Follow the Road to Research

The cool, crisp autumn wind means classes are in full swing. In between lectures and labs, new and returning students directly benefit from the world-class research happening in this Faculty. U of T Engineering undergraduates have a unique opportunity to get involved in cutting-edge research on campus, even across the globe. In this issue, you will read about some of the exciting, award-winning research conducted by undergrads this past summer.

Also in this month's Engineering Student e-News, plan for a healthy school year, invite your family to campus, apply for a Faculty grant, and flex your creative muscles by creating a video about your U of T experience.

October 2010

Volume 2, Issue 2
In this issue:

Spotlight On: Research
Dates and Deadlines
Student Services
Money Matters
Campus Life
In the News
Your Faculty

Spotlight On: Research

Important Dates and Deadlines

Student Services

Worried About an Arts & Science Course?

Students who have fallen behind in an Arts & Science course applied to an HSS, CS or Free Elective, may work with their undergraduate academic counsellor to request a Late Withdrawal (LWD) from the course. This tool is intended to help Engineering undergraduates who have, because of circumstances beyond their control, fallen behind or who have been unable to perform when completing coursework or exams.

The Registrar or the counsellor has final authority to approve or deny the request for LWD—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.

A student must meet with their undergraduate department's academic counsellor and analyze the circumstances which led to the poor performance. No petition is required.

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

Need a Letter of Registration?

Occasionally, students require an official letter from the University to confirm their status as a student. Letters of registration on official letterhead and certified with an official stamp—are issued by the Office of the Registrar.

Official letters cost $7.00 for the first copy and $0.50 for each additional one. However, if a student has a form for the Office of the Registrar to complete (e.g., RESP, car insurance, ISIC card), the form is signed free of charge.

Students 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 credit card.

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

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

Feel Your Best at U of T

University is about more than surviving. It's about thriving. Throughout October, Health and Wellness, in partnership with programs and services across campus, seek to raise awareness around positive mental health. Check the Health Promotions website for information about services, events, opportunities and on-campus workshops in support of student wellness and academic success.

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. Check your email inbox for details on how to apply. The Assistant Registrar, Scholarships & Financial Aid, 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)

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 completed 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).

FInd Your Way on Financial Aid

These websites can help you navigate the world of scholarships and financial aid opportunities:
www.canlearn.ca
www.scholarshipscanada.com

Campus Life

Dean's Town Hall November 5

Bring your classmates and join Dean Amon and the Engineering Society for a pizza lunch. Learn more about your Faculty, ask questions of the Faculty leaders, staff and your student leaders, and to share your perspectives about your experiences. November 5 at 12 p.m. in the Michael E. Charles Council Chamber (GB202).

Welcome Class of 1T4

Career Prospects Are Strong for Class of 1T1

U of T Engineering Announces Agreement with George Brown College

Students can take hands-on technical training courses, offered on weekends

Global University Ranking Names U of T Engineering as Best in Canada

U of T is only Canadian school to make top 15 list of Engineering and Technology programs

University of Toronto Invites You to an Evening for Parents and Families

As part of U of T's commitment to include parents and family members in the community, you and your family are invited to explore the campus, learn more about student resources, and laugh a little with best-selling author Marni Jackson on Thurs., Oct. 7, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. For full details and registration, please visit the Parents & Families website.

Win up to $1,000 in U of T Video Competition

What does U of T mean to you? Put your thoughts on tape with U of T's Video Competition. Did you find your life's passion? Figure out how to change the world? Discover the best place on campus to relax? Be quirky, honest, ingenious, sarcastic, authentic — capture your student story in a short video and you could win up to $1,000 cash! No special talent is needed — just a good story. The contest closes on Oct. 12, 2010 at 5 p.m. Visit www.studentvideo.utoronto.ca for details.

In the News

Human-powered Ornithopter Becomes First Ever to Achieve Sustained Flight 

UTIAS PhD candidate Todd Reichert and team make aviation history

From Building Bridges to Running Bay Street

Sukrit Ganguly (ChemE 0T5, MASc 0T8) is one of a new breed of financial engineers and global innovators

The Return of the Spadina Expressway? 

Proposal for a new traffic tunnel in Toronto is "a complete non-starter," says Professor Eric Miller (CivE), Director of U of T Cities Centre

Academic and Market Leaders Join Forces to Advance Electric Mobility in Canada 

Consortium forms alliance with The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Catch up on all the news

Your Faculty

We're Getting into Outcomes

Vice Dean Undergrad Grant Allen shares more about the new "outcome-based" approach to Engineering curriculum, teaching and learning

The World’s Worst Traffic Jam: How Did it Happen?

Traffic expert Professor Khandker Nurul Habib (CivE) explains

Professor Susan McCahan (MIE) Selected to Receive OCUFA Teaching Award
Recognized by Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations for outstanding teaching

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.

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/uoftengineering & watch us on Vimeo: vimeo.com/uoftengineering