Current Students

The University of Toronto has once again secured its position as a leading global institution in higher education, maintaining its rank of 21^st in the world in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

In addition to being the top-ranked university in Canada, ��οranked third among public universities in North America and 10^th among public universities globally – again, the same as the previous year.

It also ranked 16^th overall in Times Higher Education’s “research environment” pillar.

“This closely watched international ranking underscores the University of Toronto’s excellence in research and teaching in an increasingly competitive sector,” said ��οPresident Meric Gertler.

“It also reflects the ongoing impact of the university’s scholars and researchers, whose contributions draw exceptional students and faculty from around the world to our three campuses.”

In the 2025 edition of its annual ranking, Times Higher Education evaluated 2,092 research-intensive universities from 115 countries and territories. That’s 185 new entries when compared to last year.

The ranking assesses schools across five broad pillars: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry and international outlook. It draws from data sources that include 157 million citations, 18 million research publications and survey responses from more than 93,000 scholars worldwide.

The top five universities in the ranking this year were: University of Oxford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Princeton University and University of Cambridge.

Other Canadian schools in the top 100 were: University of British Columbia (41^st) and McGill University (45^th).

Overall, ��οcontinues to be the highest-ranked Canadian university and one of the top-ranked public universities in the five most closely watched international rankings: Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, ShanghaiRanking Consultancy’s Academic Ranking of World Universities, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities and National Taiwan University World University Rankings.

Congratulations pour in for Geoffrey Hinton after Nobel win

mattimar — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 19:43:16 +0000

Congratulations pour in for Geoffrey Hinton after Nobel win

mattimar Tue, 10/08/2024 - 15:43

Cutline

(Photo by Johnny Guatto/University of Toronto)

Mariam Matti

Topic

Our Community

Alumni

Artificial Intelligence

Computer Science

Faculty of Arts & Science

University Health Network

Vector Institute

Subheadline

“You always knew when Geoff had a new idea. The excitement, the joy radiated out of his office down the hall. The air was buzzing with possibility"

Reactions to Geoffrey Hinton’s Nobel Prize win began almost immediately after it was announced Tuesday morning.

Known as the “godfather of AI,” the University Professor Emeritus of computer science at the University of Toronto shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with John J. Hopfield of Princeton University for groundbreaking work that laid the foundation for machine learning using artificial neural networks.

U of T’s Geoffrey Hinton and Princeton’s John J. Hopfield are pictured during the announcement for the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics (photo by Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images)

At U of T, students, faculty and staff gathered at an event hosted by the department of computer science in the Faculty of Arts & Science, which Hinton joined as a professor in 1987.

Those in attendance described a revered and beloved figure, citing Hinton’s determination, playful approach to research and excitement for new ideas.

"I really don’t think there’s anyone more deserving of this recognition," said Chris Maddison, assistant professor in U of T’s departments of computer science and statistical sciences, and one of Hinton’s former students.

"Geoff was a fantastic adviser. He worked really, really hard to remove the barriers for his students and he was laser focused on ideas and building his own understanding."

Hinton also received congratulations from universities and other research organizations around the world, including the Royal Society, the Alan Turing Institute and Cambridge University, Hinton’s alma mater.

Meanwhile, friends, colleagues and leaders in politics and business took to social media to express their congratulations for Hinton’s remarkable achievement.

Here’s a snapshot of what some of them said:

From left: Melanie Woodin, Chris Maddison, Nick Frosst, Kevin Swersky and Eyal de Lara (photo by Johnny Guatto)

“Congratulations to Geoffrey Hinton on this fantastic recognition which is a testament to the importance of supporting basic research and the long journey that can lead to profound discoveries like deep learning that forever change our world. Hinton's phenomenal work has seeded new and innovative research by his former students and many around the world who are using AI to solve global challenges in areas like medicine and climate change.“

– Leah Cowen, vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives at U of T

“I would say his approach to science has stuck with me. Everything I know about how to do science, I mostly learned from him. It's his curiosity and playfulness ... that has been most impactful. I would also say his thoughtfulness, thinking about the consequence of the technology and how it affects society is something that we have taken seriously at Cohere as well.”

– Nick Frosst, ��οalumnus and co-founder of Cohere

“You always knew when Geoff had a new idea. The excitement, the joy radiated out of his office down the hall. The air was buzzing with possibility. He was famous for bursting into a room and pronouncing that, he now finally, after all these years, understood how the brain worked. Above all, he understood that research was a human endeavor. Research is really hard. It becomes personal. It's intertwined with tragedies and compromises. I saw him go through some of his own when I was a student in the group, and I went through my own. I remember when I was going through some health challenges, I went to him and I said, 'Geoff, sometimes it's really hard to go on.’ And he looked at me and he said, ’But we're not going to let that slow us down, will we?’"

– Chris Maddison, assistant professor in U of T’s departments of computer science and statistical sciences, Faculty of Arts & Science

��οis the only computer science department with a Nobel Prize winner, says Professor Michael Brudno (photo by Johnny Guatto)

“It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate an award for somebody who has made huge contributions – obviously in AI broadly, [and] to this department. No other computer science department can say that they have a Nobel Laureate. But I think beyond that, it really goes back to show how the birthplace of modern AI is Toronto, how this is the place where it all started and how it's upon us as the AI faculty in this department to continue this legacy.”

– Michael Brudno, professor in U of T’s department of computer science, acting vice-dean, graduate education in Faculty of Arts & Science, a chief data scientist at University Health Network and a faculty member at the Vector Institute

Geoffrey Hinton shares a laugh with fellow AI researcher Raquel Urtasun, left, at the Vector Institute’s opening in 2017 (photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

"Geoff is the most influential person in AI, and our field would certainly not be the same without his immense contributions. He is also a tremendous educator, and has mentored many students and postdocs who have gone on to become very influential in the field of AI. Geoff cares deeply about the Toronto and Canadian ecosystem and was the driving force in the formation of the Vector Institute, which we co-founded together. Through our time as colleagues at the University of Toronto, I've deeply admired his commitment to the advancement of AI for good. This recognition is well-deserved and acknowledges his decades of work leading AI innovation and building the foundation for the AI revolution that is happening today.”

– Raquel Urtasun, professor in U of T’s department of computer science, faculty member and co-founder at the Vector Institute, founder and CEO of Waabi

“I was the first to call Geoff Hinton “Godfather of Deep Learning,” which later became “Godfather of AI.” Thrilled to see him win the Nobel prize together with John Hopfield for AI. Congrats @geoffreyhinton.”

– Andrew Ng, co-founder of Coursera, founder GoogleBrain, former chief scientist at Baidu

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Geoffrey Hinton at a 2019 event (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

“Dr. Hinton is a stalwart in his field. Celebrated as one of the ‘Godfathers of AI’, he brings decades of leading expertise in AI research as a Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto’s Department of Computer Science, and the current Chief Scientific Advisor at the Vector Institute in Toronto – one of our three national AI institutes. Dr. Hinton is also an outspoken advocate for the responsible development and adoption of AI, educating the world about the benefits and challenges this technology poses.

“Canada is at the forefront of AI technology thanks to trailblazers like Dr. Hinton. His curiosity for discovery and contributions to innovation will inspire generations to come. On behalf of all Canadians, I congratulate him on his remarkable achievement.”

– Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

A.M. Turing Award winners Yann LeCun, left, Yoshua Bengio, middle, and Geoffrey Hinton at an AI summit in Montreal (photo courtesy of RE•WORK)

"@HopfieldJohn and @geoffreyhinton, along with collaborators, have created a beautiful and insightful bridge between physics and AI. They invented neural networks that were not only inspired by the brain, but also by central notions in physics such as energy, temperature, system dynamics, energy barriers, the role of randomness and noise, connecting the local properties, e.g., of atoms or neurons, to global ones like entropy and attractors. And they went beyond the physics to show how these ideas could give rise to memory, learning and generative models; concepts which are still at the forefront of modern AI research. Their ideas inspired me so profoundly that I decided to choose learning in neural networks for my own research as a graduate student. They motivated me to look for abstract principles that could be as simple as the laws of physics, but could explain biological as well as artificial intelligence. I'm truly delighted for them and for our field."

– Yoshua Bengio, professor at Université de Montréal and co-winner of the A.M Turing Award with Geoffrey Hinton and Yann LeCun

“It was the first thing I saw in the morning. I opened my phone, and it was the headline of The New York Times and I was like, ‘Yes!’ I was very excited. I saw his perseverance – he always goes with what he believes, not what the flow is – and it's quite inspirational for me. That’s what I look for, especially in the health care area. I want to do something meaningful, something big.”

–Tina Behrouzi, second year PhD student in U of T’s department of computer science

Geoffrey Hinton poses with graduate students Ilya Sutskever, left, and Alex Krizhevsky, right, in 2013 (photo by Johnny Guatto)

“Congratulations to @geoffreyhinton for winning the Nobel Prize in physics!!”

– Ilya Sutskever, ��οalumnus, co-founder of OpenAI and co-founder and chief scientist at Safe Superintelligence

“Going to Geoff’s office was always fun. Normally when you go to a supervisor's office, you give them a progress update. You go through what your latest results are, you talk about a couple of your ideas and you get some feedback. Going to Geoff’s office was a completely different story. He would be telling you what his latest idea was. He would show you his latest results. And his whole thing was just that he was really excited about it, and his hope was to inspire you enough to start running with it.”

– Kevin Swersky, ��οalumnus and research scientist at Google DeepMind

“[Hinton's] pioneering research at the University of Toronto not only revolutionized the field of AI but has also been instrumental in establishing Canada as a global powerhouse in AI research and innovation."

– Tony Gaffney, president and CEO of the Vector Institute

Fei-Fei Li and Geoffrey Hinton speak at a 2023 event in Toronto (photo by Polina Teif)

“This is beyond exciting! #AI’s far reaching impact is just beginning.”

– Fei-Fei Li, professor of computer science at Stanford University and co-director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute

“Congratulations to @geoffreyhinton, University Professor Emeritus at@UofT, on winning the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics! Widely regarded as the “godfather of AI,” Hinton’s pioneering work in artificial neural networks has transformed the global AI landscape. Dr. Hinton’s achievement highlights the best of #Ontario’s world-class talent and thriving AI ecosystem, driving innovation and shaping the future of critical #technology!

– Victor Fedeli, Ontario’s minister of economic development, job creation and trade

"On behalf of the Department and the University, we are very proud to acknowledge Geoff's global achievements and this international recognition. His contributions to machine learning and artificial intelligence have benefited virtually every discipline in science, engineering, social sciences and medicine. As we celebrate the department’s 60th anniversary, this award embodies six decades of impact and innovation in computer science and technology.”

– Eyal de Lara, professor and chair of U of T’s department of computer science, Faculty of Arts & Science

“Heartfelt congratulations to Geoff Hinton @geoffreyhinton on winning the Nobel Prize! What an incredible honor! I feel deeply privileged to have had the opportunity to be your PhD student, work with you, and learn from you.”

– Russ Salakhutdinov, professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University

Hinton approached his research with an “almost childlike playfulness,” says Graduate student Ujan Sen (photo by Johnny Guatto)

“Waking up today, seeing that news, just motivates me even more and reaffirms the decision that coming to ��οwas the absolutely the best decision I could have taken. I think one of the people who had previously worked with him mentioned something along the lines of: Geoff didn't really care too much about pedigree. He cared about ideas, regardless if you have a master's or PhD. And the way he approached his research and the almost childlike playfulness and innocence he had with sort of getting to the answer is something that I really resonate with.”

– Ujan Sen, master’s student in U of T’s department of computer science, Faculty of Arts & Science

"I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Geoffrey Hinton on winning the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics. His groundbreaking work in machine learning has made Canada world-renowned in the field of AI. He is a true inspiration for the next generation of Canadian researchers!"

– François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s minister of innovation, science and industry

“I’m originally a chemist. It was a surprising thing for me that a Nobel Prize is being awarded to a computer scientist. This is a big moment for computer science. I think it will bring recognition to physics-based approaches and core thinking.

“I think it’s great that some universities like ��οare willing to believe in crazy ideas. People need to encourage outside-the-box thinking.”

– Ella Rajaonson, PhD student in the Matter Lab with ��οprofessor Alán Aspuru-Guzik

“Congratulations!”

– Olivia Chow, mayor of Toronto

First 48 Hours: Documentary spotlights the journey of international students

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 19:53:06 +0000

First 48 Hours: Documentary spotlights the journey of international students

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 10/01/2024 - 15:53

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(supplied image)

Adam Elliott Segal

Topic

Global Lens

Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation

Centre for International Experience

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education

Global

Graduate Students

Student Life

Subheadline

International Students: First 48 Hours will be screened across U of T’s three campuses this fall

The first few days of a new school year can be as frantic as they are exciting – but for several international students at the University of Toronto, there was an extra wrinkle: a new country.

The students are featured in a 22-minute documentary called International Students: First 48 Hours in Canada, which is directed by Cal Campos and was shot at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.

It uses a combination of the students’ own footage and sit-down interviews to provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the excitement of packing, traveling and finally setting foot on each of U of T’s three campuses.

Obinna Ezeani (supplied image)

Obinna Ezeani, who is featured in the film and spent 17 hours traveling from Lagos to Toronto, says he is thrilled to see the final product come to life.

“It’s an opportunity to relive those moments and memories from a year ago and remind myself why I embarked on this journey,” says Ezeani, who is working on a master’s degree in health informatics and recalls his first few days in Canada as “exciting.”

A joint partnership between U of T’s Centre for International Experience and the Innovation Hub in the division of Student Life, the documentary is being screened across the three campuses in October and November – with the first screening scheduled at ��οScarborough this week.

It will later be available for streaming on YouTube.

Julia Allworth, the Innovation Hub’s manager of innovation projects, says the goal of the project was to shine a light on the multitude of diverse global perspectives that make up nearly a third of the university’s student body.

“We wanted to zoom in on what it’s like for students when they first arrive in Canada. What challenges do they face as they step off the plane and into Canada? What decisions do they need to make along the way?” says Allworth.

“International students bring tremendous value to the university.”

The biggest challenge, according to Campos, was figuring out how to show the diversity and complexity of student life at ��οin just 22 minutes.

Jo Antonia Sepulveda Guzman (supplied image)

“The beauty of documentary is you think it’s going to go in one direction, and then it goes a totally different way,” says Campos, who was selected to helm the project for their thoughtful approach to equity and diversity.

Jo Antonia Sepulveda Guzman, who is from Chile and is working on a bachelor’s degree in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, says she is looking forward to sharing the doc with her family.

“[They were] so excited when I told them I would be doing the 48 hours project,” she says. “My sister started giving me tips on how to record and took me to change my phone screen protector so that the camera was not blurry. My mom is expecting to cry.”

Sepulveda is nostalgic about the experience.

“The person I was then is completely different from the person I am today. I worked so hard to come here. Remembering the beginning will be emotional for me.”

Shraddha Prasad, associate director, international student experience and global fluency at the Centre for International Experience, says she couldn’t be prouder of the year-long project, which received support from U of T’s International Student Experience Fund.

“International students have such impact in the ��οcommunity through the perspectives they bring to the university through their lived experiences and their cultural backgrounds,” she says, noting that funding is already underway for a second film project titled International Students: Life After Graduation.

“Being able to elevate these stories has been a huge highlight for us.”

In photos: ��οmarks opening of Indigenous landscape project at Hart House Green

rahul.kalvapalle — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:34:50 +0000

In photos: ��οmarks opening of Indigenous landscape project at Hart House Green

rahul.kalvapalle Fri, 09/27/2024 - 09:34

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The pathway that extends along the east side of Ziibiing follows the trail of Taddle Creek, a buried stream running under the St. George campus that once served as a gathering place for Indigenous Peoples (photo by Polina Teif)

Rahul Kalvapalle

Topic

Our Community

Ziibiing

Indigenous Initiatives

John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture

Landmark

Truth and Reconciliation

Subheadline

The Ziibiing space includes a central pavilion, amphitheatre and plantings of medicinal trees and shrubs

The University of Toronto commemorated the official opening of Ziibiing, an Indigenous landscape project that uses architecture, horticulture and storytelling to honour Indigenous cultures and provide a space for community members to gather, learn and host ceremonies on the St. George campus.

The opening celebration for Ziibiing, held Monday Sept. 23, included a traditional Elder’s opening, a welcome song and the burning of a sacred fire – the first fire to be lit in Ziibiing’s pavilion and one of several Indigenous ceremonial practices that are welcome on all three ��οcampuses.

Here’s how the event unfolded through the lens of ��οphotographers:

(photo by Polina Teif)

Michael White, director of First Nations House, tends to the sacred fire in the Ziibiing pavilion as Jenny Blackbird, resource centre and programs co-ordinator at First Nations House, looks on.

Ceremonial fires, smudging and pipe ceremonies are among the important Indigenous practices that take place on U of T’s three campuses.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Blackbird performs a traditional song to welcome ��οcommunity members to the celebration.

(photo by Polina Teif)

The vision for Ziibiing was developed by an Indigenous Advisory Committee in collaboration with the Indigenous Design Studio at Brook McIlroy, who in turn consulted with Indigenous students, faculty, staff, the Council of Indigenous Initiatives Elders' Circle and representatives of local First Nations.

The project was born out of Answering the Call: Wecheehetowin, the final report of the Steering Committee for the University of Toronto Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which outlined the need for dedicated Indigenous spaces on campus.

From left: James Bird and Shannon Simpson (photos by Polina Teif)(photo by Polina Teif)

Several members of the ��οcommunity spoke at the event.

“Our voices, traditions and histories are woven into the fabric of this new landscape, sending a clear signal that we are seen, that we matter and that we belong,” said Shannon Simpson, senior director of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and a member of the Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation, in her remarks at the ceremony.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Ziibiing is named for the Anishinaabemowin word for “river,” a reference to the Taddle Creek waterway that once flowed through the area and served as a gathering place for Indigenous Peoples.

It’s an example of how Indigenous design and Western architectural disciplines can come together to assist in placemaking, according to James Bird, a Knowledge Keeper from the Nehiyawak and Dene Nation and PhD candidate in the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design.

“In the practice of architecture, there are ways one can approach the creation of space and its activation through design," said Bird. “This alternative viewpoint assigns agency to the metaphysical aspects that exist within Indigenous cultures and in turn allows metaphysical relationships to be made into physical form.”

(photo by Polina Teif)

In her remarks to the event’s attendees, Kelly Hannah-Moffat, U of T’s vice-president, people strategy, equity and culture, said that, in addition to serving a vital role as a teaching and ceremonial space for Indigenous students, employees and Elders, Ziibiing will encourage the entire ��οcommunity to “find innovative ways to Indigenize this institution.”

She noted the space has already hosted a recent land-based learning workshop that invited members of the ��οcommunity to deepen their understanding of Indigenous world views, teachings and connections to the land. The workshop was organized by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, with future sessions scheduled for Oct. 22 and Nov. 19.

(photo by Polina Teif)

The Ziibiing pavilion is supported by 13 columns that symbolize the 13 moons of the year. They circle a fire pit where ceremonial fires may be lit and maintained by Indigenous firekeepers.

(photo by David Lee)

The creation of Ziibiing took place alongside the Landmark Project, which aimed to revitalize the historic core of the St. George campus.

Scott Mabury, U of T’s vice-president, operations and real estate partnerships, said ��οcommunity members have already embraced Ziibiing, as well as the other new spaces, as evidenced by their increased use of the reimagined landscapes.

“We didn’t know what we didn’t have before,” he said.

Harmony Commons becomes Canada's largest building with passive house certification

Christopher.Sorensen — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 16:57:52 +0000

Harmony Commons becomes Canada's largest building with passive house certification

Christopher.Sorensen Wed, 09/25/2024 - 12:57

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��οScarborough’s Harmony Commons residence is the largest passive house-certified building in Canada and the largest passive house dormitory in the world (photo by Ruilin Yuan)

Topic

Subheadline

The 746-bed student residence at ��οScarborough touted as “an example to the world of what Canada is doing in high-performance buildings”

The Harmony Commons student residence is already turning heads at the University of Toronto Scarborough thanks to its eye-catching design and comfortable living spaces – but its biggest impact may well be in the realm of sustainability.

The building, which first opened its doors to students last year, recently received passive house certification from the Passive House Institute during a recent ceremony on campus. The certification is given to buildings that exhibit exceptional energy efficiency, particularly when it comes to heating and cooling.

Harmony Commons now has the distinction of being the largest passive-certified building in Canada and largest passive house dormitory in the world.

“This is an example to the world of what Canada is doing in high-performance buildings,” said Chris Ballard, president and CEO of Passive House Canada.

“It’s a beacon to institutions and governments around the world that passive house buildings on this scale are doable.”

Harmony Commons received a passive house classic certification during a ceremony on Sept. 18 (photo by Ruilin Yuan)

Passive house construction is generally achieved through an airtight and well-insulated envelope that prevents heat from escaping, allowing buildings with the designation to consume up to 90 per cent less energy compared to conventional structures.

“The responsibility of sustainability falls on everybody,” said Andrew Arifuzzaman, ��οScarborough’s chief administration and strategy officer.

“We have expertise in building technologies and systems, but if we’re putting up conventional buildings and not driving innovation, then we’re falling short.

“It became clear that this type of building concept made sense and aligned closely with our values.”

The first group of students moved into the nine-storey, 746-bed residence in September 2023, marking the first dormitory-style residence at ��οScarborough. In keeping with passive house standards, Harmony Commons is well-ventilated and has better air flow than conventional buildings – with the improved air quality intended to help with sleeping and studying.

One of the building’s key innovations is that heat captured from various systems, including exhaust air from kitchens and showers, is used to heat spaces throughout the structure.

In fact, the building is so efficient that the energy it uses to make more than 3,000 meals each day in its dorms and dining hall is less than that used by two average households.

Designed by Handel Architects, Harmony Commons is also fully electric. Since no fossil fuels are burned in heating and cooling the building, it has extremely low carbon emissions.

Harmony Commons has an airtight and well-insulated envelope that prevents heat from escaping. It's also well-ventilated with improved air flow compared to conventional buildings (photo by Tom Arban)

Patricia Escobar, manager of sustainability at ��οScarborough, notes that typical buildings in Toronto rely on fossil-fuel-based heating systems, but Harmony Commons reduces the amount of heat needed to be generated in the first place.

“This results in significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions, which supports our goal of becoming a climate positive campus,” she says.

While passive house certification is mostly attempted for small-scale buildings, applying the concepts to a building as large and complex as a dormitory-style residence came with a unique set of challenges – and opportunities.

Arifuzzaman says that building Harmony Commons effectively “de-risked” future large-scale passive house buildings.

“It shows the industry that this type of project can be done in this market and at this scale. It proves that passive house is an attainable standard for future large-scale developments,” he says.

He adds it also allowed many local people working in the trades to be trained in new construction methods for high-performance, sustainable buildings.

“This was a great opportunity to realize that you can contribute to reducing global climate change impact and still live a great quality of life,” he says.

‘Think against yourself’: Panel discussion on civil discourse draws students to U of T’s Hart House

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 17:38:08 +0000

‘Think against yourself’: Panel discussion on civil discourse draws students to U of T’s Hart House

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 09/24/2024 - 13:38

Cutline

Students ask questions during a recent panel discussion about civil discourse on university campuses that was hosted by Professor Randy Boyagoda (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Chris Sorensen

Topic

Our Community

Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy

English

Faculty of Arts & Science

Hart House

Religion

Undergraduate Students

Vic One

Victoria College

Hugh Considine got a crash course in discussing polarizing topics almost immediately upon arriving at the University of Toronto.

The second-year student studies religion in the Faculty of Arts & Science – a subject, he says, that can be about as controversial as it gets.

“People have an unimaginable amount of investment in it,” says Considine, 19, a member of Innis College. “Depending on who you ask, it’s literally your soul at hand – the ultimate thing that could be risked.”

He credits his professors for creating an environment where students feel unafraid to speak their minds, encouraging them to comment, ask questions and generally “poke and prod” one another so we “would actually think about what’s being said.”

It’s a microcosm of what campus life is supposed to be all about: a diverse group of people coming together to expand their worldviews through study, debate and discovery – and it’s a message that was reinforced during a recent event for Victoria College students in the Vic One program.

The hour-long panel discussion, held at Hart House on Sept. 18, focused on the critical role of civil discourse on university campuses. It brought together two high-profile ��οacademics and authors – Ian Williams of the department of English and Janice Stein of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy – and New York Timescolumnist Pamela Paul.

The first in a series of planned events and initiatives on the topic, the talk was moderated by Professor Randy Boyagoda, the university’s provostial adviser on civil discourse and chair of its Working Group on Civil Discourse, and is part of a broader effort to strengthen the culture of civil discourse on campus. That includes cultivating dialogue across different points of view and the discussion of challenging subjects.

Hundreds attended the event at Hart House, including Hugh Considine at bottom right (photo by Johnny Guatto)

The discussion, which drew about 150 attendees, touched on everything from today’s increasingly polarized political and cultural environment to the risks faced by universities – and society at large – if open discussion and debate of difficult topics are frowned upon or crowded out.

Not surprisingly, the panel members each had a unique take on the nature of the threat and what should be done about it.

Paul, for example, said she was especially concerned about a culture of self-censorship, saying she opted to become an opinion writer after years editing the New York Times Book Review upon recognizing the bulk of discussion about politics and culture was taking place only at extreme ends of the spectrum.

“What you had was this growing vacuum in the middle where nuance and complexity lived and no one was speaking up,” she said.

Stein, however, said that not all forms of self-censorship are necessarily undesirable, noting that she refrains from vocalizing thoughts she deems unnecessarily rude.

“When we’re in a learning community together, we have to say things in a way that people can hear,” said Stein, the Munk School’s founding director and University Professor and Belzberg Professor of Conflict Management in the department of political science. She added that what matters is why we self-censor – do we do it out of fear or out of consideration for others?

Williams, a professor of English and author who has published acclaimed books of poetry, essays and works of fiction, warned against viewing debate as simply an opportunity to persuade someone else of your views.

“The more interesting way of having these conversations [is not to] focus on converting a person to a team, but saying, ‘Here’s how my ideas have changed over time.’”

There were several other takeaways for the largely student audience, which included several first-years.

Paraphrasing French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, Boyagoda, a writer, professor of English and vice-dean, undergraduate in the Faculty of Arts & Science, urged students to “think against yourself ” by creating their own counterarguments as an intellectual exercise. Similarly, Paul spoke about the value of engaging with those who don’t share your opinions.

Stein and Williams also emphasized the ��οcommunity’s shared responsibility to create an environment where people can ask questions and test out ideas. And if you find yourself amongst people who refuse to grant that space? “Just take that conversation elsewhere, rather than burying it or self-censoring it,” Williams said.

Following the talk, students asked questions about the “paradox of tolerance,” or the idea that creating a tolerant society requires being intolerant of intolerance, and how to cope with the repercussions of being ostracized for expressing an unpopular view, among other things.

Considine, one of four undergraduate student members of the civil discourse working group, said he was pleased to see so many students engaging with the topic.

“That’s something that, as one of the student representatives – and as the youngest student representative – I'm very conscious about.”

What’s new in food at U of T? Explore new dining options across the three campuses

mattimar — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 17:26:43 +0000

What’s new in food at U of T? Explore new dining options across the three campuses

mattimar Fri, 09/13/2024 - 13:26

Cutline

Sushi is one of several freshly prepared and culturally diverse dishes that ��οstudents can indulge in at Food Services locations and retail outlets on the three campuses (photo by Don Campbell)

Topic

Subheadline

From produce grown on campus to dishes inspired by global cuisines, ��οstudents have a bounty of choice when it comes to food options

The University of Toronto is introducing a range of new dining experiences across its three campuses this fall.

From late-night bites to authentic dishes and healthy grab-and-go options, there’s never been a better time to chow down on U of T’s three campuses.

Here are just some of the new menu items, concepts and programs that ��οstudents can expect to find this fall:

��οScarborough: New offerings at Harmony Commons

Left: Tony De Gregorio and Todd Wadsworth make gnocchi. Right: A chef at the fresh pasta station (supplied images)

At ��οScarborough, new additions to the Harmony Commons dining hall offer students fresh, made-to-order options and an enjoyable dining experience.

They include a made-to-order pasta station and self-serve machines that dispense everything from sushi to slushies (with chefs preparing the pasta and sushi behind the scenes).

“We really strive to use fresh and made-to-order ingredients,” says Todd Wadsworth, food services co-ordinator of Food Partnerships at ��οScarborough.

He adds that the new machines will make the process of serving 1,200 meal-plan students faster and easier.

Students will also benefit from fresh produce grown in the Harmony Commons dining hall across from the salad station – courtesy of Lyrata Inc., a ��οstudent startup.

The salad station at Harmony Commons dining hall (supplied image)

“It’ll be grown, harvested [inside the dining hall] and flipped over to the kitchen where they’ll wash it and then it will be put out onto the salad station,” says Wadsworth, noting that he and Assistant Director Tony De Gregorio both have culinary backgrounds and are passionate about food.

Upcoming projects include a tri-campus cooking competition and cooking demonstrations in partnership with the culinary programs at Centennial College and George Brown – all of it livestreamed on YouTube.

The guiding principle? “It’s not just a meal plan, it’s an experience,” De Gregorio says.

��οSt. George: Rotating menus and authentic dishes

New concepts on the second floor of Robarts Library include Foodie Finds and Chef's Corner (photo by David Lee)

Robarts Library is no longer just a hub for knowledge, it’s also a place for gastronomic exploration thanks to two new pop-up menu concepts offered by Food Services – Foodie Finds and Chef's Corner, both located on the second floor of the Robarts Library.

Jaco Lokker, U of T’s director of culinary operations and executive chef, says Foodie Finds – which will also be introduced in residences at New College, Campus One and Chestnut – responds to a growing demand for variety and authenticity. “By developing smaller menus and rotating them frequently, we’re able to introduce fresh and culturally diverse foods to our locations,” he says.

The menu at Foodie Finds also features poutine, mac and cheese, tacos, baked potatoes and more, offering students different culinary styles and comfort foods they love.

Chef’s Corner will host pop-up menus inspired by global cuisines, cycling through dishes every two to four weeks.

Lokker says his team is excited to develop menus that explore regions such as Brazil, Peru, Argentina and others by using authentic ingredients that honour the cultural roots of each dish.

“We do a lot of research,” he says.

Meanwhile, Food Services has rolled out a new allergen and food intolerance identifier on its website, making it easier for students and ��οcommunity to make informed dietary choices.

Food Services is also expanding a pilot project called Spaces and Experiences Foodies that will allow students to contribute to the development of future menu items on the St. George campus. Students can find more details on the Food Services website and on their Instagram account.

Students can skip the line by ordering through the Food Services app and at kiosks at the retail food locations to take advantage of the new culinary offerings on campus.

��οMississauga: Pizza, sushi and late-night snacks

UTM Davis Building food options (suppplied images)

At ��οMississauga, the new additions to the campus food scene are convenient, freshly prepared and, of course, delicious.

“In partnership with our food service provider, Dana Hospitality, we are proud to offer our UTM community a variety of menu choices with a focus on being made from scratch and inspired by fresh ingredients from local suppliers and our very own UTM Farm,” says Megan Evans, ��οMississauga’s assistant director of hospitality operations, Hospitality & Ancillary Services.

The Oscar Café in Colman Commons is introducing the first-ever Rawcy’s Late Night Eats menu, named in honor of ��οMississauga’s mascot, Rawcy (pronounted “Rocky”) the Eagle, featuring a variety of pub fare and other fan favourites, while over at the Davis Food Court, Fresh Baked out of the Oven now includes more than just pizzas, introducing other options from cheese bread and baked pasta to calzones and dessert pizza.

At the North Side Bistro, a new Italian hot table will serve a variety of hot sandwiches such as eggplant parm, porchetta and meatball – and Roman-style pizza, sold by the square.

For a quick bite, the Fair Trade Café now offers an expanded selection of grab-and-go bakery items including stuffed croissants, pre-made breakfast sandwiches and muffins – all of which can be warmed by staff upon request.

Two other new developments: Ah-So Sushi will now be available at various locations across campus and there is a new Reis & Irvy’s frozen yogurt machine in the Communication, Culture and Technology building.

“With a variety of made-to-order and grab ‘n’ go options available, students and the UTM community are able to choose and customize their dining experience to best suit their needs and schedules,” Evans says, adding that students should also keep their eye out for new food trucks.

These exciting new offerings, coupled with existing Food Services locations and the assortment of branded restaurants, ensure that students on all three ��οcampuses have a bounty of choice. As always, students with dietary questions or concerns are encouraged to contact their dining location of interest to discuss their individual needs.

'A transformative experience': ��οprogram gives first-year student - and aspiring surgeon - a head start

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 17:14:30 +0000

'A transformative experience': ��οprogram gives first-year student - and aspiring surgeon - a head start

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 09/12/2024 - 13:14

Cutline

Nasteha Omar is pursuing an honours bachelor of science in life sciences, and eyeing a specialist in molecular biology (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Topic

Undergraduate Students

Subheadline

Nasteha Omar, who wants to study orthopedics, spent a high school semester at ��οMississauga via the Support, Engage, Experience (SEE) UTM program

Nasteha Omar has long been interested in becoming an orthopedic surgeon – and thanks to a unique program at the University of Toronto Mississauga, the first-year student is already well on her way.

“I’ve had to go to hospital and be in contact with different orthopedic surgeons lots of times because of problems that I have myself,” she says. “And I found their careers really interesting from a young age. It’s just something that I’ve always wanted to do.”

While taking the first steps towards her goal at ��οMississauga was always her intention – her family lives near the campus and her older sister is already a student – Omar got an early and up-close look at university life via the Support, Engage, Experience ��οMississauga (SEE UTM) initiative, which invites Peel District high school students to spend a semester at ��οMississauga to get a taste of post-secondary education.

It was nothing short of “a transformative experience,” says Omar, who was encouraged to apply for the initiative by her vice-principal at Erindale Secondary School. “It wasn’t only a chance to connect with peers and mentors, but also an opportunity to engage in programs that helped me enrich my academic and personal growth.”

Now a first-year student, Omar is pursuing an honours bachelor of science degree in life sciences and eyeing a specialist in molecular biology.

She says her SEE UTM experience allowed her to explore the sciences from a variety of lenses. One of the highlights was taking a course, "STEM in Society," that explores how the STEM fields intersect with society, culture and politics.

“I’ve always been interested in the sciences and STEM, so participating in a course that was more about the ethical side of ongoing situations in our world – and of science topics – really opened my eyes to different pathways that I want to explore,” Omar says of the course taught by Sheliza Ibrahim, an assistant professor, teaching stream, in the Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy.

In addition to exploring new intellectual ground, Omar also got a taste of hands-on scientific research in the Applied Perception & Psychophysics Laboratory, co-directed by Assistant Professors Anna Kosovicheva and Benjamin Wolfe of the department of psychology. There, Omar used MATLAB programming software to design an experiment to study how visual and auditory stimuli interact. “It was to show how our perception of time can be influenced by how we interpret events,” she says.

While Omar didn’t have time to test the experiment before her semester ended, she plans to do more lab work as an undergraduate student, picking up where she left off.

Alongside her SEE UTM experience, Omar also gained insight into ��οMississauga's myriad resources and supports via the Black Access to Educational Excellence initiative (BAEE@UTM), which organizes events and networking opportunities aimed at helping Black high school students learn more about the campus community – and thrive once they get there.

For Omar, that means looking beyond her academic goals. She plans to get involved in student clubs, particularly anything that caters to her love of literature – she writes poems and fiction, and took part in the Caribbean & Black Writing Collective during her semester at the university. And she wants to start a non-profit tutoring organization by building on her high school experience founding the Erindale Secondary School chapter of Learn To Be, an NGO that provides free online tutoring.

“It was a great opportunity for students to not only gain volunteer hours but make connections with other students in an online tutoring format, where they tutored students from under-privileged families that wouldn’t be able to get extra help or access to educational resources outside of school,” she says. “I’d love to see it up and running at UTM if that would be a possibility.”

Omar remains in touch with some of her peers from the SEE UTM and BAEE@UTM programs, as well as the upper-year ��οMississauga students who served as mentors.

“I feel like we were all able to grow really close as a community,” she says. “It helped me find my footing for what was to come when I enter university, so it was really amazing.”

‘A space for everyone’: ��οMississauga prepares to host second annual All-Nations Powwow

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 15:21:04 +0000

‘A space for everyone’: ��οMississauga prepares to host second annual All-Nations Powwow

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:21

Cutline

Dancers perform during the inaugural All-Nations Powwow at ��οMississauga in 2023 (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Topic

Undergraduate Students

When you invite everyone, you need to make sure you have plenty of space.

With that in mind, the University of Toronto Mississauga’s All-Nations Powwow will be moving outdoors this year.

“A Powwow is a space for everyone,” says event co-lead dancer John Hupfield, who is Anishinaabe from Wasauksing First Nation. “A Powwow is not a show. It is a space to work and gather together, share and pass tradition with everyone.

“That’s the beautiful aspect of it and I hope it continues to grow at UTM.”

The free Sept. 28 event is hosted by the ��οMississauga Indigenous Centre (UTMIC) and will be held on the north field in front of Maanjiwe nendamowinan, also known as MN.

Moving the event to an outdoor venue is welcome news for Hupfield, who specializes in grass dancing.

“Traditionally, when our people relocate, folks are sent out ahead to pat down the grass to allow work and settling to be done on the land,” he says. “It is done with song and ceremony – so when the people arrive, they know this place is safe. It is a way of taking care of the community.”

Community is a huge part of Powwows, adds Hupfield, who pursued his postdoctoral research in Indigenous forms of movement on both the ��οMississauga and St. George campuses.

He says he is honoured to have been asked to lead the dancers into this year’s Powwow as part of the grand entry ceremony.

“It’s really humbling,” says Hupfield, who also assists the UTMIC with firekeeping in the Tipi on Principal’s Road for events that require sacred fire, as well as giving guest talks and dance demonstrations. “It’s a big responsibility and a chance to invite and honour all who came before us.”

Among the dancers he will be leading is MJ Singleton, a fourth-year ��οMississauga student who is double majoring in psychology and criminology law and society.

Singleton, who is Anishinaabe and a two-spirit person, will be participating in both the fancy shawl and jingle dress events. They say they became involved in the Powwow through host group UTMIC, where they have participated in beadwork seminars and luncheons, led a paint session and helped create a community art installation for the MN building. Singleton says the centre, and Office of Indigenous Initiatives Director Tee Duke and Special Projects Officer Jessica Tabak, have been vital in helping them adjust to life at university.

“I didn’t grow up in a city – I was in a small northwestern town, four hours west of Thunder Bay, so coming from there and transitioning to Mississauga was a big challenge,” says Singleton, 21.

“Through the Indigenous Centre, I was able to meet people who were having a similar experience moving from up north to the hustle and bustle of southern Ontario. They gave us community.”

Singleton, who designed the Every Child Matters charity shirt sold in campus bookstores, says hosting an event like a Powwow at ��οMississauga goes a long way to help Indigenous students overcome their feelings of isolation, and that the gathering and amplifying of Indigenous voices on campus is an important part of U of T’s ongoing reconciliation process.

“To be able to see everyone in person and celebrate with other people is really important,” says Singleton, who plans to take their ��οMississauga education home to Migisi Sahgaigan First Nation (Eagle Lake) to help improve legal representation for Indigenous people in northern communities.

“Having access is especially important for those who have never been to a Powwow.”

Singleton says the benefits are magnified in places like ��οMississauga, which draws students from around the world.

“UTM has such an amazing and diverse population of international students and local students who have never seen a Powwow, so this is a chance to learn about our culture,” Singleton says, noting they discovered a new relative through interaction at last year’s event.

“One of my best friends is from Peru and she thought last year’s Powwow, her first, was the most amazing thing. We had so much fun and I was so proud.”

Singleton says they hope many first-timers will turn out for the event and share in the spirit of community. In addition to a full afternoon of traditional ceremonies, singing and dancing, there will also be a marketplace featuring Indigenous-owned businesses.

“Come with an open mind, come with an open heart,” Singleton says. “Get to know the people in regalia, make those connections, form friendships and celebrate us as a people. It’s wonderful to be able to invite people of all kinds to dance during intertribal. It’s just so much fun for everyone.”

Stay connected, find community: International student shares tips from her guide to studying in Canada

davidlee — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 15:29:23 +0000

Stay connected, find community: International student shares tips from her guide to studying in Canada

davidlee Mon, 09/09/2024 - 11:29

Cutline

Ngọc Anh Thư (Tina) Huỳnh, a ��οPearson scholar from Vietnam, wrote a Vietnamese-language guide for international students studying in Canada (supplied image)

Adina Bresge

Topic

Global Lens

Back to School 2024

Faculty of Arts & Science

Global

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

Rotman Commerce

St. Michael's College

Subheadline

“That's the great thing about being an international student in Canada ... Everyone is friendly. You can just reach out to anyone for help”

Unlike many first-year international students at the University of Toronto, Ngọc Anh Thư (Tina) Huỳnh already has plenty of experience living and studying in Canada – and the inevitable cultural shock that can come along with it.

She even wrote a book on it.

A Vietnamese student who has been attending school in Ontario since Grade 8, Huỳnh has cultivated the cultural fluency, study habits and – it must be said – winter survival tactics needed to thrive in Canadian classrooms.

After writing a guide for other Vietnamese students, she’s been helping her fellow Lester B. Pearson International Scholars adjust to life in Canada by sharing tips in a group chat on everything from what to pack to navigating the airport.

“It kind of reminds me of when I first came to Canada, because I had the same feeling – I was really nervous,” says Huỳnh, who is studying at Rotman Commerce in the Faculty of Arts & Science as a member of St. Michael’s College.

Born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, Huỳnh moved to Canada at age 13, starting her studies in Windsor, Ont. with a Vietnamese host family and later continuing her education at a school in nearby London, where she lived in residence.

Far away from her family and the familiarity of home, Huỳnh says she had to learn how to be independent. But she soon discovered that connecting with others eased the transition.

“What I found helpful was to find a community,” she says. “It could be a group of friends – maybe from your old country, or just someone you meet [here] ... You need someone by your side.”

She also discovered that Canadians were eager to make newcomers feel at home.

“That's the great thing about being an international student in Canada,” says Huỳnh. “Everyone is friendly. You can just reach out to anyone for help.”

A polyglot with fluency in Mandarin, Korean, Spanish and French in addition to Vietnamese and English, Huỳnh says she is quick to pick up new languages, but it still took her a while to get the hang of Canadian slang. For example, she recalls scratching her head when a Tim Hortons cashier threw around strange words like “loonie” and “toonie.”

“I was actually really confident with my English. But then it was destroyed because … communication styles were so different,” she says, encouraging international students to not be deterred by initial language barriers.

When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, Huỳnh responded by building international connections through business. She founded an online venture to retail Korean merchandise to customers in the United States and Canada, which later expanded to serve more than 10 countries globally.

“It was really hard to purchase face masks or any medical supplies, so I thought of starting my business as a way to earn profits to support people during that time.”

The experience, while challenging, proved rewarding, with Huỳnh eventually donating a portion of her earnings to those in need.

In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Huỳnh began to consider how her journey could benefit others. With a deep love for writing, she drew on her notebooks to organize her thoughts on navigating culture shock, adapting to new learning environments and finding community.

Huỳnh’s insights formed the basis of her published book: Cẩm Nang Du Học Canada (A Complete Guide to Studying in Canada).

“I figured it may be a good idea to share all of my knowledge and understanding from my experience with high school students and their parents who are looking for this information.”

Huỳnh founded an online venture to sell Korean merchandise to customers in the U.S. and Canada, which later expanded to serve more than 10 countries (supplied image)

As a Pearson Scholar, Huỳnh is now hoping to build more connections and share her experiences as part of a global community of future leaders.

“I've already connected with a lot of amazing people – a lot of amazing students, alumni, even professors,” Huỳnh says. “The Pearson community is so supportive.”

Here are some of Huỳnh’s tips for international students arriving in Canada:

Stay connected to home: “Stay connected with your family and friends, because maybe you don't notice how much you miss them when they're right next to you. But when you're away from them – especially like for me, half the Earth away – it's really nice to talk to your parents, talk to your siblings, your friends, and just share your life.”
Find comfort in food: “For homesickness, one of the most healing ways, at least for me, is through food. And I think for Toronto, at least, I don't think people have to worry too much about having difficulties finding restaurants for their own culture.”
Dress smart for winter: “My advice would be to stick to thermal clothing – those are just very thin and cling close to your body. When I tell people about that, they’re surprised because thermal clothes are so thin compared to puffy layers of jackets. But trust me, they’ll keep you warmer."\
Take notes in class: “I know that in a lot of countries, especially Asian countries, people are probably used to teachers outlining everything. But it’s different in Canada … Professors can go really fast in lectures, so scribbling some notes – even if you have ugly handwriting – is a great way to learn and revise for exams.”
Embrace Canadian culture: “If you’re walking on the street, and a stranger says, ‘Hi’ – don’t freak out. They’re just being nice!”

Current Students

��������οranked 21st globally in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Congratulations pour in for Geoffrey Hinton after Nobel win

First 48 Hours: Documentary spotlights the journey of international students

In photos: ��������οmarks opening of Indigenous landscape project at Hart House Green

Harmony Commons becomes Canada's largest building with passive house certification

‘Think against yourself’: Panel discussion on civil discourse draws students to U of T’s Hart House

What’s new in food at U of T? Explore new dining options across the three campuses

��������οScarborough: New offerings at Harmony Commons

��������οSt. George: Rotating menus and authentic dishes

��������οMississauga: Pizza, sushi and late-night snacks

'A transformative experience': ��������οprogram gives first-year student - and aspiring surgeon - a head start

‘A space for everyone’: ��������οMississauga prepares to host second annual All-Nations Powwow

Stay connected, find community: International student shares tips from her guide to studying in Canada

Here are some of Huỳnh’s tips for international students arriving in Canada:

��οranked 21st globally in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

In photos: ��οmarks opening of Indigenous landscape project at Hart House Green

��οScarborough: New offerings at Harmony Commons

��οSt. George: Rotating menus and authentic dishes

��οMississauga: Pizza, sushi and late-night snacks

'A transformative experience': ��οprogram gives first-year student - and aspiring surgeon - a head start

‘A space for everyone’: ��οMississauga prepares to host second annual All-Nations Powwow