Arts & Science Student e-News, November 2010
UpbeaT: Your Student Life Blog

The Bound Paper Thingy Affair

Empress Irene was playing hard to get. I had been trying in vain to research this stealthy 8th century ruler of the Byzantine Empire for five days and I was coming up empty handed...

Read about our blogger Lori's research strategies on UpbeaT




Important Dates

• December 7
Classes end

• December 8
Makeup Monday on Wednesday (making up for Thanksgiving, Monday classes held as the individual instructor deems necessary)

• December 8
Last day to request LWD

• December 8
Last day to request June 2010 graduation

• December 9
Study period

• December 10-21
Final examinations in F section code courses; Term tests in Y section code courses

• December 22-January 2
Winter holidays; University closed

• January 10
Classes begin in S and resume in Y section code courses




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Need-to-know photo of calendar

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 Wednesday, December 8, and no requests will be approved beyond that deadline.

December exams

The exam period runs from Friday, December 10 until Tuesday, December 21. 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, remember to double-check your December exam schedule.

University closure

Remember that the university will be closed from Wednesday, December 22 to Sunday, January 2 inclusive for the winter holidays. For ROSI hours of operation, check www.rosi.utoronto.ca. Winter session classes begin on Monday, January 10.

Marks for F courses

Final marks for F section code courses will begin to be available starting December 14, but remember that not all grades will be available right away. Most will be available after the New Year; 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 22 and January 2.

Money Matters Image of money

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 15th 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.

News image of micowave popcorn

Dangerous chemicals in food wrappers likely migrating to humans: U of T study

University of Toronto chemists have found that chemicals used to line junk food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags are migrating into food and being ingested by people where they are contributing to chemical contamination observed in blood.

Bike boxes improve cycling safety

Students on the St. George campus have probably noticed bike icons painted on the street at the St. George and Harbord/Hoskin intersection. These are bike boxes - an effort by the city of Toronto to prevent discord among cyclists and right-turning motorists.

Arts & Science academic planning

Read about developments in the latest update from the Dean.

Awards and Honours The Citizen Lab

Citizen Lab wins press freedom award

The Citizen Lab housed at the Munk School of Global Affairs has been selected for the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) 2010 Vox Libera Award, for its dedication to free expression and access to information online. The Lab was founded and is led by political scientist and chief hacktivist Ron Deibert.

Nominate a prof for an Outstanding Teaching Award

Is there a teacher somewhere in the Faculty of Arts & Science who has really left an impression on you during your studies at the University of Toronto? Let the world know by nominating him or her for an Outstanding Teaching Award. The Dean's office welcomes nominations for the prize until January 21, 2011.

Something to do image of students hiking on an international exchange

The world is at your doorstep: Student International Opportunities Fair

Come and find out how you can connect your academic program to the world outside the classroom. Stop by the Sidney Smith lobby on November 24 from 10:00am to 2:00pm to learn more about organizations and programs that offer international opportunities for Arts & Science students, both on-campus and off. Representatives from organizations such as the Centre for International Experience, the Summer Abroad Program, AIESEC, and Students for International Development will be available to tell you more about academic, research and co-curricular activities that provide a global perspective and the opportunity to gain valuable and marketable skills.

World Aids Day - December 1

U of T commemorates World Aids Day with a series of events taking place accross the St. George campus. Think about the challenge and be part of the solution by planning your own event. Send the details to Judy Kopelow and your event will be included in the U of T World Aids Day program. Visit the Centre for International Health website for a list of events already planned.

Don't you know that space is the place

Celebrate the coming end of classes by letting your mind wander to outer space, literally. The Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics presents "Star Children: The Past, Present and Future of Space Travel", a free lecture on Thursday, December 2.

SIFE University of Toronto Business Plan Competition

Do you have a business idea? Do you need cash, advice, and professional services to get it off the ground? Then come show off your entrepreneurial spirit! Industry professionals will teach you all you need to know about start-ups and provide a step-by-step guide on how to write a business plan proposal through a series of interactive workshops. Students will have the opportunity to pitch their business concepts to a panel of judges. The first prize is $1000, second prize is $500 and the third prize is $250. All U of T students are welcome to participate. For more information, search for adVenture 2010 - Business Plan Competition on Facebook or send an email to rcsifebpc2011@gmail.com.

Support Systems First in the Family: firstgen.utoronto.ca

Build your own legacy with the First in the Family Mentoring Program

All students face hurdles when they arrive at university. But being the first in your family to pursue post-secondary education has its own unique set of challenges. Starting in January 2011, first-year students who are the first in their families to attend a post-secondary institution can join an intimate learning community to get support and to build community on campus. Connect with an upper-year peer mentor, learn academic skills to help you succeed at U of T, engage in U of T's vibrant student life and gain access to bursaries and other financial support for first-generation students. Visit firstgen.utoronto.ca and join today!

Beat the flu

The Health Service will be offering flu clinics on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26 between 10:00am and 3:00pm. You must be a U of T student currently registered, have your health card and your TCard, and you must make an appointment. Make an appointment using your web access account, in person or by calling 416-978-8030.

Thinking of grad school? Think of U of T

It's that time of year. Senior students who want to continue in academia are furiously gathering transcripts, connecting with faculty referees and writing personal statements, all to make sure their applications are done in time for graduate school deadlines.

While many of you might be looking to try out other institutions across the globe, there are a lot of students who have made the leap right here at U of T. Rita Ahmadyar is just one example. Rita got her undergraduate degree in Commerce at U of T, then went on to get her Master of Financial Economics, a collaborative program of the Department of Economics and the Rotman School of Management.

Home Ranger Service

The Home Ranger service offers students an opportunity to meet one-on-one with staff to answer questions about housing issues such as conducting an effective housing search, dealing with landlord/tenant issues and tenant rights and responsibilities. Simply drop in to the Student Housing Service, or book an appointment.

Distributed on Friday, November 19, 2010   |   ©2010 University of Toronto