To our U of T Engineering community
I’m delighted to welcome you back to Skule™! Each September brings renewal, and this year I feel that energy more than ever as I look forward to seeing all our students, staff and faculty back on campus.
When we’re together in person, we get to do what we do best here at U of T Engineering: learn from each other, work as a team and create new things. Our interactions spark ideas, improve designs, launch projects and strengthen relationships, and together we celebrate our many successes.
I know it hasn’t been easy getting to this point and we’ve all faced unexpected challenges over the past few years, whether academically, professionally or personally. For many of our students, arriving in Toronto has been more difficult than usual. Let’s take a moment to appreciate that we’ve made it this far — that alone is a testament to our resilience. There will continue to be twists and turns on the path ahead, and you may stumble: when you do, there is help, and I’m including a list of supports below.
A reminder that the University remains a mask-friendly environment, and we encourage masking, especially indoors where physical distancing isn’t possible. We also have a responsibility to respect the decisions, comfort levels and health needs of our colleagues and classmates. Engineering is a tight-knit community: let’s choose to show each other kindness and support as we embark on this new term together.
Finally, a word of reassurance: the year ahead will be a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourselves, take breaks and try to find balance. I look forward to continuing to check in with you in the coming months.
My best wishes for a successful Fall Term — can’t wait to see you.
Chris
Christopher Yip
Dean
Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
University of Toronto
—
Support Resources for Students
U of T My Student Support Program (MySSP)
Immediate and/or ongoing confidential, free, 24-hour counselling support available in several languages
- 1-844-451-9700 (outside of North America, call 001-416-380-6578)
- Download the My SSP app: Apple App Store | Google Play
Campus Chaplains offer spiritual care in times of stress, anxiety or grief
U of T St. George Health & Wellness
Physical & mental health care by physicians, nurses, counsellors and psychologists
- 416-978-8030
U of T Engineering Mental Health & Wellness
Mental Health learning opportunities, COVID-related resources, reports, services & supports for U of T Engineering
Student Mental Health Resources
U of T’s mental health resource hub containing the tools, strategies and experts to meet you exactly where you are on your mental health journey
Support Resources for Staff and Faculty
For staff and faculty who are supporting students navigating mental health challenges, the U of T Engineering Student Well-Being Resource Guide outlines additional considerations and a variety of resources for both you and the student. We thank you in advance for all the ways that you continue to foster a culture of care and support here at U of T Engineering.
U of T staff and faculty members have access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). If you are experiencing distress, please reach out at any time — 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year — by contacting the EFAP at:
- Phone (Toll-free) 1-855-597-2110
- Online: https://login.lifeworks.com/