News and events from the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
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The Keynote: October 2022
Monthly newsletter from the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) with information for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
Grad and Postdoc Engagement
SGPS is excited to introduce 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!
SGPS is pleased to offer Grad Pro Skills instructor-led workshops with our university partners! Workshops are free to attend and are hosted in Google Meet. This month, topics include: Interview Skills, and Social Media for Pros. Register today! Visit our Upcoming workshops page to view our Fall 2022 schedule.
October Grad Pro Skill workshops:
Interview Skills - Tuesday, October 25 from 12 to 1:15 p.m.
This interactive workshop helps you develop the tools you’ll need to be successful in your academic and non-academic job search. Learn how to answer the most common types of interview questions, how to best prepare for the interview process and how to emphasize your transferable skills.
Social Media for Pros - Wednesday, October 26 from 2 to 3:15 p.m.
What is personal branding on social media? In 2022, what does it mean to share your professional work on social media channels and how do you bridge the gap between the personal and the professional in the digital space? In this workshop we will discuss the do’s, the don’ts and the how for sharing your professional research on social media and creating engaging content.
SGPS Updates
SGPS would like to extend best wishes to our manager, Alena Shah, EdD, who is embarking on a new chapter after 12 years at Ontario Tech University. You will be missed by your colleagues and team!
SGPS invites you to our Celebration of Excellence on Thursday, October 27 from 7 to 8 p.m. as we honour our 2022 Graduate Excellence Awards winners. Winners will be announced at the Celebration!
The Graduate Excellence Awards recognizes the achievements of our faculty, postdoctoral fellows, staff and students. Please register to attend the virtual event.
Your voice is important - the survey will inform improvements to student programming, services and access, as well as address current barriers that students face. Participation is voluntary and confidential.
Student Life
November 7 to 11 is Equity Awareness Week. Join us at booths across campus all week as we spread awareness about equity-related topics. We’ll be chatting about 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion, anti-ableism, anti-islamophobia, anti-racism, classism, health equity, feminism and first-generation student supports. Keep an eye out on@otstudentlife for additional information throughout the week.
We will have treats, informational handouts and your peers will be at the booth to chat about all things equity! Stop by between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in the Shawenjigewining Hall Atrium and on Thursday in the Charles Hall Lobby.
The Bannock and Books October book club featured author is Jesse Wendt. We will be reading Unreconciled: Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance. Join us for the Sharing Circle on Monday, December 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the First Peoples Indigenous Centre at Durham College. We will be serving Bannock! Register to receive your copy of the book and to attend the Sharing Circle.
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 fall workshop today!
Join our STRIDE and Health Promotions teams for our Healthy Study Strategies: Taking Care of Body and Mind While Studying workshop series, where you will learn strategies to prioritize your wellness while studying for exams. Learn more and register.
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 October!
Join Siobhan O’Connor—Registered Yoga Therapist—to practice mindful movement as part of our fall Health Promotions programming! Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. October 5 to November 30. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a reusable water bottle. Yoga mats will be provided. Register for Mindful Movement.Please note:Each session has a maximum capacity of 10 spots.
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 and register.
Student Centred Spaces are running throughout the winter semester. Learn about equity topics and discuss your experiences with those who may share them in a closed Student Centred Space. View the available groups and register for sessions.
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.
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.
#Let's Talk Sex Workshop Series. In response to student feedback provided to the Student Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Committee, Student Life has invited the AIDS Committee of Durham Region to deliver someworkshopsto provide education and destigmatization around topics of sex and sexuality. Part of building a culture of consent and respect on campus is providing space for conversations like these.
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.
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.
Join Ontario Tech students for monthly interactive cooking workshops! Learn how to prepare quick, easy, inexpensive and healthy recipes from various cultures. All students are welcome regardless of their skill level in the kitchen and all ingredients will be provided to students free of charge. Register for an upcoming workshop on the Health Promotion Event page.
Afternoons with SEE run weekly on Tuesday’s from 2 to 4 p.m. in 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.
International Office and Student Learning Centre will be hosting a Conversation Café to prepare you for the winter season on October 20 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in SHA 223. Join us as we explore how to survive, enjoy the winter, and take home gently used winter clothing that were donated.
Are you an international student that has practicum/placement/internship/co-op experience in your program? Join this session to learn more about the co-op work permit which is required for your work experience. Register for the Immigration Guides: Co-op work permit workshop hosted by the International Office through the Student Life Portal.
The Certificate in University Teaching program brings expertise and experiential learning to the development of teaching practices. Explore theories of adult education and student-centred teaching with opportunities to apply the knowledge immediately in your own practice. Registration is open to all graduate students and teaching assistants until October 17.
The Teaching and Learning Centre Fall workshop series is open to teaching assistants and graduate students who want to support student success through effective teaching. TLC Workshops offer a variety of programs based on participants' interests and needs. A full workshop schedule is available on the TLC website.
Money Matters
Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA) are currently confirming enrolment for fall OSAP. Be sure your course load matches your application—if not, this delays the release of your funds. Make updates at connect@ontariotechu.ca.
Visit MyOntarioTech for OSAP information, budgeting tips and financial literacy advice.