The Keynote: March 2023

• Tune into the 3MT® Heats on Wednesday, March 22 and 3MT® Finals on Thursday, March 23 to cheer on our graduate students as they compete to explain their research and its impacts in three minutes or less! Access the livestream and event details on our event details page. 
  
• 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!
  

• Ontario Tech academic milestone: Mechanical Engineering PhD student first to defend a ‘cotutelle’ doctoral thesis.
  
  
• The deadline to apply for Graduate Conference Travel Awards for conferences between April 1, 2023 and September 30, 2023 is April 30, 2023. For more information visit the Graduate Student Conference Travel Award Guidelines page. 

• Are you defending your thesis in the Winter 2023 term? Or are you planning on defending in the Summer 2023 term?

Once a student has successfully defended their thesis, they must formally submit a thesis package to SGPS before they are considered complete. To be considered a Winter 2023 graduate, the post-defence thesis package deadline is April 20, 2023.

Submission procedures, deadlines and conditions can be found in the Graduate Academic Calendar or on the Graduate Studies Website. If you have any questions, email gradthesis@ontariotechu.ca.

• SSHRC invites you to join In Conversation With Semra Sevi, presenting "Women in Politics: To Run or Not to Run?" on March 15. Sevi is a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow at Columbia University, and Junior Fellow with the Centre for the Study of Political Behaviour at Western University. Her research focuses on gender and politics, representation, voting behaviour, and partisanship in young voters and immigrants. 

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

• The library’s Seed Exchange opens Wednesday, March 15. Visit any of our campus libraries, choose up to five packets of seeds and plant, grow, enjoy, and share! Seed variety differs in each location and may change on availability. Donations are always welcome; however, we do not accept corn, soy, canola, or rose seeds. Any controlled substances are unacceptable.
• We’re revamping our current student-run blog and want your valued input! Participants will have the option of entering a draw for the chance to win a $50 Amazon eGift card! Complete the Digital Community Feedback.
• Join our Student Engagement and Equity team on Tuesday, March 21 in the Shawenjigewining Hall, Atrium from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. There will be an information booth and trivia for all students, staff and faculty to learn more and advocate against racial discrimination.
• If you’re looking for summer employment, the Career Centre is hosting the Summer Job Fair on Tuesday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Shawenjigewning Hall, Atrium. Get the chance to meet and connect with employers and apply for jobs on-the-spot! Learn more.
  
  
• In collaboration with Ontario Tech EngiQueers, Student Engagement and Equity will be hosting Study with Pride! All 2SLGBTQ+ students and allies can come together, support each other and create a community of belonging. Snacks will be provided. For more information, visit the equity groups and workshops web page.
  
  
• Have you heard of the Student Experience Record (SER)? SER is a comprehensive record of your involvement in co-curricular experiences throughout your Ridgeback journey. As you apply for jobs, future education or volunteer experiences, your SER will be a great tool to showcase soft skills that are important to employers in today's market! The deadline to add positions to your SER is Monday, May 1. Access your SER and learn more.
  
  
• The free, online Including Disability Global Summit (IDGS) is taking place this year from April 25 to 27. The theme for the 2023 summit is HopePunk: preserving, building community and chasing hope—what can we do now so that the future is far better than the present for people with disabilities? Registration for the summit will be released soon; in the interim, join the IDGS listserv and receive pertinent updates. IDGS is also enlisting the help of summit volunteers.
  
  
• The Employment Readiness Program, running until March 27, is a series of workshops designed to teach students practical job readiness skills and skills 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!
  
  
• 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 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. 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, Room 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.

• 2022/2023 OSAP Extension Form Coming! OSAP students planning to take full-time classes in the Spring/Summer (3 classes in total), need to complete an OSAP Extension Form once you are registered. Information and form will be available on MyOntarioTech beginning of April. Do not apply through the website.