More than 50 undergraduate students attended the Dean’s Town Hall on Nov. 28, 2008 to learn about recent academic and extracurricular initiatives and provide input to continue to enhance the Engineering student experience.

“Today's economic situation offers a unique opportunity to reevaluate the way we reach and engage our undergraduate students in support of our mission of building global Engineering leaders,” said Cristina Amon, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. “It is clear from the Town Hall meeting held on Nov. 28, 2008 that our students recognize strong education and global integration as important ingredients to achieving it.”

Recent initiatives to enhance the Engineering student experience were highlighted during this meeting. This included the provision of remote access to software required by students for course work, the rental of space for students clubs at 245 College Street, the Faculty’s plans to work toward a seamless BASc/MEng ELITE program, in addition to ongoing efforts to increase the number of study abroad and PEY opportunities available to Engineering students. The Dean noted, however, that students placed within Canada will almost assuredly have international exposure through subsidiaries, clients and suppliers of their employers. It is therefore very important for the Engineers of the future to be able to work effectively with people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. And, she asked, what could be a better place to hone these skills than the U of T and the City of Toronto, with our diverse and multicultural populations.

Jonathan Asmis, President of EngSoc, reported renovations to the SF Atrium are to begin this summer with plans available for student comment in the New Year. He encouraged students to participate in the new Skule™ Points program, which leads to recognition and rewards through a points system of participation in campus events.

In response to issues raised by students about teaching, globalization, exchanges, workload, and IT, the Faculty provided information on a number of services and noted several questions and suggestions for improvements.

Additionally, a student suggestion to implement a screen saver in ECF computer labs to reminds users to remove their USB keys will be implemented.

“Involvement motivates and contributes to personal growth,” said Dean Amon. “Our Town Hall meetings are a relaxed way for Engineering students to immerse themselves within the Faculty and have their ideas and feedback heard.”

This is the second Town Hall meeting hosted by the Faculty and the Engineering Society. The first Town Hall was held in Feb. 2008.

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