The Keynote: October 2023

Upcoming workshops

October:

Writing Research Proposals - Tuesday, October 24 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Writing a compelling research statement can be the most challenging step in the application process. This workshop demystifies the statement and research proposal writing process to help you achieve success. 

Paraphrasing and Summarizing - Monday, October 30 from noon to 1 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.

November:

Making an Impact: Sharing and Protecting your Research Identity - Wednesday, November 1 from 1 to 2 p.m.

In this workshop, you will learn how to take control of your public research profile and track the impact of your publications and research activities. You will also use research metric tools and checklists to evaluate journals and conferences as possible venues for your research.

Social Media for Pros - Thursday, November 2 from 1 to 2 p.m.

What is personal branding on social media? How do you bridge the gap between the personal and the professional in the digital space? In this workshop we will discuss sharing your professional research on social media and creating engaging content. 

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

Interview Skills - Tuesday, November 14 from 2 to 3 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.

Introduction to Research Data Management - Thursday, November 23 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Not sure where to start with research data management? In this workshop you will learn about current best practice for research data management, how effective research data management relates to grants and funding, and how to get started on creating a research data management plan.

• Please join us in wishing Sarah Rijkenberg, our 2023 3MT winner and Ontario Regional 3MT Top Finalist, the best of luck as she represents Ontario Tech at the 3MT National Showcase to be held Friday, November 10 in Victoria, B.C. Visit the event page for more information. 
  
  
• The Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network is excited to invite you to their 4th Annual Canadian Career Symposium. Join fellow graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from across Canada for three days of enriching career sessions hosted online from Tuesday, October 24 to Thursday, October 26, between 1 and 4 p.m. EDT. Upon registration, you will receive an exclusive link to access the sessions of your choosing.
  
  
• Join Dr. Paulette Steeves (Cree-Métis) for her talk on The Indigenous Paleolithic of the Western Hemisphere, to be held at the Regent Theatre on Wednesday, October 25 at 7 p.m. Dr. Steeves will discuss her ground-breaking work on Decolonizing North American Origins. Her work indicates that, contrary to popular opinion - which holds that people crossed the Bering Strait some 16,000 years ago - Indigenous People were living and thriving on Turtle Island as far back as 130,000 years, and perhaps earlier. This is a free event that is open to the public. You can register for your free ticket on the event page. 
  
  
• Stay up to date on career opportunities and requests for proposals from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. 
  

• Applications are now open for the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) Luise and Gerhard Herzberg Postdoctoral Fellowship. This fellowship will be awarded annually to a recent PhD graduate who identifies as a woman and who has demonstrated research excellence. Candidates from any science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) discipline can submit a fellowship project for consideration. Apply by December 1, 2023.
  
  
• Visit our Funding opportunities page to view postdoc funding opportunities and application details.

• Bannocks and Books is back! The December book club feature is You Are the Medicine: 13 Moons of Indigenous Wisdom, Ancestral Connection, and Animal Spirit Guidance by Asha Frost. Join us in-person, with the author, for the Sharing Circle on Monday, December 4 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. We will be serving Bannock! Register to secure your spot.
• Treaty Recognition Week is November 5 to 11. Join Indigenous Education and Cultural Services as they host a series of treaty awareness events during this week. These events aim to provide insights into the significance of treaty rights across Turtle Island. This annual week serves as a platform for acknowledging the spirit and intent of treaties, fostering understanding among students, and educating the Ontario Tech campus community about treaty rights and relationships.
• Graduate students are invited to an exclusive graduate event dubbed "Grad Ease Down". It's time to take off a few minutes away from the wild stuff in labs and ease down in cool fashion. Join us on November 10 as we converge to have fun and connect.
• Join us for Ted Talk Tuesdays! Come together with your fellow peers to watch and discuss a variety of Ted Talks on Tuesdays from 2 to 3 p.m. in Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 223. By attending, you’ll be able to:
  • • Develop academic speaking and listening skills.
    • Encourage critical thinking and speaking with confidence.
• Are you interested in meeting students from different cultures? Or looking to improve your English speaking and listening skills? You should attend Conversation Café! You can drop in on Thursdays, starting September 14, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Shawengijewining Hall, Room 223 for the opportunity to meet other students and learn about other cultures. Learn more on the Conversation Café web page.
• 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 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 October.
  
  
• RISE (Respecting Individuals, Supporting Equity) sessions are back for the fall 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 on the RISE web page.
• Student Centred Spaces are running throughout the fall semester. Pride Space offers a safe place where 2SLGBTQ+ students and allies can unite, support each other and participate in fun activities. This safe gathering allows you to build connections, explore vital topics, and engage in fun activities. Our Trans and Non-Binary Student-Centered Space offers a unique opportunity for trans and non-binary students to connect and strengthen community bonds. Join us in fostering understanding, unity, and support this semester bi-weekly on Wednesday’s until November 29.
• The BFUTR Global Tech Summit, happening October 26 and 27 at the Beanfield Centre in Toronto, is an in person event that connects thousands of Black tech professionals and allies together to network and meet with industry experts and partners. Ontario Tech's Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB), Ruth Nyaamine will be a main stage speaker at the event to share our university's commitment to advancing DIB. If you’re interested in attending, fill out the DIB ticket raffle form for the chance to win VIP tickets and for the chance to see Ludacris perform live at the event! Winners will be contacted on Sunday, October 15.
• The Student Learning Centre offers both in-person and online workshops focusing on specific aspects of writing to provide guidance about academic writing expectations in university. Check-out and register for the workshops happening this fall.
• Student Mental Health Services offers a range of groups, workshops and events to support your mental health. If you're interested in attending, you can register now.
• The Living Room Community Art Studio has partnered with our university to give you a creative break and enjoy some self-care. The Creative Wellness Hive is a chance for you to make and share art for free! If you see the blue bus on campus, stop by for some well-deserved fun and to learn more about our campus supports and services. Learn more.
• Campus Connected is a workshop for students, staff and faculty to learn how to engage with others with an attitude of caring and kindness, as well as listen with empathy and without judgement. Learn more and register for a workshop.
• #Let'sTalk 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 some workshops to provide education and destigmatization around topics of sex and sexuality. View the schedule and register.
• Attention Indigenous Ontario Tech students: Indigenous Education and Cultural Services (IECS) is looking for any First Nation, Inuit and Métis students to participate in a photo shoot and/or mentoring opportunity on campus Wednesday, November 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The photos will be used to support IECS’ future outreach and community engagement materials. Please note: Each volunteer will receive a $25 Amazon gift card for participating! You must identify as Indigenous to be eligible to volunteer. Register to secure your spot.
• With food prices rising, eating healthy on a budget can be tough. However, maintaining a balanced nutritious diet that includes fruits and vegetables doesn’t need to be expensive! Register to join Holistic Nutritionist Sylvia Emmorey for two interactive seminars on Thursday, October 19 from 11a.m. to noon and Wednesday, November 15 from noon to 1 p.m., where she will provide practical tips for optimizing your nutritional consumption while on a tight budget.
•  Looking to improve your professional writing skills? Our Career Centre and Student Learning Centre are hosting professional cover letter and email writing workshops. You can register below, or through the Student Life Portal.
  • Wednesday, October 19 (virtual)
  • Wednesday, October 26 (in person, Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 223) 
    
    

• Don't forget that your Liaison Librarian offers research supports in an array of areas including identifying and searching our wealth of electronic resources, data management strategies and research metrics, to name a few. Graduate and postdoctoral students should book an appointment for assistance.

• We offer support through the publishing cycle from beginning your research, to selecting journals for publication, to long-term preservation of your work. Learn how to deposit and access E-scholar, our institutional repository. Find out how we support open access publishing and article processing charges (APC) discount programs available. Interested in launching a journal? Our journal hosting program can help, and we’ll make sense of the complex predatory publishing landscape.

• Looking for a data set? Not sure how to plan for managing your research data?  We can help! We offer a range of data support services from sourcing and citing data sets to managing, disseminating, and archiving research data. The Library’s Borealis subscription is one way to fulfill the Tri Agency RDM requirements. And we can assist with identifying additional relevant OA repositories for your research.

• Can we create more accessible and engaging learning experiences for our students? Let's talk about it! Attend the Open Education and Action conference on October 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and explore the exciting open education movement at Ontario Tech. Register by October 17 to save your place!
  
  
• Registration is open for the Teaching and Learning Centre's Fall teaching workshop series. Join us as we explore educational technology, alternative assessment, universal design for learning, artful education, and more! Visit the TLC website for full details. New and experienced educators of all kinds are welcome!

• Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA) are currently confirming enrollment 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