Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Full-time Grad Students: Keep Your Student Loans Interest Free

Do you owe student loans from previous years of study?

Ensure that your lender(s) are aware of your continued registration so that you will not have to begin repaying your loans.

Students with previous OSAP loans need to complete a Continuation of Interest-Free Status. These forms can be validated to confirm your full-time registration in a 60% course load at SGS Student Services, 63 St. George Street.

Please remember that to avoid being charged interest, you need to complete these forms promptly each time you register. The government will not recognize the forms after your study period has ended.

You can check with your lender(s) to ensure they have up-to-date information on your current registration:

National Student Loans Service Centre: 1-888-815-4514 or http://www.canlearn.ca/
CIBC: 1-800-563-2422
Royal: 1-800-363-3822
Scotiabank: 1-888-284-3044

Mosaic Labatt & Holcim Information Sessions

You are invited to upcoming on-campus recruitment information sessions being held by representatives from Mosaic Labatt and Holcim. Students from all Civil Engineering diciplines are invited to attend and learn more about the organization and career opportunities. Details below.

Mosaic Labatt

Monday, October 5th 2009
5:00 -7:00 pm
Galbraith Building, Rm. 202
35 St. George St.

Students interested in signing up for this information session please do so online at: http://www.careers.utoronto.ca/

Holcim

Thursday, October 8th 2009
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Bahen Centre, Rm. 2135
40 St. George St.

Students interested in signing up for this information session please do so online at: http://www.careers.utoronto.ca/

Can-struction 2009 Undergrad Design-Build Competition

It starts with one can. To feed the hungry. To lift the spirit. To change the world. Canstruction, an event committed to ending hunger, is using ‘one can’ as a catalyst for change.

Think you have what it takes to design and build a structure made of nothing more than canned food, ingenuity, and luck? Enter today. Get creative, help stop hunger.

Who: Teams of Architects, Engineers,Designers and Students attending Schools of Architecture, Engineering and Design.

What: Design & build structures made entirely from canned foods within a 10'Lx10'Wx 8'H space.

When:
Now Deadline for Entry
Oct. 14 Deadline for Purchasing Cans
Oct. 26-Oct.30 Food Delivered to DBFB
Nov. 2 Build Night
Nov. 3 Judging & Awards Ceremony
Nov. 3-Nov.7 Open to Public
Nov. 8 Decanstruction

Where: Toronto Dominion Centre, Toronto

Why: To benefit the Daily Bread Food Bank

Please see Civ Club for more info.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Grad Student Life News and Events for October, 2009

Contents:
1. A Fit for Everybody: Active Strategies to Support your Success in Grad School, October 13th and 16th

2. Toronto Debate Toastmasters Club, October 13th and 26th
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1. A Fit for Everybody: Active Strategies to Support your Success in Grad School

Learn the components of fitness and how you can adopt active strategies to support your success in grad school. Following this workshop, you will be given a guided tour of the Athletic Centre. Bring your workout clothes and participate in a FREE drop-in fitness class (Tues. – HABIT/muscle conditioning class or Fri. – yoga basics class). Physical Activity Ambassadors from the Faculty of Physical Education and Health will be hosting this workshop and tour, and will be available to answer your questions throughout the session. Join us and find your fit for a more active lifestyle in grad school.

Session 1: Tues. Oct. 13th, 12:15-2:00pm, Meet at Grad Room
To bring: t-card, workout clothes and shoes, lock for day lockers, and towel

Session 2: Fri. Oct. 16th, 12:00-2:00pm, Meet at Grad Room
To bring: t-card, workout clothes and shoes, lock for day lockers and towel

For details please contact Susan Lee at ss.lee@utoronto.ca
Please RSVP to: gradroom@utoronto.ca ______________________________________________________________

2. Toronto Debate Toastmasters Club

Next meeting:
Tuesday 13 October, 5:45-8pm at the Faculty Club of U of T, 41 Willcocks St at SpadinaMonday 26 October, 5:45-8pm at the Faculty Club of U of T, 41 Willcocks St at SpadinaAgenda:
· Debate: "The drinking age should be kept."
· Debate Evaluation
· Speech Programme (Prepared speech)
· Table Topics (Impromptu speech exercise)
· ED Minutes (Various 1-minute long ED topics)
· Evaluation (Speech & meeting evaluation)
Guests are always welcome free of charge. Please RSVP to Laura Mitchell at l.mitchell.0001@gmail.com. Join us afterward, downstairs in the Pub!

Staffing Update: Government, Institutional and Community Relations

To: PDAD&C

From: Judith Wolfson

Vice-President, University Relations

Re: Government, Institutional and Community Relations

I am writing to inform you of changes within the Office of Government, Institutional and Community Relations. As you know, Daniel Atlin has left the University to become the Vice President Strategy and College Affairs at Seneca College. As such, Marny Scully will be the Acting, Assistant Vice-President, GICR, effective immediately until such time as a new AVP is named. Marny is currently the Executive Director, Policy and Analysis and I wish to thank her for agreeing to take on this role.

***

Office of the Vice President
University Relations
27 King's College Circle
Suite 216
Toronto, ON M5S 1A1

Phone: 416.978.5401
Fax: 416.978.4431

Upcoming Workshop for Graduate Students: Writing Literature Reviews

Whatever sort of writing task you're undertaking at graduate school, from writing a journal article to a course paper to the thesis chapter entitled "Literature Review," you'll need to be able to review the literature of your field effectively. This workshop will explore this genre of academic writing, identify common pitfalls and examine strategies to maximize your lit review's effectiveness.

Instructor: Dr. Peter Grav
Place and Time: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm, Bissell Building, 140 St. George St., Room 205

This free workshop is presented by the School of Graduate Studies' Office of English Language and Writing Support and requires no prior registration to attend.

Implementation of the Customer Service Standard, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

PDAD&C #22, 2009-2010

To: PDAD&C
From: Angela Hildyard, Vice-President Human Resources & Equity
Date: September 29, 2009
RE: Implementation of the Customer Service Standard, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was passed by the Ontario Government, Ministry of Community, and Social Services; with the goal of establishing a "fully accessible" Ontario by 2025.The Customer Service Standard is the first of five Standards to become law. All Ontario Universities must comply with the Customer Service Standard by January 1, 2010.Requirements for the University Under the StandardA requirement of the Customer Service Standard is to provide information to all employees regarding the delivery of service. For the University the legislation applies to everyone who interacts with a student, future student, or member of the public.Tools to AssistInformation Tools have been developed in order to assist units to be in compliance with this requirement. These tools will be shared at the PDAD&C meeting on October 1, 2009 and are available through Andrea Carter, Employment Equity Officer and AODA Advisor (416) 978-8167 or https://webmail.utoronto.ca/imp/message.php?index=22534

Implementation and ComplianceEach division will have a divisional liaison officer who will ensure your division's compliance and who can be contacted for further information. In addition, you can contact Andrea Carter, the Employment Equity Officer and AODA Advisor, (contact info above) if you require any further information or assistance.Please note that non-compliance may result in fines ranging from 5 to 10 thousand dollars per day of offence. Obligations will be monitored by the Ministry of Community and Social Services through reports, spot checks, and audits.For further information please visit: http://www.aoda.utoronto.ca/

Monday, September 28, 2009

OWWA and WEAO Fundraising BBQ

This Friday (October 2nd) the OWWA (Ontario Water Works Association) Student Chapter will be hosting a fundraising BBQ in collaboration with the Water Environment Association of Ontario (WEAO) Student Chapter at the International Student Centre Front Lawn (33 St. George
Street) starting at 11:30 am and going till 3:00 pm.

Burgers, veggie burgers, hotdogs, and pop will be available. You will also have the chance to win a U of T water bottle. All proceeds will be donated to the Water for People and WaterCan organizations which support the development of sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education programs in developing countries.
Come out and support a great cause!!!

Graduate and Professional Schools Fair

Talk to representatives from over 100 programs!

Business, Graduate Schools and Colleges
Monday, October 5th 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Law, Medical & Health and Education
Tuesday, October 6th 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

CAREER CENTRE/BAHEN, 214 College Street

For the list of schools attending each day visit: http://www.careers.utoronto.ca/whatsOn/psflist.aspx


*Special resume critique drop-in day Friday, October 2nd, 10:00 am - 2:30 pm.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Grad Student Life News and Events for September, 2009

Contents:

1. Family Care Office Upcoming Events
2. New Centre for Community Partnerships Community Service Program: Serve & Learn
3. Finding Work - Career Centre Update
4. “First Time TA” sessions for Teaching Assistants at the University of Toronto
5. Research Assistant Posting for Counseling Psychology

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1. Family Care Office Upcoming Events: http://www.family.care.utoronto.ca/

Family Care Office Open House - September 22, 12 to 4 pm
Visit the Family Care Office and meet other parents on campus. Join us for Face Painting, Arts and Crafts, Storytelling for Kids, Prize Draw and Free Pizza.

Schedule of Events:
All day – Pizza lunch, face-painting for the kids, and arts & crafts!
12-2pm – Obtain information on services and resources by visiting the display tables of many organizations supporting families in the community: AGO, Athletic Centre, City of Toronto Children's Services, Fit Mom, Ontario Early Years Centre, Toronto Parks and Recreation, Toronto Public Library, Toronto Preschool Speech & Language Services, Student Family Housing, and more...

1pm & 3pm – Storytelling for the kids told by staff from the Toronto Public Library1pm – Child Care Subsidy Workshop

Orientation for International Students with a Family/Partner – Friday, September 25, 2 to 3 p.m.
International Student Centre - 33 St. George St.

The orientation will provide students with important information for families and partners to help make adjustment to life in Canada easier. We will cover such topics as:
University Health Insurance Plan for families
How to find child care, apply for subsidies, programs for children
Support services for international student families on campus and in the community
English Conversation Program
Fun activities for families on/off campus
A great opportunity to meet and make friends with other spouses and partners of international students!

Saturday Drop-in for U of T Families – Saturday, September 26 (and every last Saturday of the month) 10am to 1pm
U of T Family Resource Centre at the Early Learning Centre, 7 Glen Morris St.

Bring your children and meet other U of T families! Get to know another space on campus for students and their kids, and explore the Family Resource Centre Children's Clothing Bank! Families with children up to 5 years of age are welcome. Registration is not necessary!

Fall list of workshops
Mark your calendars! Visit our website for our new and exciting list of upcoming workshops and events - http://www.familycare.utoronto.ca/

Part-time vacancies at the U of T Early Learning Centre
The Early Learning Centre has some part-time vacancies in their preschool programs at Glen Morris and OISE. These spaces are for children ages 2.5 – 5 years. Families can take anything from 1 full day to 4 full days per week (at this time, no half day options are available). The daily rate for students is $50 for a 10-hour block (i.e. 8 – 6). Please call the Early Learning Centre directly at 416-978-6725 if interested.

New alternative school opening at College & Spadina
Da Vinci School is opening its doors in September 2009 for its first phase JK to Grade 3! The school will be located on the third floor of Lord Lansdowne Public School.
Further information, including registration, can be found at www.davincischool.ca/

News from the LGBTQ Parenting Network
For information, check out the new website (http://www.lgbtqparentingconnection.ca/) - a one-stop place to go for information and resources on LGBTQ parenting. You can sign up there to receive the e-newsletter, as well as view the latest newsletters on-line.

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2. New CCP Community Service Program: Serve & Learn
Join the Centre Community Partnerships this year to participate in an exciting new community service program! Serve & Learn offers University of Toronto students unique opportunities to engage in a wide variety of meaningful co-curricular service-learning placements while learning more about themselves, their community, and their leadership potential. Please visit the CCP Website for more details and to sign-up. http://www.ccp.utoronto.ca/Students.htm

Community Service Placements Include:
TDSB Tutors in High School Classrooms
FROM 3 TO 3© Tutoring Program UTM & St. George
Big Brothers Big Sisters at UTSC
Host Youth Program at UTM
FoodShare
Pathways to Education

The Serve & Learn Kickoff event will be held Saturday, September 26th at 2pm for you to learn more about the program and how you can get involved in your community.
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3. Finding Work - Career Centre Update All students looking for part-time work on and off-campus visit: http://www.careers.utoronto.ca/
Students on OSAP (financial aid) looking for on-campus Work/Study positions, please visit: http://www.careers.utoronto.ca/
Graduating students sign-up for on-campus recruitment with the Graduating Student Employment Service (GSES) – most jobs posted in September. Visit: http://www.careers.utoronto.ca/ to get registered!
Career Information Days (graduating student recruitment and information fair) – September 16, 17, & 22nd. For more information visit: http://www.careers.utoronto.ca/
Faculty of Physical Education and Health Job and Volunteer Fair – September 10, 2009. For details visit: http://www.acjobs.utoronto.ca/

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4. “First Time TA” sessions for Teaching Assistants at the University of Toronto
First Time TA: Engineering and Physical Sciences – Thursday, September 17th – 10am – 1pm
First Time TA: Life Sciences – Friday, September 18th – 10am – 1pm
First Time TA: Social Sciences – Friday, September 18th – 2pm – 5pm

Students can register on-line at: http://www.utoronto.ca/tatp/workshops.html
All workshops take place in Robarts Library, Room 4049.
If you have any questions, please contact k.olmstead@utoronto.ca

_________________________________________________________________

5. Research Assistant Posting for Counseling Psychology

Department: Adult Education and Counselling Psychology, OISE, University of Toronto
Supervisor: Abby Goldstein

JOB DESCRIPTION: A Research Assistant is needed for a project on youth homelessness, child welfare involvement, substance use and mental health concerns. This is a part-time (maximum 20 hours per week) paid position from October 2009 through March 2010. The position involves conducting data analysis to explore the relationship between child welfare involvement, childhood maltreatment, street involvement, substance use and mental health concerns among two samples of youth: youth involved with street services and youth involved with the child welfare system. The results will be incorporated into a Technical Report for the Office of Drugs and Alcohol Research and Surveillance/Controlled Substances and Tobacco Directorate at Health Canada. The candidate should have considerable experience with SPSS.

The Research Assistant will gain exposure to research questions concerning child maltreatment, substance use and mental health concerns among a diverse sample of youth. He/she will also have the opportunity to develop important research skills, including the translation of research findings to practice and policy recommendations.

Specific duties include:
- Reviews of the literature on child maltreatment, substance use, and mental health concerns among street and child welfare involved youth
- Data analysis using SPSS to examine research questions involving two datasets
- Contribution to writing a technical report, including the translation of research findings to comprehensive practice and policy recommendations for a broad audience
Job Location: OISE (252 Bloor Street West)
Period Of Assignment: October 2009 to March 2010
Hours of Assignment: Maximum 213 hours per term (Max 20 hours per week)
Rate of Pay: $25.00/hour

Required Skills: The Research Assistant must have strong skills in data analysis, including familiarity with multivariate analyses (i.e., regression) using SPSS. Strong research skills (literatures searchers, APA-style research writing) are also required.

This position is open to Master’s and Doctoral students.

Application deadline date: September 25th, 2009

A covering letter and CV should be emailed to abbyl.goldstein@utoronto.ca. Please also include contact information for references.

Welcome to the CIV-MIN Blog

This is where we compile all the announcements, postings and non-urgent alerts that used to clog up your email inbox. Feel free to scroll through the latest postings organized by date below, or check our categorized listings on the right for the information you want.