Dean's Messages

To our U of T Engineering community

 Here in Toronto, the days are getting longer, trees and flowers are budding (which for some means the start of allergy season) and it’s getting warmer. All signs that we are nearing the end of the Winter Term and the school year.

While I welcome spring, and the hope for a new beginning that this time of the year brings, I am also very aware and in tune of the myriad other events that are currently taking place around the world, impacting us not only as a community but also individually. Many of us are taking care of those who have fallen ill or who have lost jobs. Others have sadly lost loved ones.

 From talking to so many of you over the term and indeed this past year, I can hear and see the tremendous weight of all the unique challenges that we each are facing. Each of us have different ways to cope and manage, and as we approach the final assessment period, I really encourage each of us to think about what gives us strength, energy, and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s keeping up that weekly touch base with a friend, going for a walk, mastering yet another cooking challenge, or just pressing pause for a few minutes — mute your mic, block your camera, and resist the urge to doom-scroll. 

Drink lots of water and enjoy the foods that refresh and refuel you. If you’re celebrating Ramadan, take time for iftar with your household.

Here are a few upcoming options across the Faculty to support students:

• We’ve planned activities to help students stay connected, motivated and to de-stress during the exam period: Exam Jam for First Year Students is on April 19: http://uoft.me/engexamjam
• The engCEOs, our Faculty-wide mentors, are available to chat: https://undergrad.engineering.utoronto.ca/skule-life/eng-ceo/
• Our Learning Strategist has weekly accountability sessions where students can set goals, check-in, share tips, and get support: https://undergrad.engineering.utoronto.ca/advising-and-wellness/learning-skills-strategist/

While your studies and work at the University are important, do keep in mind that that all aspects of your life need to thrive.

Striking the right balance is not easy so I encourage you to reach out whenever you need support. I’m sharing the list of academic supports and mental health resources below and, as I’ve said before, I encourage us all to keep them handy for ourselves and for those moments when we find ourselves supporting others. We also have a reworked page on our Faculty website for immediate access to help if you’re feeling distressed.

Remember that you belong here. It’s easier said than done, but take care of yourselves, and someone else, if you can. We’re all here, working together to ensure the success of each and every member of the U of T Engineering community.

Wishing you all the best on final assessments,

Chris

Christopher Yip
Dean
Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
University of Toronto

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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. 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) & your Graduate Administrators (by email).

• First Year Team & Advisors
• Upper-Year Academic Advisors
• Engineering Department Graduate Administrators

 

Mental Health Resources for Students 

Each of us responds to stress, grief and tragedy 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.

Multifaith Chaplains

• 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

Good2Talk

• Confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario and Nova Scotia.
• 1-866-925-5454 (Ontario), 1-833-292-3698 (Nova Scotia)
• Text GOOD2TALKON to 686868

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

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/