H1N1 Absences

If you are showing symptoms of H1N1, you should stay at home, use the ROSI Absence Declaration, and not come to class, tests, or examinations while you are sick. The ROSI Absence Declaration provides a printable page with a confirmation number you can use as documentation for your instructor or college, should the need arise. More H1N1 information

LWD: Late Withdrawal

Students must make a request for Late Withdrawal (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 Friday, December 4, and no requests will be approved beyond that deadline. More information

December Exams

The exam period runs from Wednesday, December 9 until Friday, December 18. Some things to note to keep you out of hot water 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. Finally, you should double-check your December exam schedule here.

University closure

Remember that the university will be closed from Saturday, December 19 to Sunday, January 3 inclusive for the winter holidays. For ROSI hours of operation, check www.rosi.utoronto.ca. Winter session classes begin on Monday, January 4.

Marks for F courses

Final marks for F section code courses will begin to be available starting December 11, but remember that not all grades will be available right away - be patient and keep checking your academic history on the SWS. During the period the University is open, marks are entered on ROSI at the end of each business day. Please note that no marks will be posted on ROSI between December 18 and January 4.

Academic planning underway in Arts & Science

The Faculty is engaged in a planning exercise to determine its priorities for the coming five years. All the departments and colleges have been asked to identify their priorities and to formulate their contribution to the Faculty’s academic plan. The Faculty’s highest priority in this exercise is to strengthen the educational experience it provides for students. You can find answers to your questions and see how to add your voice to the process by following this link.

Complete our survey for a chance to win an 8GB iPod Touch!

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 14, 2009, and you can enter a draw for an 8GB iPod Touch. Take the survey

Scholarships with March 15 deadlines

The Faculty of Arts and Science Student Awards Committee will begin accepting applications for a number of in-course scholarships in mid-January. 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. More information

Political scientist Ron Deibert and his Citizen Lab top Toronto Life’s list of Torontonians with world-changing ideas

The December 2009 issue of Toronto Life magazine features 25 World Changing Ideas from the Smartest Torontonians. Professor Ron Deibert, director of Citizen Lab at the Munk Centre for International Studies, and his team grabbed the top spot on the list for Psiphon, a tool that enables Internet access for citizens who are living in countries with restrictive regimes. Learn more

Remember: We share the air

We know you don’t mean to make your classmates ill - but did you know that your cologne, soap or hairspray could be triggering a serious health reaction in people around you? Scented products are made up of chemicals that vapourize into the air, are easily inhaled and can cause reactions for people with asthma, allergies, migraines or chemical sensitivities. This is just a reminder to please consider your classmates and choose scent-free alternatives instead. More information

Economist wins 2009 Polanyi Prize

Professor Gustavo Bobonis, a specialist in development economics whose work on the American colonization of Puerto Rico explores the impact of colonization on education and literacy, is one of five recipients of a 2009 Polanyi Prize for early career achievement. Read more

All That Is Solid: Considerations on the Books vs. Digital Divide

Lawrence Weschler, director of New York University’s Institute for the Humanities, wades into the debate about books vs. digital e-books at this lecture. Check it out

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre. Join students, staff and faculty as we reflect on violence against women and the steps we can take toward change. Friday, December 4, 2009, 12:15 p.m., Great Hall, Hart House. ASL interpretation provided. More information

6 Metre Man

Enjoy this free sneak peek from the current Body Worlds & the Story of the Heart Exhibition at the Ontario Science Centre at the Gerstein Science Information Centre until December 7. Check it out

A Christmas Carol

Join the University of Toronto Students' Union for a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens' holiday classic "A Christmas Carol" taking place in the Great Hall of Hart House on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Readers include Ralph Benmergui, David Gardner and Allie Hughes with music by the Faculty of Music. Tickets: $21, $15 for students. All proceeds go to support the U of T Food and Clothing Bank. Purchase tickets


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

Time to freshen up that resume

Many employers will start hiring for summer positions in January, so the December break is a great time to work on your resume. The Career Centre can help you cater your resume to specific positions and identify skills you have to offer an employer. Check out the online resume tutor or come in and visit the resume clinic. More information

Dissolve 2010: A Dramatic Presentation

Back by popular demand, Dissolve is a powerful one-woman play about what can go wrong on a night out on the town. An expert panel follows the performance. Learn what you can do about drug-facilitated sexual assault. Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 7:00 p.m., MacLeod Auditorium, MS 2158, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle. Refreshments and information tables in the lobby at 6:30. This is a FREE event and everyone is welcome. Reserve your seat