Rescind Margaret Wente's Massey College Appointment:
We — the undersigned students, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors of the University of Toronto — call on Massey College to immediately rescind their appointment of Margaret Wente as a Senior Fellow and Member of the Quadrangle Society. In her career as a journalist, Margaret Wente published racist pseudoscience and was repeatedly investigated for plagiarism(1).
We believe this disqualifies Margaret Wente from serving in a group of “people who demonstrate the ethical pursuit of the public good that we want to model for our Junior Fellowship”(2). Dr. Rinaldo Walcott and Dr. Minelle Mahtani said in a 2014 article that “journalists like […] Wente are committed to telling stories about race where a cast of stereotypes of the worst kind is rolled out, masquerading as insightful queries.”(3) speaking about her article promoting the claims of Nicholas Wade, a heavily criticized pseudo-scientist.(4)
In the same week where Massey College made a public commitment to addressing Anti-Black racism and held a talk on Anti-Black racism, we feel it is greatly disappointing that Governing Board did not back up these words with their actions.
BIPOC Fellows, academics, and staff deserve to feel safe at Massey College. Allowing Margaret Wente’s appointment to stand will make the College a less safe place for them. We stand in solidarity with the Fellows and academics who have already spoken out.
Thursday
Take Action | Amnesty International Canada
Take Action | Amnesty International Canada:
Canadian companies operate mining, energy and hydro-electric projects across Canada and in over 100 countries around the world. Many of these projects have been associated with serious human rights and environmental abuses, prompting the Canadian government to establish voluntary initiatives to encourage companies to respect human rights.
However, Canada’s active promotion of oil, gas, mining and hydro projects coupled with an alarming lack of corporate respect for human rights has led to wide-spread impunity for corporate human rights abuses. During the global COVID19 pandemic, this is especially concerning. Many countries – including Canada – have declared mining, energy and construction as essential services, allowing companies to continue operating. Communities are concerned that their governments are not taking the additional risks to workers and communities seriously enough. While some companies are taking appropriate measures, inadequate sanitation, physical distancing, and sleeping arrangements in work camps and on job sites are frequently reported by workers.
As of June 1, available data shows infection transmission at nearly two-dozen Canadian operated mine sites in Canada and the Americas alone, resulting in hundreds of sick workers and community transmission of the virus. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, where much of the world’s copper and cobalt are mined, workers have been pressured to accept shifts of up to two months or risk losing their jobs. They can’t leave the site to be with their families and are forced to sleep in dorms with other workers, are not provided with adequate handwashing facilities, food, or water, and receive very little extra pay – only $2 per day. In Guatemala, community members have accused a Canadian mining company of taking advantage of the health and economic crisis to garner support by handing out food and other aid in exchange for people’s names and ID numbers. They say this will lead to more tension between community members once pandemic response measures are lifted.
The situation for human rights and earth defenders, especially those who oppose resource exploitation, is dire: their freedom of mobility has been severely curtailed by lockdown measures, putting them at ever greater risk of harm by those who wish to silence them. In Colombia alone, more than 28 human rights defenders have been murdered since March, including people killed in their homes while they complied with quarantine measures. Colombia continues to be one of the most dangerous places on earth to undertake this work.
CALL ON THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF WORKERS, AND COMMUNITIES AT CANADIAN-OPERATED RESOURCE EXTRACTION PROJECTS AND TO DEDICATE RESOURCES TO ADDRESS THE INCREASED RISKS FACED BY EARTH DEFENDERS DURING THE PANDEMIC.
Canadian companies operate mining, energy and hydro-electric projects across Canada and in over 100 countries around the world. Many of these projects have been associated with serious human rights and environmental abuses, prompting the Canadian government to establish voluntary initiatives to encourage companies to respect human rights.
However, Canada’s active promotion of oil, gas, mining and hydro projects coupled with an alarming lack of corporate respect for human rights has led to wide-spread impunity for corporate human rights abuses. During the global COVID19 pandemic, this is especially concerning. Many countries – including Canada – have declared mining, energy and construction as essential services, allowing companies to continue operating. Communities are concerned that their governments are not taking the additional risks to workers and communities seriously enough. While some companies are taking appropriate measures, inadequate sanitation, physical distancing, and sleeping arrangements in work camps and on job sites are frequently reported by workers.
As of June 1, available data shows infection transmission at nearly two-dozen Canadian operated mine sites in Canada and the Americas alone, resulting in hundreds of sick workers and community transmission of the virus. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, where much of the world’s copper and cobalt are mined, workers have been pressured to accept shifts of up to two months or risk losing their jobs. They can’t leave the site to be with their families and are forced to sleep in dorms with other workers, are not provided with adequate handwashing facilities, food, or water, and receive very little extra pay – only $2 per day. In Guatemala, community members have accused a Canadian mining company of taking advantage of the health and economic crisis to garner support by handing out food and other aid in exchange for people’s names and ID numbers. They say this will lead to more tension between community members once pandemic response measures are lifted.
The situation for human rights and earth defenders, especially those who oppose resource exploitation, is dire: their freedom of mobility has been severely curtailed by lockdown measures, putting them at ever greater risk of harm by those who wish to silence them. In Colombia alone, more than 28 human rights defenders have been murdered since March, including people killed in their homes while they complied with quarantine measures. Colombia continues to be one of the most dangerous places on earth to undertake this work.
CALL ON THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF WORKERS, AND COMMUNITIES AT CANADIAN-OPERATED RESOURCE EXTRACTION PROJECTS AND TO DEDICATE RESOURCES TO ADDRESS THE INCREASED RISKS FACED BY EARTH DEFENDERS DURING THE PANDEMIC.
Wednesday
House passes $9B aid package after emergency student benefit boosted | CTV News
House passes $9B aid package after emergency student benefit boosted | CTV News: As it had been proposed initially on April 22, eligible postsecondary students and recent graduates who have seen their education and job prospects hampered by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will receive $1,250 a month from May to August. For those who have a disability, or are taking care of someone else, that amount increases to $1,750 monthly.
Friday
U of T launches COVID-19 Emergency Student Bursary Fund
U of T launches COVID-19 Emergency Student Bursary Fund -
University of Toronto has launched the COVID-19 Emergency Student Bursary Fund. Open to graduate and undergraduate students from all three campuses, this emergency relief will provide support for students with urgent needs, supporting requirements for food, shelter, emergency travel, and internet access in order to complete their coursework.
Since mid-March, U of T has distributed more than $1.2 million in emergency funding to more than 1,000 students. Leaders, faculty, and staff at every faculty, college, school, department, and campus have stepped up to ensure students get the help they need—whether that be the logistics of adjusting to online studies, support for health and well-being, or the urgent financial pressures many face. While measures to bring the pandemic under control remain in place, the need among our students will continue to grow. Many have seen their summer jobs put on hold, and others have unexpected costs as their families experience economic hardship. These young U of T students—who have such promise and potential—need your support.
Please consider giving to the COVID-19 Emergency Student Bursary Fund today to ensure our students have the support they need to continue their studies through these uncertain times.
[This is the announcement asking for donations. It does not contain information on how to apply]
University of Toronto has launched the COVID-19 Emergency Student Bursary Fund. Open to graduate and undergraduate students from all three campuses, this emergency relief will provide support for students with urgent needs, supporting requirements for food, shelter, emergency travel, and internet access in order to complete their coursework.
Since mid-March, U of T has distributed more than $1.2 million in emergency funding to more than 1,000 students. Leaders, faculty, and staff at every faculty, college, school, department, and campus have stepped up to ensure students get the help they need—whether that be the logistics of adjusting to online studies, support for health and well-being, or the urgent financial pressures many face. While measures to bring the pandemic under control remain in place, the need among our students will continue to grow. Many have seen their summer jobs put on hold, and others have unexpected costs as their families experience economic hardship. These young U of T students—who have such promise and potential—need your support.
Please consider giving to the COVID-19 Emergency Student Bursary Fund today to ensure our students have the support they need to continue their studies through these uncertain times.
[This is the announcement asking for donations. It does not contain information on how to apply]
Thursday
Portal for COVID resources UofT, Undergrad & Grad
https://www.viceprovoststudents.utoronto.ca/covid-19/
Check the University of Toronto’s coronavirus updates and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for updates relevant to the whole U of T community.
This page contains information for U of T students regarding the University’s responses and actions related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Please continue to check your U of T email, since you may be receiving emails directly from your divisions, residences, and Deans of Students.
Graduate Students, please also visit the School of Graduate Studies webpage for specific updates.
Emergency Undergrad Grant - March - April
Emergency Undergraduate Grant Application (2020 March – April)
The Emergency Undergraduate Grant is intended to assist current U of T undergraduate domestic and international students impacted by COVID-19 and who need immediate short-term financial relief because of unexpected expenses. This grant is open to both part-time and full-time students.
Each request for emergency aid is considered on its own merits and based on need associated with an educational program and unexpected critical costs for March and April incurred by students as a direct result of COVID-19. Expenses that may be considered include living costs, travel home, moving costs, and other extraordinary and reasonable needs.
The grant is not able to cover expenses that are unrelated to COVID-19 and existing debt obligations or non-essential expenses. Examples of ineligible expenses are outstanding tuition fees to U of T; request for summer tuition fees for courses taken elsewhere; support for partner or family expenses; expenses for MCAT preparatory course; mortgage or maintenance fees for secondary residence and other discretionary expenses (e.g., missed car payment, gym membership).
Submit grant application by email
- Complete all sections of the Emergency Undergraduate Grant Application
- Submit the completed form through your Faculty/ Division/ College Registrar’s Office with the Subject Line “2020 Winter Emergency Undergraduate Grant Application”. Use your U of T email address to submit the form. Do not use non U of T email accounts (such as Hotmail/Gmail etc)
- Your Faculty/ Division/ College will review the application and will forward the completed form with their recommendation to Enrolment Services.
Resources for COVID lockdown
Many
of us are still completing online exams and submitting papers, checkout the
attached tips from Academic Success. Also see below information for a grant for
a Grad Research Fellowship, a paid Wellness Internship and engaging online
sessions to take a break, centre yourself and reduce
anxiety.
Take
Home and Online Exam Tips
Graduate
Research Fellowship - deadline: Thurs April 30
Wellness
Events and Assessment Paid Internship - deadline Sun April
26
5
Ways to Wellbeing
Gratitude
reduces stress?! Improves
one’s sleep?!
Workout
Circuit – Stay fit in your own room
Mindfulness
Meditation Sessions
Student
Info & Support re Covid 19
Take
Home & Online Exams Tips– Academic Success
Review
the attachment from Academic Success for tips about take home and online
exams.
Research
Fellowship - $4,000 – Deadline: Thursday April 30
The
Multi-Faith Centre is accepting applications from University
of Toronto graduate students for a $4,000 research
fellowship that will be awarded for the 2020-2021 academic year. DEADLINE: April
30, 2020
The Research Fellow will contribute to scholarship at the Multi-Faith Centre by advancing research on the role of religion and spirituality in student or young adult development within the broader framework of how religion and spirituality are understood in society.
The Research Fellow will contribute to scholarship at the Multi-Faith Centre by advancing research on the role of religion and spirituality in student or young adult development within the broader framework of how religion and spirituality are understood in society.
For
complete details and application process please go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/834851767018612/
Wellness Events and Assessment Paid
Internship - 2020-2021 academic year - Deadline: Sun April
26
This position requires an outgoing individual who enjoys event planning, building community and improving programming through thoughtful assessment. The position is 10 hours per week and involves assisting with registration, communication, room booking, scheduling, greeting and connecting with students. Candidates should have a sound knowledge of different approaches to well-being. Please apply at: https://cln.utoronto.ca/home.htm CLN job #163281
This position requires an outgoing individual who enjoys event planning, building community and improving programming through thoughtful assessment. The position is 10 hours per week and involves assisting with registration, communication, room booking, scheduling, greeting and connecting with students. Candidates should have a sound knowledge of different approaches to well-being. Please apply at: https://cln.utoronto.ca/home.htm CLN job #163281
5
Ways to Wellbeing
12
noon 1:15 pm April 22nd, online
Explore
five simple, evidence-based actions to promote positive mental health and
wellbeing while practicing physical distancing and managing new stressors
related to COVID-19. This interactive session introduces a cluster of activities
that promote resiliency and reduce stress.
Sponsored
by U of T Health Promotions
Gratitude
reduces stress?! Improves
one’s sleep?!
2
– 3:30 pm Wed, Apr 22, online
This
interactive online workshop will focus on some practices that help students to
channel their gratitude during challenging times and reduce stress.
Over
the past decade, psychology researchers have noted the great social,
psychological, and physical health benefits that come from giving thanks. The
simple act of writing down the things for which we are grateful has been shown
to provide benefits including better sleep, fewer symptoms of illness, increased
happiness and reduced anxiety. No expertise required.
The
initial interactive online workshop will be led by poet and registered
psychotherapist Ronna Bloom. In the weeks that follow participants can regroup
online to share highlights from their gratitude journals and encourage and
support each other in their writing and in their efforts to cope and thrive
during these challenging times.
Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gratitude-writing-tickets-102192869624
Sponsored
by Hart House and the U of T Multi-Faith Centre
Workout
Circuit! Stay
fit in your own room!
11
am – 12 noon, Tues April 21
Stay
fit & stay healthy. All fitness levels welcome! Sponsored by Hillel, the
Jewish student association.
Join
on Zoom Here: https://hillel.zoom.us/j/3341502230 All welcome!
Mindfulness
Meditation Sessions
Mindful
Moments with Liam O'Leary
12:10
pm - 1 pm, Monday April 20
Gather
online to practice mindfulness
meditation, suitable for beginners and
long-term practitioners.
Liam is
the Graduate Programming Coordinator for the School of Graduate Studies. He is
a certified coach, a graduate of the MEd program in Adult Education at OISE.
Liam takes a solution-focused approach to supporting individuals in their personal, academic and
professional growth.
Wake
Up Toronto
7-8:30pm
Monday April 13
Wake
Up Toronto facilitators have
studied and trained with Nobel Peace Prize nominee and Zen Master Thich Nhat
Hanh in the tradition of Engaged Mindfulness. This session explores how
mindfulness can be applied to daily life.
OISE
Mindful Moments with Rosa Mina Munjee
12:10
– 1 pm, Thurs April 16
Practice
secular mindful meditation to reduce anxiety and increase concentration.
Suitable for beginnings and long-time practitioners.
For
information and questions regarding student support re Covid 19 please go
to:
Wednesday
SUMMER COURSES 2020
Yes, however to help limit the spread of COVID-19, courses that start in May (F and Y summer courses) will be delivered remotely. If you've registered for a course that can't be accommodated online, you'll be contacted directly. A decision about the delivery mode for S courses will be made by June 13. In order to make that easier, we have created a central directory where you can find information on the summer session classes from all Faculties and divisions
here is the list for summer courses by faculty, as of March 31
EMERGENCY FOOD BOXES
EMERGENCY FOOD BOXES ARE STILL
AVAILABLE!
UTERN is continuing to
facilitate the distribution of fresh, locally grown produce to students facing
food insecurity in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are
struggling to access or afford fresh and nutritious food, please complete the
below google form by Friday at 12:00pm for a produce delivery the following
week.
Because this project is made possible by our
student levy, produce boxes are only available to UofT students and are limited
to one box per person. Please apply ASAP.
Peace, Richard
Richard Chambers, M.Div., M.Th.
Director, Multi-Faith Centre for Spiritual Study and
Practice, University of Toronto
Tuesday
U of T to observe national moment of silence on Canadian campuses in memory of Flight 752 victims
U of T to observe national moment of silence on Canadian campuses in memory of Flight 752 victims
President Meric Gertler is inviting the U of T community to join a national moment of silence on Jan. 15 in memory of those who died in the crash of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 in Iran last week.
Across Canada, university campuses will observe a moment of silence at 1 p.m. (EST), which Universities Canada is calling on Canadians to join.
“[M]any of the passengers on this flight were university students, faculty, researchers, alumni, and other members of Canada's academic community,” President Gertler said in a statement. “This heartbreaking loss is truly a national tragedy.”
All 176 passengers and crew were killed after the Boeing 737 passenger jet crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport en route to Kyiv on Jan. 8. Fifty-seven Canadians were among the victims.
It is estimated that 50 people – students, staff, and faculty members – from 19 universities and four colleges across Canada died in the crash.
Eight members of the U of T community, including six students, were among those whose names were on the plane’s passenger manifest:
- Mojtaba Abbasnezhad
- Mohammad Asadi Lari
- Zeynab Asadi Lari
- Mohammad Amin Beiruti
- Mohammad Amin Jebelli
- Mohammad Salehe
- Zahra Hasani
- Mohammad Mahdi Elyasi
In the days since the crash, students, faculty and members of the community have come together in a series of vigils and events at U of T to remember and mourn those who died.
The university was also the site of a community memorial gathering on Jan. 12 organized by Tirgan, an Iranian-Canadian cultural organization.
Feeling distressed? Find someone to talk to right now – and if there is an immediate risk, call 911.
Round-the-clock support:
Students can speak to a trained crisis worker at any hour of the day.
Students can speak to a trained crisis worker at any hour of the day.
- U of T My SSP for students 1-844-451-9700. Immediate counselling support is available in 35 languages and ongoing support in 146 languages.
Other 24-7 supports available to students include:
- Good 2 Talk Student Helpline 1-866-925-5454. Professional counselling, information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being.
- Gerstein Crisis Centre 416-929-5200
- Distress Centres of Greater Toronto 416-408-HELP (4357)
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at 250 College Street
- Anishnawbe Health Toronto Mental Health Crisis Line 416-360-0486
The following services are available to students on all three campuses:
- St. George campus: Health and Wellness Centre (416-978-8030), located at Koffler Student Services
- U of T Scarborough: Health & Wellness Centre 416-287-7065
- U of T Mississauga: Health & Counselling Centre 905-828-5255
Faculty and staff have access to 24-7 support through:
- The Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP), offered through Homewood Health, online and by phone at 1-800-663-1142
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