To our U of T Engineering community
With the final day of undergraduate classes coming up this Wednesday, we’re in the last stretch of the Fall Term. Though there’s still lots to do, I’m enormously proud of the way we have all continued to create solutions that allowed us to have as much in-person activity as we did this term, while keeping our community healthy and safe.
As final examinations approach, it’s a good time to set some goals and boundaries to maintain a healthy balance in our lives — all of us, professors included, need that. I also know that as this pandemic drags on, we’re heading into another slightly unpredictable holiday season. We’re getting new public health information daily, and travel restrictions recently changed yet again.
For those who may have had your plans altered unexpectedly, there is help — don’t hesitate to reach out in the way that feels best to you. I’m including some ideas and opportunities to get together in residence, on campus and across the city, below. And for those who know a friend, classmate or colleague may not be looking forward to the holidays, ask yourself if and how you can support that person. Maybe it’s getting a coffee after a big exam, or making plans to chat over the break. Let’s stay connected.
I’m very excited for the upcoming Winter Term, when we’ll be resuming in-person classes again. A reminder to all who may be coming to U of T campus for the first time in the Winter Term — U of T requires all students, staff, faculty and visitors to be fully vaccinated and upload proof of vaccination into UCheck. Students can find the latest information on our Undergraduate FAQ or Graduate FAQ pages — we continue to follow guidance from governments and public health agencies. I’ll be certain to update our community should our plans change in the near future.
In the meantime, I wish each of you best of luck during the final examination period, and a warm and restful holiday break.
Here’s to being together again in 2022 —
Chris
Christopher Yip
Dean
Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
University of Toronto
Support Resources for Students
Academic Concerns & Advising
You may have concerns about upcoming academic work that you may feel unprepared for or are unable to complete at this time.
- Undergraduate students: There is a petition process that can help mitigate the impact via extensions or exceptions to deadlines. You can read more about this process at https://undergrad.engineering.utoronto.ca/petitions/term-work-petitions/, and reach out to your Academic Advisors (through the advising portal or by email).
- Graduate students: Those who feel that they may need an extension or exception to deadlines should consult with their course instructor/supervisor as soon as possible. Graduate students who need advice about requesting academic considerations can contact the graduate administrator in their home department or institute.
For Students Staying in Toronto Over the Break
- For those staying in residence, check in with your Dons and Residence Life Office to find out about the programs and events they have planned.
- Hart House will be open and has a number of events and activities planned during the break.
- Try something new! Other events across the city include:
- Visit Nathan Phillips Square Cavalcade of Lights — See the City’s glittering tree and skating events return plus, new for this year, mesmerizing light installations inspired by cultural festivals from around the world. Explore tunnels made from thousands of energy-efficient bulbs, discover glowing ice sculptures in an enchanted forest and watch as beams of light animate City Hall like never before.
- Go skating on the Bentway Skate Trail — The Bentway transforms into a uniquely urban winter wonderland with the December 18 opening of its 220-metre skate trail.
- There’s also free skating (and free rentals of skates and helmets) at the Union Holiday rink near Union Station.
- Experience the Snowflake Walk at the High Park Zoo.
- Visit the free #MyPandemicStory exhibit at the ROM or online.
Mental Health Resources for Students
Each of us responds to stress, anxiety and uncertainty differently — at one time or another, we all need help. If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, please reach out.
U of T My Student Support Program (MySSP)
- Immediate and/or ongoing confidential, 24-hour counselling support
- 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 grief.
- View chaplain directory and book an appointment for a chat.
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 Resource
- 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.
All 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:
- (Toll-free) 1-800-663-1142
- (TTY) 1-866-398-9505
- (Collect) 604-689-1717
- http://benefits.hrandequity.utoronto.ca/efap/
I am very pleased to formally announce the appointment of Professor Heather MacLean as the inaugural Vice Dean Strategic* for the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, from November 1, 2021 to June 30, 2025.
Heather joined the Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering in 2000, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2006, and to Full Professor in 2011. She is an internationally recognized researcher in environmental engineering with applications to greenhouse gas emission reduction, transportation, infrastructure and sustainable cities.
She has contributed to the administration of the Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, serving as Associate Chair, Graduate (2013-14), Associate Chair, Research (2017 – present), and as Acting Chair of the department for 6-months in 2019.
She holds a Tier I CRC in Sustainable Systems & Technology Assessment and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the Engineering Institute of Canada.
Please join me in congratulating Heather on her appointment.
*This is a newly created academic administrative role in the Faculty. Reporting to the Dean, the Vice-Dean Strategic will work closely with the Vice-Deans Research, First Year, Undergraduate and Graduate. The Vice-Dean Strategic provides leadership on all aspects of strategic importance to FASE, including but not limited to, infrastructure, collaboration and institutional initiatives. The Vice-Dean Strategic works collaboratively with all members of the Senior Academic Leadership team, the Registrar, the Faculty administrative units, members of the Faculty Council Standing Committees, and other members of the University community to advance the mission of the Faculty.
I am very pleased to formally announce the appointment of Professor Dionne Aleman as Associate Dean, Cross Disciplinary Programs for a 4-year term from September 1, 2021 to June 30, 2025.
Dionne joined the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in 2007, and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2013. Her area of research focuses on the application of operations research to medical and healthcare systems.
Professor Aleman holds a cross appointment with the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation and brings excellent experience in the area of interdisciplinary initiatives through her work with the Centre for Healthcare Engineering, the Centre for Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Engineering, and the Institute of Pandemics. She has recently taken on Co-Directorship of a Joint Translational Centre for Digital Health with the University of Manchester (UK).
She also serves as the Faculty Advisor to the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), and as the Vice Chair of the FASE Community Affairs & Gender Issues/Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility Committee.
Please join me in congratulating Dionne on her appointment.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to extend sincere thanks to Professor Bryan Karney for his 15-years of administrative leadership to the Faculty, including 3 years as Chair of the Division of Environmental Engineering and 12 years as Associate Dean, Cross Disciplinary Programs. Under his leadership, the Faculty successfully launched the Engineering Minors and Certificates that have greatly enhanced the educational experience for thousands of our undergraduate students. Simply an outstanding achievement! Thank you, Bryan.