Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering | University of Toronto

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Acting Globally

The falling leaves and the cool crisp air signals autumn is here. And while term tests and project deadlines approach, it is easy to look inwards and focus solely on the academic tasks ahead. In this month's Engineering Student e-News, you'll read how many in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering are looking outwards at the world around us, wondering how engineers can make a difference on issues like sustainability, globalization, energy and addressing the needs of the developing world. Engineering at the University of Toronto's global reputation is being recognized, with an eighth overall ranking in the world and first in Canada in its category in the World University Rankings.

Also in this month’s e-News, learn about International Student Exchange opportunities and catch up on student services ranging from letters of registration and academic counselling to grants and financial aid support.

October 2009

Volume 1, Issue 2
In this issue:

Dates & Deadlines
Student Services
Money Matters
Student Life
In The News
Your Faculty

Important Dates and Deadlines

Oct 23, 2009		Last day of lectures for first Fall Session Quarter courses.
Oct 26, 2009		Lectures begin for second Fall Session Quarter courses.
Oct. 26 to Oct. 30, 2009		Exam period for first Fall Session Quarter courses (tentative). Please check with the respective department for details.
Nov. 2, 2009		Examination timetable for Fall Session courses posted.
Nov. 3, 2009		Last day for students to drop Fall Session courses without academic penalty including Fall Session courses taken in the Faculty of Arts and Science* (Note: First Year students may not drop courses.) Last day for students to transfer to part-time studies. Last day for students to withdraw from the Fall Session without academic penalty.
Nov 10, 2009		Fall Convocation ceremony for the conferring of the Bachelor of Applied Science degree. More important dates and deadlines.

Student Services

Condensed Final Exam Period

This year, the December final exam period is unavoidably shortened. The exam period for the Fall Session will be from Thursday, December 10 to Friday, December 18 for Engineering courses. Arts & Science exams will begin on Wednesday, December 9 and end on December 18. Examinations will be held on evenings Monday through Friday and on weekends. The Faculty's scheduling staff plan to publish the exam schedule before November 2. When finalized, the exam schedule will be posted here.

Look for study tips and an explanation of exam conflicts in next month's Student e-News.

Late Withdrawal from an Arts & Science course

Students who have fallen behind in an Arts & Science course used as an HSS, CS or Free Elective, may, in conjunction with their departmental counsellor, request a Late Withdrawal (LWD) from the course.

This tool is intended to help Engineering undergraduate students who have, because of circumstances beyond their control, been unable to perform when completing coursework or exams.

A student must meet with their undergraduate department's academic counsellor and analyze the circumstances which led to the poor performance. Please note that no petition is required. The Registrar or the counsellor has final authority to approve or deny the request for Late Withdrawal—it is not an automatic right available on demand by a student. The agreed-upon threshold is that, if the course were to be completed, the final mark would have a “significant negative impact” on the student’s academic record, academic status or post-graduation plans.

For a complete description of the LWD remedy’s policies and principles please see the Office of the Registrar.

Letters of Registration Confirmation

For a variety of reasons, students occasionally require an official letter from the University to confirm their status as a student. Letters of registration—on official letterhead and certified with a seal—may be issued by the Office of the Registrar.

Official letters produced by the Office cost $7.35 ($7.00, plus GST) for the first copy and $0.53 for each additional copy ($0.50, plus GST); however, if a student has a form for the Office of the Registrar to complete (e.g. RESP, car insurance, ISIC card), it can be done free of charge.

Students may order a Letter of Registration by filling out the Letter of Registration Request Form; the request form and payment should be dropped off or mailed to the Office of the Registrar. Request forms may also be faxed to (416) 978-1866. The Office of the Registrar accepts the following payment forms: cash, cheque, and money order.

The Office of the Registrar cannot guarantee that requests will be processed in less than five business days—so don’t wait until the last minute to order your letter.

For more on letters of registration confirmation, please see the Office of the Registrar.

Go Global with a Semester or Year Abroad

In the past couple years the Faculty has been moving towards better understanding our role within a world now more connected across geographic space, living in the same environment and climate using the same energy resources, and sharing interlinked economies and sociopolitical systems.

In this context, the International Student Exchange Office (ISXO) offers great opportunities to study at a top-tier university abroad for a semester or year, earning credit towards your U of T degree while experiencing new cultures and disciplines and merging your locally pertinent degree with a global relevance. Most programs are offered in English and cost no more than your regular U of T tuition, plus living expenses abroad. There are also many financial awards and bursaries available to students with financial need.

Find out more by visiting the office at the Koffler Student Services Building, 214 College Street, Room 202, by email at student.exchange@utoronto.ca or online: http://www.utoronto.ca/student.exchange.

Money Matters

Faculty Grants

The Faculty has grants available for students who have exhausted all other sources of funding and still find themselves in financial difficulty. An email has been sent to all undergraduates in the Faculty with details on how to apply. Pierina Filippone is also available for financial counselling and can be contacted at awards@ecf.utoronto.ca.

University of Toronto Advance Planning for Students (UTAPS) (.pdf)

UTAPS will automatically be assessed for OSAP recipients once they have picked up the first installment of OSAP and signed the Confirmation of Enrolment. The first round of UTAPS decisions will be done by early November. Out-of-Province students receiving government funding are also eligible for UTAPS consideration but must submit a paper application in order to be assessed. The UTAPS form can be found on the Admissions & Awards website (pdf).

Useful Websites with information on Financial Aid

www.canlearn.ca
www.scholarshipscanada.com

Student Life

Welcome message from Engineering Society President

President Jimmy Lu outlines EngSoc's plans for 2009-2010

PEY internship leads to ambassador role for EngSci student

International student participation increases, thanks to positive student working relationships

EWB co-founder inspires First Year students

Inspiring "First Lecture" by Engineering Without Borders co-founder encourages First Year Engineering students to consider their contribution to making a better society

U of T's first ever "Bring Your Family to School Day"

Show your family what U of T is all about in this fun and engaging event that includes a lecture by Professor Molly Shoichet (ChemE, IBBME) on Friday, November 6

In the News

U of T Engineering Eighth in World

Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings in Engineering and IT place U of T Engineering first in Canada, fifth in North America, and eighth in the world

Macleans On Campus (.pdf)

Dean Cristina Amon discusses importance of women in Engineering in annual Professional Schools Guide

Mining leaders invest $9M in U of T Engineering

Combined investment from mining entrepreneur Pierre Lassonde and Goldcorp Inc. funds construction of, and scholarships for, a new $20-million mining research and innovation centre. As well, Pierre Lassonde to teach entrepreneurship course at MinE

Microchip breakthrough detects type and severity of cancer

Using nanomaterials Professor Ted Sargent (ECE) and Pharmacy/Medicine Professor Shana Kelley and their research team are making a new, portable device to better detect cancer

Your Faculty

Appointment of Associate Dean, Cross-Disciplinary Programs

Professor Bryan Karney (CivE) has been appointed Associate Dean, Cross-Disciplinary Programs, from September 1, 2009 to December 31, 2012. Q & A with Professor Karney

Vote for Hydraulophone Invention
ECE Professor Steve Mann's hydraulophone among top 10 worldwide designs
nominated by Smithsonian for National Design Museum. Vote by October 20

Skulematters (.pdf)

Check out the 2009 Globalization edition of Skulematters, our alumni magaine

Newsletter Archives

Did you miss out on a past issue of the Engineering Student e-News?
Revisit past articles and catch up on news any time.

The Engineering Student e-News is a monthly summary of key headlines, events and opportunities for students in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. If you have questions or comments, please contact us: registrar@ecf.utoronto.ca.