Promise of a New Year

Why do international rankings consistently rate U of T Engineering as the best in Canada and among the best in the world? In a word: ‘innovation.’ From discipline-crossing minors to world-class teaching to inspirational student leadership, we continue to push the boundaries of excellence to new heights.

Welcome, all new students, to U of T Engineering. An exciting adventure of learning awaits you these next four or five years. The Engineering Student e-News, published once a month throughout the academic year, brings you news of the latest accomplishments, engaging events and need-to-know student dates and deadlines from Engineering and throughout U of T.

Welcome back, returning students. After a summer away, we hope you are rejuvenated and ready to take on the challenges of the upcoming year.

To start the year off right, we invite all undergraduate students to register for and attend an Afternoon of Engineering Innovation on Saturday, September 15. We will be joined by faculty, staff and alumni to celebrate the most innovative, visionary and entrepreneurial ideas we can offer the world.

September 2012

Volume 4, Issue 1
In this issue:

Engineering Welcomes You
Dates and Deadlines
Student Services
Money Matters
Campus Life
In the News
Your Faculty

Engineering Welcomes You

Dates and Deadlines

Student Services

ASKme

During your first couple of weeks on campus, you may notice staff and faculty wearing badges that say ‘ASKme’ — these ambassadors are happy to help if you get lost or have any questions about U of T

TTC Post-secondary Metropasses Now Available

The University of Toronto Student Union (UTSU) has instructions on how full-time students can register for discounted TTC passes

New GO passes will be available for full-time students from the TCard Office starting October 1. Remember, 2011-2012 passes are still valid until October 31

RESP Forms

If you still need an RESP or scholarship fund form filled out by the Office of the Registrar for the 2012-2013 academic year, visit Galbraith Building, room 157. Kindly include your student number on all forms

Opting Out of the UTSU Health and Dental Plan

You may opt out of the health and dental portion of the University of Toronto Student Union’s health and dental plan and receive a fees refund if you are covered by another comparable plan. For more information, see UTSU’s website

UHIP Goes Electronic

If you are an international student, the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is a mandatory health plan intended to ensure that you have basic health care coverage while studying in Ontario. All UHIP cards are available online

Office of the University Ombudsperson

The University Ombudsperson offers confidential and impartial advice and assistance on university-related problems to students, faculty and staff on all three campuses. Visit the office’s website or add the Ombudsperson module to your Blackboard portal page

Four Humanities and Social Science Courses – Just For Engineers

Still need to add a Humanities and Social Science (HSS) elective this year? Consider taking one of these exciting courses

How Can the Office of the Registrar Help?

• Advice on rules and regulations
• Accepting petitions and supporting documents
• Filling out forms for students (RESPs, Schedule 2)
• Preparing letters of registration
• Answering questions about enrolment and registration
• Providing guidance on student budgeting and financial aid

For more information visit the Office of the Registrar

Follow-up from 2011-2012

• The Dean’s Honours list for the Winter 2012 academic session is now posted in the lobby of the Galbraith Building
• You can still order final exam copies and final mark re-checks for Engineering Winter and Summer 2012 courses until October 15 through the Engineering Portal

Money Matters

New, Streamlined OSAP Distribution

Say goodbye to line-ups as OSAP distribution has gone online. Starting this year, there are no more paper OSAP loan/grant certificates to pick up.

Provided you have qualified for OSAP and promptly submitted your Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) to a designated Canada Post outlet, the University will be able to confirm your registration and OSAP will deposit your funds directly into your bank account when classes begin. In October, a ‘Confirmation of Income’ form will be made available on your online OSAP account. This form must be completed in order to receive your second installment of OSAP funds

Ontario Tuition Grant

To find out if you’re eligible for a grant worth up to 30 per cent of tuition and instructions on how to apply visit the OSAP website

Work/Study Program

New for September 2012, applications to part-time, on-campus positions are open to all undergraduate students (all domestic, international, full-time and part-time with at least 2.0 credits over the fall and winter terms.) Please see www.careers.utoronto.ca for details and positions available

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 will be sent to all undergraduates in the Faculty by the end of September or early October with details on how to apply

Scholarships and Awards

Scholarship and Award recipients: the funds will be deposited into your student account on ROSI before November 15, provided you are registered. If you have any questions about your scholarship, contact awards@ecf.utoronto.ca or drop by GB 153

The Online Engineering Portfolio

Record your extracurricular activities and store your resumé in your ePortfolio. The Scholarships Committee considers this information when selecting recipients for awards. Leadership qualities are also used to consider potential candidates for awards outside of the Faculty. It’s important to keep your ePortfolio up-to-date

Campus Life

Are you one of the Next 36?

The Next 36 entrepreneurial leadership program provides key resources to young entrepreneurs. Each undergraduate selected is provided with two co-founders, up to $80,000 per venture, two mentors, 140 hours of instruction and other resources to conceive and launch a mobile or tablet venture. Interested undergraduates have until October 25 to submit their application

Students Show Off Their Innovative Ideas at UnERD

Undergraduate Engineering Research Day (UnERD) gets students to present research and learn from peers

Terry's Run on Campus

On October 3, universities and colleges from across Canada will participate in an inaugural National Terry Fox Day to recognize and celebrate the legacy of Canadian hero Terry Fox

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Clinics

Service Canada and the Centre for International Experience are hosting several SIN card clinics for international students. Students who submit the required documentation will be issued a Social Insurance Number on the spot

U of T Engineering Spreads Some GLEE

The Faculty invited newly admitted female students to explore the many opportunities ahead

Join First-in-the-Family Mentoring Program

Are you the first in your family to attend university? The First-in-the-Family program offers you a mentor in your academic field who can help you to be a successful student

Supporting Student Success – An Event for Parents and Families

On Thursday, September 27, parents and families of U of T students are invited to discover how students can make the most of their education, both inside and outside the classroom, and how families can play a role in their success

Navigating St. George

U of T's St. George campus map will help you easily find your way around. It's searchable, layered and allows you to get directions to places on campus from anywhere. You can also download a free app on iTunes

Build Your Own Experience with Blueprint

The Blueprint program offer workshops on academic success, career planning and community engagement

In the News

U of T Engineering Leaps Forward in International Ranking

Academic Ranking of World Universities places Faculty first in Canada and 13th in the world

Federal Funding Supports New U of T Internship Program

Program to provide internships to recent graduates and graduate students from science, math and engineering programs

U of T Engineers Win Third Place at Gates Foundation’s Reinvent the Toilet Challenge

Team led by Professor Yu-Ling Cheng (ChemE) identifies new solution for global health challenge

Breakthrough by U of T-led Research Team Leads to Record Efficiency for Next-Generation Solar Cells

Team directed by Professor Ted Sargent (ECE, Vice Dean, Research) creates colloidal quantum dot film with world-record 7 per cent efficiency

U of T Researchers Invent New Tissue Engineering Tool

Labs of Professors Axel Guenther (MIE, IBBME) and Milica Radisic (IBBME/ChemE) collaborate to create a printing press for human tissue

IBBME PhD Student Finalist in TED Talks’ 2013 Talent Search

Padina Pezeshki's presentation offers hope to those suffering from cancers spread to the bones

Your Faculty

Alberto Leon-Garcia Appointed a U of T Distinguished Professor

ECE professor named Distinguished Professor in Application Platforms and Smart Infrastructure

Professor Awarded M. Eugene Merchant Manufacturing Medal

Chul B. Park (MIE) recognized for significant influence in manufacturing by ASME/SME

MSE Professor Awarded Wighton Fellowship

Adjunct Professor Scott D. Ramsay (MSE) receives national award for excellence in undergraduate laboratory-based teaching

Faculty Registrar Honoured by the Association of Registrars of the Universities and Colleges of Canada

Barbara McCann receives the ARUCC Outstanding Achievement Award

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