The Keynote: September 2021

Don't forget to register for September Grad Pro Skill workshops! Check out the September workshops below or visit our upcoming workshops page for the full Fall schedule. Registration for October workshops opens on Thursday, September 16!

September workshops:

Starting Off Strong: Digital Library Resources 101 – Thursday, September 16 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.

In this workshop you will learn all about accessing academic journal articles and books online with ease, the benefits of an online research consultation with your subject librarian, and how to access specialized digital resources like datasets, cases, patents, and standards. We will also discuss how the Library can help with other areas of research such as citation management and research data management.  

Writing a Review of Literature – Tuesday, September 21 from 1 to 2:15 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.

Anxiety and Stress Management – Thursday, September 23 from 2 to 3:15 p.m.

Kick your stress to the curb with this workshop. Learn about the nature of stress, how it can be managed and introduce some stress management techniques to help you cope. Topics covered will include identifying the symptoms and sources of stress, taking steps to stop sources of stress, venting/communicating with others, being resilient and self-monitoring. 

Resume and Cover Letter Writing – Tuesday, September 28 from 1 to 2:15 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. 

• Did you know that graduate students can apply for thousands of dollars in external scholarships? Want to learn more about scholarship options and the application process? SGPS is hosting a virtual Graduate Scholarship Information Session on Thursday, September 23 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. to help you prepare strong applications. Register on our site and email gradscholarships@ontariotechu.ca with questions about scholarship competitions.

• The fall deadline to apply for Graduate Conference Travel Awards for conferences between October 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022 is Sunday, October 31, 2021. For more information visit the Graduate Student Conference Travel Award Guidelines page.

• A research team led by Dr. Hossam Gaber and MASc (FEAS) student Sk Sami Al Jabbar have completed the development of an Intelligent Experience Retention System (IERS), in collaboration with Ontario Power Generation (OPG).

• The IgNITE Medical Case Competition is seeking graduate student mentors for their 2021-2022 competition. Graduate students who have a strong grasp on science and medical research concepts and experimental design are encouraged to submit a mentor application form. Learn more on the IgNITE website.

• The 2021 National Postdoc Appreciation Week will be held virtually from September 20 to 24. Enjoy panel discussions and presentations on topics such as transitioning to an academic or industry career, building collective agreements and best practices in equity, diversity and inclusion in research. Visit the registration page to view events, panelists and speakers.

The Tri-Council (SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR) offers agency-specific postdoctoral fellowship opportunities. As no internal competition is being held, applicants interested in applying for one of these fellowships should submit directly to the specific agency:

• NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowships - Deadline: October 17, 2021. The NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowships (PDF) program provides support to a core of the most promising researchers with leading-edge scientific and research skills for Canadian industry, government and academic institutions. 
• CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowships - Deadline: October 6, 2021. CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowships provide support for highly qualified applicants in all areas of health research at the post-PhD degree or post-health professional degree stages. 

• The Ontario Tech Ucard is one of the most important pieces of identification that students have. There have been some important changes to the UCard for the 2021/2022 academic year. To read about them visit the Office of the Registrar Ucard webpage.

• September 30 is Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day for education and reflection on Canada’s involvement in the former residential school system and the intergenerational impacts it has had on Indigenous communities. Events can be found on the Indigenous Education and Cultural Services webpage.

• The Visiting Elder Program provides the university with an opportunity to learn from an Indigenous Elder. Dr. Shirley Williams will be visiting the campus virtually from October 4 to 8, 2021. Register for a visit by filling out the request form.

• Further Education Week runs from October 4 to October 8. Each day a different industry panel will consist of alumni sharing their experience and answering questions. You can connect virtually with different institutions to get answers to your post-graduate questions at the The Further Education Expo on October 6.

• Writing Workout is an online weekly writing group exclusively for graduate students. It will begin on September 9, no meeting on September 16 or 30, and run through December 17, 2021. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to noon. Focus on your writing, revising, and reading. Come for part or all the time. Consultations are offered at other times. Pre-registration not required. Contact tessa.troughton@ontariotechu.ca for any questions.

• RISE (Respecting Individuals, Supporting Equity) sessions are scheduled throughout the fall. 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.

• Equity Discussion Groups and Student Centred Spaces are running throughout the fall. Learn about equity topics in open discussion groups or discuss your experiences with those who may share them in a closed Student Centred Space.

• Student Mental Health Services offers 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.

• Conversation Café is starting again on September 16. This group provides multilingual students with an opportunity to practice English speaking and listening skills. English as a first language students have a chance to meet international students and learn about other cultures.

• On Monday, September 20 at 1:30 p.m. we are hosting a workshop titled, "Skills, abilities and values: Discovering everything you have to put into your career." Check it out and be part of a co-learning experience about yourself and others around your career.

• Come out to our Career Chats where you will have a chance to engage with industry employers and ask career related questions. In September we have a recruiter from Ingram Micro Inc coming to join us. Log on to the events section of the portal for more information.

• Fortinet is looking to recruit Ontario Tech graduate students. Join this session to learn more about Fortinet and their available opportunities in the IT field. Visit the Student Life Portal for more details and to register.

• The 2021 Virtual Reverse Career Fair is happening the week of October 12. Students second year and above and 2021 graduates from the Faculties of Business and Information Technology, Engineering and Applied Science and Energy Systems and Nuclear Science and Faculty of Science can register and attend employer sessions.

• Campus Connected is about Caring, Kindness and Listening (for understanding, with empathy and without judgement). The session is only two hours long and is offered on many different dates in the hopes that you can find one that meets your busy schedule. Register on the Student Life Portal.

• The Certificate in University Teaching program brings expertise and experiential learning to the development of teaching practices. Explore principles and theories of adult education and student-centred teaching with opportunities to apply the knowledge immediately in your own practice.

• Beginning September 22, the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) will be hosting Virtual Drop-In Hours via Google Meet. Join the TLC Staff and bring your questions about teaching and learning from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern every Wednesday until December 8. Email teachingandlearning@ontariotechu.ca with any questions.

• Join the Library for our latest virtual workshops! Digital Library 101 will introduce you to all our online resources and services, and our RDM workshops will help you understand best practices and requirements for managing your research data. Visit the Library’s Workshops and Events page for dates, times, and registration.

• Subject Librarians: Supporting Graduate Research.
  Did you know that each Faculty has a dedicated Subject Specialist Librarian? As partners in teaching and learning, our Librarians can help you from starting your research to publication. Connect with your subject Librarian to discuss all the ways we can support your research.

• Library Services for Graduate Students:
  Check out the Library’s website for more services to support Graduate Students at Ontario Tech. For current Library hours and services, visit the Library’s service updates page.

• Fall OSAP Available:

  • Check status on OSAP website
  • Course load, program and year of study reported must match your Ontario Tech course registration. If these details do not match, there will be a delay in your funding.

  Check MyCampus for payment deadlines and tuition account balance.