trackpads and touchscreens.

Gary Kulesha, an associate professor, teaching stream, in the Faculty of Music, was named a Member of the Order for his contributions as an esteemed composer, conductor and mentor to classical musicians. A pianist, Kulesha’s music has been commissioned, performed and recorded by musicians and ensembles around the world.

Francine Lemire, an adjunct assistant professor in the department of family and community medicine in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, was named a Member of the Order for her accomplishments as a Paralympic medallist in cross-country skiing and her leadership in family medicine. Lemire, who won two gold medals at the 1988 Winter Paralympics, is the former executive director and CEO of the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Bruce G. Pollock, a senior scientist, vice-president of research and director of the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute at CAMH and a professor of psychiatry and pharmacology and toxicology at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, was named a Member of the Order for his pioneering contributions to geriatric psychopharmacology as a researcher, builder and educator. A U of T alumnus, Pollock is the inaugural Peter and Shelagh Godsoe Chair in Late-Life Mental Health at U of T and CAMH.

Arun Ravindran, a senior scientist in the General Adult Psychiatry and Health Systems Division at CAMH and a professor in the department of psychiatry in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine cross-appointed to the department of psychology and the Institute of Medical Sciences, was named a Member of the Order for his contributions to mental health research and clinical care, notably in the areas of mood disorders and global mental health.

Alumni and friends

Sara Joy Angel, who earned her PhD in art history at U of T, was named a Member of the Order for elevating Canada’s visual history and culture as a journalist and founder of the Art Canada Institute.

Bronwyn D.A. Drainie, who earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from U of T, was named a Member of the Order for her long-standing contributions to Canadian arts and culture, notably as a prominent radio host and editor-in-chief of the Literary Review of Canada.

Wenona Giles, who earned her master’s degree and PhD in anthropology at U of T, was named an Officer of the Order for her contributions to refugee and migration studies and work to provide people in refugee camps with access to higher education. A professor emerita at York University, Giles helped launch the Borderless Higher Education for Refugees project, which has provided access to tuition-free university degree programs to people living in refugee camps in Kenya.

Tennys J.M. Hanson, who earned a bachelor’s degree from U of T Mississauga and went on to serve as U of T Mississauga’s executive director of campus development and public affairs, was named a Member of the Order for contributions to health care and education in Canada through her transformative leadership in the fundraising sector. Hanson served 23 years at the helm of the UHN Foundation (previously known as the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation).

Victor Peter Hetmanczuk, who earned two bachelor’s degrees from U of T, was named a Member of the Order for his enduring dedication and leadership in the Ukrainian-Canadian community and beyond. Hetmanczuk’s many contributions include organizing and financing volunteer missions to provide medical assistance to soldiers wounded during the 2014 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Lillie Johnson, who earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing at U of T, was named a Member of the Order for her impact in improving public health within the Black community. Johnson was the first Black director of public health in Ontario and is known for the founding of the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario.

Susan Margaret Macpherson, who earned a bachelor's degree from the Faculty of Arts & Science, was named a Member of the Order in recognition of her lifetime devotion to dance as an artist, educator, director, researcher and mentor. Macpherson was an artistic associate at the Dance Arts Institute (formerly the School of Toronto Dance Theatre) for nearly 25 years and served as a faculty member at the institute.

Medhat Sabet Mahdy, who earned a bachelor’s degree from U of T, was named a Member of the Order for his unwavering dedication to building community and improving the quality of life for all in the Greater Toronto Area. Mahdy is former president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Toronto and former president of YMCA Ontario.

Noella Maria Milne, who graduated from the Faculty of Law in 1986, was named a Member of the Order for her volunteer leadership and commitment to community service, particularly to initiatives supporting education, women and youth.

Peter Robb Pearson, who studied political science at U of T, was appointed an Officer of the Order for his groundbreaking contributions as a filmmaker and for his tireless advocacy of Canadian film and television. The winner of 19 Canadian Film Awards, Pearson is credited with directing some of Canada’s most influential films including Paperback Hero and The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar.

André Picard, health journalist and recipient of an honorary degree from U of T in 2017, was named a Member of the Order for his dedication to advancing public health understanding and practices in Canada as a leading health journalist. A staff writer at the Globe and Mail since 1987, Picard is also a bestselling author.

Joel Quarrington, who earned an artist’s degree from U of T’s Faculty of Music, was named a Member of the Order for his contributions as a world-leading double bass player and respected educator. The Juno Award-winning musician, who teaches at the University of Ottawa, is a soloist and has served as Principal Double Bass of the London Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company and Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Zainub Verjee, a senior fellow at Massey College, was named a Member of the Order for advancing representation and equitable policy legislation within Canada’s arts and culture sectors as a leading artist, administrator and critic.

Flavio Volpe, who earned a bachelor’s degree from U of T, was named a Member of the Order in recognition of his work advancing Canada’s automotive and technology industries on an international scale as a leading policy expert in national trade and industry competition. Volpe is president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association.

‘A time of peace and care’: Holiday message from Principal Alexandra Gillespie

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 18:01:34 +0000

‘A time of peace and care’: Holiday message from Principal Alexandra Gillespie rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 12/19/2023 - 13:01

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“It's more than just OK to pause and rest; it's the good and right thing to do”

In a holiday message to the community, Alexandra Gillespie, ��Ƶ vice-president and principal of U of T Mississauga, wished “shining moments of celebration, love and joy” to students, alumni, staff, faculty and librarians.

“This is a time of peace and care – and a time to take a breath,” Gillespie said. “It's more than just OK to pause and rest; it's the good and right thing to do.”

Gillespie, a professor of medieval and Renaissance literature, noted that the winter break also marks the beginning of a six-month sabbatical during which she will focus on her research. During her leave, Ian Orchard, a professor emeritus who previously served as U of T vice-president and principal of U of T Mississauga, will step back into the role in an acting capacity.

“Here's to friends, family and bright holidays together,” Gillespie said. “I hope that yours are filled with all the people who matter most to you.”

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‘A time of peace and care’: Holiday message from Principal Alexandra Gillespie