LWD: Late Withdrawal

Students who wish to take advantage of the Late Withdrawal (LWD) must make their request for an LWD at their college registrar's office before the end of last day of classes at the end of the course. For F courses this term, that deadline is Wednesday, December 7, and no requests will be approved beyond that deadline.

December exams

The exam period runs from Friday, December 9 until Tuesday, December 20. You should double-check your December exam schedule.

A few reminders to keep you out of trouble during exams: The only authorized exam aids are those listed on the question paper. No materials or electronic devices of any kind may be brought into the room or used for any examinations except those authorized by the Chief Presiding Officer or Examiner. Of course, NO CELL PHONES under any circumstances. Also, be sure you stop writing when told to do so by the Examiner, as continuing to write is considered an offence. You can see more on how to avoid finding yourself in trouble in exams and on other occasions on the Office of Student Academic Integrity website.

University closure

Remember that the university will be closed from Wednesday, December 21 to Sunday, January 1 inclusive for the winter holidays. For ROSI hours of operation, check rosi.utoronto.ca. Winter session classes begin on Monday, January 9.

Marks for F courses

Final marks for F section code courses will begin to be available starting December 13, but remember that not all grades will be available right away - be patient and keep checking your academic history on the Student Web Service. Marks are entered on ROSI at the end of each business day, but no marks will be posted on ROSI between December 21 and January 1.

First-year students in difficulty

Although the Faculty Registrar does not have access to all term marks in Y courses, we do try to identify students who appear to be having some difficulty in some 100-series courses, specifically, the courses we know many students find challenging. We contact these students and refer them to their College Registrar's office for advising. If you do receive an email to this effect in January, please do go for advising. However, you should monitor your own progress continually, and if you find you are getting marginal or failing marks in more than one course, we urge you to make an advising appointment to get help sorting out what you can do to improve your situation.

Complete our survey for a chance to win a $100 gift card

Student Life Programs & Services and the Faculty of Arts & Science are currently assessing the Student e-News, and we need your input! Help us make the Arts & Science e-News better for you by completing a short survey before December 9, and you can enter a draw for one of two $100 gift cards from the U of T Bookstore. Take the survey.

Scholarships with a March 15 deadline

The Faculty of Arts and Science Student Awards Committee is now accepting applications for a number of in-course scholarships. The application deadline is March 15. Full details of criteria, value and application instructions are available on the Arts & Science web site for current students.

Service charge on tuition balances

Remember that outstanding balances on fees for this year are subject to a monthly service charge of 1.5% compounded (19.56% per annum) that is first assessed as of November 15 and as of the 15th of every month thereafter until paid in full. Outstanding charges on your account from prior sessions are subject to a service charge as of the 15th of every month until paid in full. Check your account on ROSI.

Fees arrears and later registrations

Students with fees arrears, that is unpaid fees from a previous session, may not register in the next session. Students may not carry over unpaid Fall/Winter fees and register in the Summer Session. Also, students who have fees arrears from the previous Fall/Winter session will be blocked from enrolling in courses in July for the coming Fall/Winter session. You should plan on clearing your fees by the end of the academic session.

Her Campus comes to St. George campus

Students have a new way for their voices to be heard now that there's a U of T chapter on the Her Campus website. The site for university women covers love, fashion, health, career and campus activities, and the U of T chapter is looking for contributors.

The world after undergrad

Although fall convocations at U of T aren't as big as the convocations held in June, this November saw more than 4,000 students move on to the next stage of their lives – either continuing in academia, entering the job market or pursuing another kind of dream. U of T Magazine asked four alumni with interesting perspectives on career-building to share their thoughts on what new grads should consider when looking for work.

Student feedback on the University's Grading Practices Policies

A working group has been established by the Provost's Office to review, harmonize, and update the University's Grading Practices Policy. To read more about the process and to review the draft policies, please consult the Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic website. Everyone in the university community is invited to respond with their feedback at grading.policy@utoronto.ca. Please respond by December 1.


More Arts & Science news...

Awards nomination season begins

With the fall comes open season on nominations for awards around U of T. It's your chance to nominate an exceptional fellow student, a favourite teacher, or a staff member who always goes the extra mile, for some well-deserved recognition.

• The Dean's Student Leadership Award recognizes an undergraduate or graduate Arts & Science student who has played a significant leadership role in his or her extracurricular activities. Deadline is Thursday, December 15.
• The Arts & Science Outstanding Teaching Awards recognize teaching excellence in classroom instruction, course design, curriculum development and innovative teaching methods. Deadline is Friday, February 3, 2012.
• The Arts & Science Outstanding Staff Awards recognize the important roles administrative and technical staff members play in fulfilling the academic mission of the Faculty of Arts & Science.
• The Arts & Science Students' Union (ASSU) is accepting applications for a series of awards for which students can nominate themselves, recognizing extra-curricular activity on campus and in the community. These include the Gavin Nowlan Campus Leadership Award, the William R. Gardner Student Leadership Award, and the First-Year Campus Involvement Award. Application forms can be found on the ASSU website and at the ASSU office. Deadline for all three awards is Friday, January 20, 2012.

Give the gift of giving!

Start your giving now with the Food & Toy Drive. This year it's easier than ever to make a difference in a child's life this holiday season. U of T's Food & Toy Drive now has seven drop-off locations across the St. George campus. Staff, faculty and students can donate new toys, games, books and gift certificates for children under the age of 16, as well as baby formula, pablum or other baby cereals, baby food, and diapers.

CONNECT EnAbling Change post-secondary design competition

The Design Exchange in partnership with the Government of Ontario is showcasing a provincial post-secondary design competition called CONNECT: EnAbling Change. The competition raises awareness about the importance of universal design principles in all design disciplines. The competition is open to all undergraduate students and the deadline is April 20, 2012 at 5:00pm.

Where in the world can an Arts and Science student go?

Would you like to work with a U of T faculty member in a lab in Switzerland? Or do field work in Ecuador, Peru or Indonesia? How about spending a semester in London or Barcelona, or a summer in Singapore or Kenya? Learn about the possibilities at the International Opportunities Fair on Tuesday, November 29 from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm in the lobby of Sidney Smith Hall.

New this year is the Summer Abroad Program in the United Arab Emirates. Learn the foundations of managerial accounting and international business while living and studying on the American University of Sharjah campus, located just outside Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Field trips within the region will enable students to examine real world examples of the topics covered in class. An information session for this exciting new program will be held January 10 at 4:30pm in the Waters Lounge at Woodsworth College Residence.

Volunteer positions for Science Rendezvous

Science Rendezvous is an all-day science festival showcasing U of T research to the public, and aims to entertain and educate attendees of all ages on a variety of aspects of science. We are looking for motivated students who are interested in being a part of the executive committee for the May 2012 event on the St. George campus. Apply before December 4.


What are you doing after class? For detailed listings of events and opportunities for students, be sure to check out Ulife at ulife.utoronto.ca and follow us on Twitter @UTulife.

Flu shot clinics at U of T Health Services

Nobody likes the sniffles. Help beat the flu this season by getting your flu shot. Flu shot clincs for students are now being held at Health Services. Book an appointment online, in person or by calling 416-978-8030. You must have a valid health card and TCard.

English Language Learning (ELL) Communication Cafe

The Communication Cafe helps students whose first language is not English to feel confident expressing their ideas orally. Vocabulary expansion and development of critical thinking are emphasized. Topics are drawn from the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Workshops provide practice in pronunciation, arguing a point and participating in group discussions in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Spring term cafes begin on January 10, 2012. Come to one session, or come to all! No registration is necessary; please just drop in. You may vary the times at which you attend as well as the locations. There is no fee, and new members may join at any time.

Community kitchen for students with family responsibilities

The Family Care Office invites students with family responsibilities to this December session - Cooking Up the Best Possible Relationship. At this hands-on workshop, while cooking some inexpensive, quick and tasty recipes, we will discuss the necessary ingredients for the best possible relationship with your partner. Vegetarian lunch will be provided.

University Life and the Art of Living

Lately, my facebook feed has been stacked with friends' and acquaintances' reposts of news articles talking about the most-profitable undergraduate majors. What really concerns me is that when we sprint through our degrees with dollar-signs in our eyes, I'm quite sure that we're missing the point. Read more about the art of living from our blogger, Jennifer.