Don't forget the fee payment deadline

You'll need to pay or defer your fees by the deadline (August 24) to avoid having all your course enrolments cancelled. See details in the "Money Matters" section below.

U of T email account

You must set up your U of T email account when you get your student card (TCard) as soon as you get to campus. Take your admission letter along with photo ID to Robarts Library to obtain a Tcard. Once you have your TCard, you can activate your UTORid and set up your U of T email address. Please change your email address on ROSI to your UTORmail. The University will only be communicating with you through this official U of T email address, so make sure you check it regularly.

Priority period/open enrolment period

Now that the priority period has ended, you can enrol in up to one more credit, for a total of 6.0. Also note that most enrolment controls in "P" (Priority) indicator courses have been removed for St. George Arts & Science students.

While taking 6.0 courses is permissible, first-year students are advised to take no more than 5.0 - this course load will help you make the adjustment to university-level work without being over-burdened.

Your courses and timetable

All first-year students have now had the opportunity to enrol in courses. You may find that some of your preferred courses are full. You should remain flexible in your choices. You may use the waiting list feature, and the increase to 6.0 courses (above) to ensure you have the course load you prefer. The Faculty may be able to add capacity in some heavily-enrolled areas, but you may not be able to get all your first choices. You should plan on having your final timetable in place by the first day of classes (September 13).

Credit/No Credit option

Degree students may elect to take up to 1.0 of their 20.0 degree credits as Credit/No Credit, rather than getting a final course mark. Note that you may not take courses required for your programs in this way.

ROSI absence declaration

Arts & Science students who are absent and require an accommodation for missed work must use the Absence Declaration function on ROSI. You may also need medical documentation on the U of T Medical Certificate.

Day with NO course enrolment

There will be NO course enrolment on the Student Web Service on September 10. On this day DO NOT try to add or cancel courses, or change or cancel "waitlisted" sections.

Sessional dates

Mark down these important dates down for future reference. Sessional dates and deadlines and deadlines of note can be found in the Calendar and Registration Handbook.
2010 important dates | 2011 important dates

Arts & Science Council elections

Elections for first-year reps on the 2010-2011 Arts & Science Council will take place in September. Nominations take place from September 7-14 and the election from September 29-30. (Note: this e-News message constitutes official notice of these dates, but a separate email with full details will be sent to all students later.)

Fee payment deadline for 2010-2011: August 24

Don't forget the deadline to pay your tuition (or officially defer your fees) for the 2010-2011 year is August 24. If your payment has not been made by August 24, you'll lose your course enrolments for next year. If you applied for OSAP and need to defer your fees, you can do so on ROSI's Financial Accounts page.

Academic Plan for Arts & Science

Last year the Faculty engaged in a strategic planning exercise to determine its direction and structure for the next 5-year period. Academic units submitted their own plans and the Faculty's Strategic Planning Committee reviewed them and proposed an overall plan for the Faculty. Consultation and discussion on this Plan will begin in the Fall as the Faculty moves forward. Students may view the Academic Plan, and find a number of FAQs answered, by following the links on the Arts & Science website.

What's Your U of T Story Video Competition

U of T is full of stories - What's Yours? It will be a whole new world when you get here - record those moments! Think about your first few days and tell us what makes U of T special to you. Be quirky, honest, ingenious, sarcastic, authentic - capture your student story in a short video and you could win the opportunity to have your video professionally produced! No special talent is needed - just a good story. The contest opens on August 23 and closes on October 12, 2010 at 5:00pm. More information will be posted as it becomes available. Visit blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca/UofTVideoCompetition.

Project developed by computer science students means never having to wait in line again

If you've ever had to spend hours in your doctor's waiting room, wait in line at the passport office or take care of some business at City Hall, you'll know that you sometimes have to clear an entire day just to take care of one simple thing. To relieve the frustration that can build as the minutes waiting in line turn to hours, a group of computer science students did the traditional take-a-number system one better and developed Q-me, a tool that would allow you to leave the waiting room - or not even show up in the first place - until you reach the front of the queue and they are ready to serve you.

Your Orientation

Orientation is an opportunity for the University of Toronto to welcome you to the campus community. Whether you have just graduated from high school, you are a mature student returning to school, you are transferring from another university, or you are coming to Canada from abroad, U of T has orientation programming for you. Activities are designed to help you make the transition to your first year by orienting you to the University's campuses and divisions, learning about campus life, and making new friends.

Kickstart: Get off to the right start

Kickstart has been developed for students who are looking for an alternative to their college or faculty orientation, are unable to attend their full orientation, or would just like to explore more of what is available to them at the University of Toronto. Events take place from September 7 - 17, 2010. For a complete schedule of events and to register, visit kickstart.utoronto.ca.

ASKme

During your first couple of weeks on campus, you may notice staff and faculty wearing badges that say "ASKme" - these are ambassadors that are happy to help you if you get lost or have any questions about the University.

Ask First: It's about consent

Having a safe orientation depends on all of us, and with the Ask First campaign you are invited to learn about your rights and responsibilities when it comes to sexual activity. Learn about the myths and risks of sexual assault, safety tips, how to help a friend, and how to be sure you have consent. If you have experienced sexual assault, you can find out about resources on campus to assist you.

You are also invited to this year's theatre presentation of Dissolve, a powerful one-woman play about what can go wrong on a night out on the town. Learn what you can do about drug-facilitated sexual assault. Monday, September 6 at 4:00pm. This event is free and all are welcome.

Blueprint

The Blueprint Program is an easy way to get involved in life outside the classroom. Through a series of engaging workshops you will learn and develop skills that will serve as the foundation on which you will build your experience by participating in various activities on-campus and in the community. Look for your Blueprint when you arrive on-campus in September!

Better health for better grades

Your good health is one of the most important resources you have as you work to achieve your academic and personal goals. Student Health 101 is U of T's new health and wellness magazine where you will find all kinds of information and tips about how to stay healthy throughout the year. The Orientation issue is now online. Check back for updated issues throughout the year.

Do you have Aboriginal ancestry?

First Nations House provides a wide range of services and programs which include scholarships, financial aid, events, and academic and cultural supports. First Nations House is a "home away from home" for many Aboriginal students, where you can eat, talk to an Elder, study, visit the library, learn about your culture, relax and socialize. Contact First Nations House today and indicate what program you are starting in to get connected with the appropriate resources and information to make your transition to U of T a smooth one.