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What's in This Issue
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- Message from Sandy
- The ASKme Program is Back!
- NAVI has Expanded
- New Student Online Module: "Building a Culture of Consent"
- New APUF Webpage and Application Process
- Student Mental Health Updates
- Renovations to the Koffler Student Centre
- Academic Advising Training Program
- Orientation Activities
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Photo credit: Lisa Sakulensky Photography
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Message from Sandy Welsh, Vice Provost, Students
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I am thrilled to welcome you to the inaugural Office of the Vice Provost, Students (OVPS) newsletter.
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Published bi-monthly, each issue will provide useful announcements, updates, and just-in-time notices about the programs, policies, and initiatives that are relevant to, and originate from, the Vice Provost, Students portfolio.
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Keep reading for timely notices and updates about orientation and other back-to-school activities on all three campuses, new student workshops on sexual violence and consent, student mental health advisory groups, updates on the renovation of the Koffler Student Health Centre, and more.
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But first, as we welcome new and returning students to campus, I would like to share my deep appreciation for the work that all of you do to create a vibrant and caring campus community for our students. I’m looking forward to connecting with you through this newsletter and other venues in the coming weeks and months.
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Sandy Welsh, Vice Provost, Students
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New OVPS Web Site
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Launched in August, the revamped OVPS web site is now easier to navigate and search for the information you need on student-related policies, programs, and initiatives.
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The ASKme Program is Back!
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The ASKme program is back, welcoming new students to the St. George campus and answering their questions about U of T. From August 21 – September 15, students will find info booths all over campus, staffed by upper-year students who will share their knowledge with their peers.
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As staff and faculty, you can wear an ASKme button to show you’re available to answer questions. You can pick up your button from an ASKme booth, through September 15.
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Photo credit: @uoftstudentlife
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NAVI has Expanded
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NAVI has expanded! NAVI is an anonymous chat-based virtual assistant for students wanting to learn more about the available mental health supports and services available at U of T. Launched in 2020, Navi now handles more than 3,000 engagements per month.
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New Student Online Module:
"Building a Culture of Consent"
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New APUF Webpage and Application Process
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Supported by ASPO, the Access Programs University Fund (APUF) recently launched a new webpage featuring a revamped application form and process. For the 2023-24 funding period, applicants from all three campuses submitted a record number of applications for funding to support new or existing access programs.
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You can check the webpage and stay tuned to this newsletter for announcements about the 2024-25 funding cycle.
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Student Mental Health Updates
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Among the many ways for students to find the help they need on campus, students can meet with a mental health counsellor on the same day they request it, or within a few days if they prefer. (No waiting!) Find out more about student mental health resources.
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There will be updates on the Committee's work in future newsletters.
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The U of T My Student Support Program (U of T MySSP) app was redesigned and has updated its name to U of T Telus Health Student Support. The service will continue to provide students with real-time and/or appointment-based confidential, 24-hour support for any school, health, or general life concern at no cost. Staff, faculty, and librarians can access the app to support students in crisis.
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If you haven't already done so, please make sure all your materials have been updated with the new branding to the U of T Telus Health Student Support. If you have questions please email vpstudents@utoronto.ca.
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Renovations to the Koffler Student Centre
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Changes also will include spacious meeting rooms, light-filled offices for consultations, airy indoor gathering spaces, and dramatic glass-enclosed ramps to connect newly constructed floors to the existing building.
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St. George Campus’s Health & Wellness centre will continue to operate out of its space at 700 Bay Street, and Student Life will continue to operate out of 800 Bay St.
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Academic Advising Training Program
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Are you a staff member who provides student advising in a first-entry division at U of T? And do you...
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- want to expand your advising knowledge and skill set?
- believe in the impact that quality advising relationships have on student success and well-being?
- want to grow your community of practice through an interactive learning experience?
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The Academic Advising Training Program (AATP) Foundations of Advising program in Fall 2023 is a unique professional development program for U of T staff that focuses on the key theories, concepts, and skills of the advising profession.
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The six-week program (mid-October to mid-November) offers four synchronous modules through online and in-person training sessions.
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For information, please go to uoft.me/aatp. Applications close Friday, September 15.
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Orientation Activities
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Calendars featuring orientation activities on the three campuses are available:
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Photo credit: @gitypictures/@uoftstudentlife
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October Newsletter
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Want to submit a suggestion for our October newsletter?
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