The Keynote: January 2023

• Registration for the 2023 Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition is now open! 3MT® is a university-wide competition for graduate students in which participants present their research and its wider impact in three minutes or less to a panel of non-specialist judges. Visit our website to register and learn more about this amazing event! Registration closes Friday, February 3.

• Did you know that SGPS now offers Grad Pro Skills self-directed e-learning? Develop knowledge mobilization skills, enhance your teaching with modern pedagogy and technology, and ready yourself for an inclusive 21st century workplace. With self-directed e-modules and e-courses, you can learn at your own pace, at any time, from any where. Register today!
  
  
• Our January and February Grad Pro Skills workshops are open for registration! Check out our upcoming workshops below:

January workshops

Writing a Review of Literature - Friday, January 20 from 2 to 3 p.m.

A literature review is a summary and evaluation of significant documents and developments on a topic. Completing a literature review will ensure a good understanding of a topic. In this workshop you will learn how to properly construct a literature review and how to organize your research.

(NEW) Diversity and Discrimination in the Recruitment Process - Wednesday, January 25 from 2 to 3 p.m.

This workshop explores breaking barriers in the recruitment process in four areas:  the job search, the resume, the interview, and on the job. We discuss potential barriers and discrimination faced at each of these stages of the recruitment process, and go over strategies to overcome these barriers.

February workshops

Organizing your Literature Search with EndNote - Thursday, February 2 from 1 to 2 p.m.

In this workshop you will use a citation manager to save references and create accurate in-text references and bibliographies in Word. You will learn the benefits of using a citation manager to organize articles and other research sources for your literature review. 

Paraphrasing and Summarizing - Tuesday, February 7 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Integrating research in written work is an essential skill, although it is one with which many writers struggle. After considering the characteristics of each, you will have the opportunity to practice writing paraphrases and summaries as well as assess their effectiveness.

Intercultural Communication - Thursday, February 9 from 10 to 11 a.m.

As the world becomes more diverse, it will become inevitable that we will be working with people from other cultures. It’s important that we understand how to effectively communicate across cultures. Evoking global thinking and empathy in your communication style will make you a better team member, communicator, collaborator and global citizen.

*This workshop is a requirement of the Professional Communication Certificate.

Resume and Cover Letter Writing - Wednesday, February 15 from 12 to 1 p.m.

This workshop will focus on the fundamentals of a resume. Increase your understanding of how a resume and cover letter are used in the job search process and learn how to target them towards your career goals. Discover how to compose a resume that focuses on your strengths, experience and skills that relate to the position. Finally, you will gain further awareness of the formatting and structure of a resume and cover letter.

• Ontario Tech University announces the appointment of Dr. Theodore (Ted) Christou as the new Dean of the university’s School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, effective January 1, 2023.
  

• Student research progress must be evaluated at the end of each semester for students engaged in research. The Research Progress Report form should be completed by each student and their supervisor(s). If you have not yet submitted your progress report for the Fall 2022 term, please consult your supervisor(s).

• Each grad student in a thesis-based program requires the Establishment of a Supervisory Committee form. This form should be submitted to SGPS no later than the end of the second semester. If this form has not been submitted, please consult your supervisor(s), or your Graduate Program Staff for assistance.

• Each student in a doctoral program is required to prepare a written research proposal and pass a candidacy exam. Full-time students are normally expected to do this within 18 months of their initial registration. If you have exceeded this timeline and have not completed your candidacy exam, please consult your supervisor(s) or Graduate Program Staff.

• Are you planning to defend your thesis in 2023? There are deadlines to guide students for completing program requirements by the end of an academic term. Guidelines (Master’s/PhD), timelines/deadlines (Master’s/PhD) and other resources (e.g. deadline calculator) can be found on the SGPS website or in the Graduate Academic Calendar.
  

• As previously announced in Fall 2022, all oral examinations (candidacy and final defence) will resume in person and the examination attendance policy will be enforced (See Section 10 of the Thesis Oral Examination policy).

• Visit our Funding opportunities page to view postdoc funding opportunities and application details.

• The Ambassador program is looking for you to get involved, positively contribute to the campus community and become leaders on our campus! Register for Level 1 Ambassador training to become an Ambassador, Peer Leader or Ridgeback Mentor. To register for training and see what dates are available, visit the Ambassador Program page. 
  
  
• Your modes of transportation are important to us! Fill out the Transportation and Mobility survey to help us improve your commute in Durham Region. Participants have the chance to win a $25 gift card of your choice! The last day to complete the survey is Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
  
  
• The Visiting Elder program will be back February 6 to 10 with Sylvia Maracle in-person! Sylvia is an in-demand consultant, speaker, social activist and cultural-based practitioner, she is actively involved in diverse initiatives supporting the well-being of Indigenous peoples across Canada. Sylvia was awarded an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2017. Register for a session with Sylvia today.
  
  
• The Career Carnival is in-person this year in the Shawenjigewining Hall Atrium January 24 and 26! This is your opportunity to stop by for some fun interactive games and activities that will help you with cover letter and resume writing, practicing your networking and interview skills, and get career guidance. If you are looking for graduate employment, part-time jobs or co-op and internship opportunities, the Career Carnival is the place for you!
  
  
• The joint Ontario Tech and Durham College Job Fair is on Thursday, February 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the largest career event on campus where employers are invited to participate in recruitment for full-time, part-time, summer and contract positions. If you’re interested in attending, visit the Job Fair webpage for more information and additional career supports.
  
  
• The Employment Readiness Program, running February 6 to March 27, is a series of workshops designed to teach students practical job readiness skills and competencies for navigating the workplace with success. Students who attend the workshop series will have access to additional one-on-one peer support with an Employment Peer Coach who can help address career-related concerns. Learn more and register.
• The Career Centre has a variety of workshops that are designed to help students who are job searching, going to work for the first time, or entering a new workplace. Learn more and register for a winter workshop today!
  
  
• The Career Centre and Devant have joined together to provide career supports for international students. Check out, and register for all the great workshops that are happening in January!
  
  
• Conversation Café runs on Thursday's from 3 to 4:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to meet international students and learn about other cultures as well as a chance to practice English speaking and listening skills. Visit the Student Life Portal to view the schedule or drop by for a visit.
  
  
• Student Life and the International Office are recruiting the 2023 to 2024 Student Leadership Positions. Applications close on Sunday, February 5, 2023. Visit the Leadership positions website for more information including the volunteer descriptions and to submit your application.
• Student Mental Health Services continues to offer a range of groups, workshops and events to support your mental health. If you would like to participate in one or more groups you can register now.
  
  
• RISE (Respecting Individuals, Supporting Equity) sessions are scheduled throughout the Winter semester. The RISE Program is a suite of workshops that provide training and education on what participants can do on an individual level to foster a safer and more inclusive community at Ontario Tech. Learn more and register.
  
  
• Student Centred Spaces are running throughout the Winter semester. Learn about equity topics in open discussion groups or discuss your experiences with those who may share them in a closed Student Centred Space. View the available groups and register for sessions.
  
  
• Wellness Walks is a free and fun opportunity that promotes physical and mental health by getting mindful walking breaks during the busy school and workday. Come out for a walk to restore your concentration, uplift your mood, decrease your stress and be a part of your campus community. All students, staff and faculty are invited to participate. Please dress for the weather, wear appropriate shoes for walking and bring a water bottle! View the schedule of walks on the Wellness Walks website.
  
  
• Afternoons with SEE run weekly on Tuesday’s from 2 to 4 p.m. in Shawenjigewining Hall, SHA 210 - all students are welcome to drop in and join the Student Engagement & Equity team to hang out, play games, meet others and enjoy refreshments.
• Recovery College is a collaboration between Ontario Tech University and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. Three courses will be held over the Winter semester and will provide education about mental health and wellness, and help people to discover or rediscover passion, hope and meaning. To view the course descriptions and register, visit the mental health groups web page.
• Did you purchase, upgrade, or receive a new cell phone over the holiday season? If so, consider donating your old cell phone to CNIB’s Phone it Forward program! The program provides smartphones to Canadians with sight loss. Learn more and donate.
  

• Join Cultural Links where you can:
  1. Connect with a diverse group to enrich the diversity that exists
  2. Cultivate a broader understanding of various cultures and experiences
  3. Create an opportunity for you to share your own cultural heritage with other students
  
  Sign up before January 25, 2023.
  
  
• Nominations for the annual Celebrate Teaching! Awards are open until February 13 at 4:30 p.m. These awards highlight excellence in teaching, teaching innovation, and educational leadership at Ontario Tech. Nomination forms and instructions are available on the TLC's website, and any questions can be directed to teachingandlearning@ontariotechu.ca.

• Always apply for OSAP - Many variables when assessing OSAP and eligibility to receive funding could change yearly. Also, make sure your winter semester course load matches what's on OSAP—if not, this will delay release of second semester funding. Make updates with Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA).