Friday, February 17, 2012

Research Alerts: NSERC-OCE New Industrial R&D Fellowships

NSERC-OCE New Industrial R&D Fellowships

Please reply to: Hema Prabhu (innovations.partnerships@utoronto.ca)

Recognizing the need to invest in the development of highly qualified recent graduates, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) are partnering to enable Ontario small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their R&D capacity with the addition of highly skilled graduates. Industrial R&D Fellowships (IRDFs) provide financial support to recent doctoral graduates in science and engineering to pursue R&D careers in the private sector.

Through these new jointly-funded fellowships, candidates are eligible for a maximum salary of $75,000 per year for a two-year period. NSERC and OCE will each commit up to $30,000 and $20,000 per year, respectively. The qualifying industrial partner is responsible for committing $25,000 per year and any additional benefits they choose to offer.

For more information, please visit our program page.

CUPE 3902: Message to all Unit 1 members

This memo has just gone out to all members of CUPE 3902 Unit 1.

HR #38, 2011-12

To: PDAD&C
Professional and Managerial Staff

From: Angela Hildyard, Vice-President Human Resources & Equity
Cheryl Misak, Vice-President and Provost

Date: February 16, 2012

Re: Message to all CUPE 3902 Unit 1 members

The University will continue to work in good faith and with optimism that the coming week, when we are again in mediation, will see a resolution to the current impasse between it and CUPE 3902 Unit 1.

That said, it would be remiss not to begin to prepare for a potential strike. The University has made an offer addressing all of the Union’s major concerns and has provided improvements in most areas, without any concessions from employees. That offer was unanimously recommended to the membership by the CUPE bargaining committee. A small proportion of CUPE's membership, approximately 5% of the bargaining unit, came to the meeting and rejected that offer. This puts us all in a difficult situation, from which we must all try to extract ourselves.

In a recent memo, the Union has suggested the University of Toronto Administration is encouraging Union members to continue working during a potential strike and engaging in 'scare tactics'. Lest there be any misperceptions, we would like to clarify for you the University’s position.

Contrary to the earlier accusation of some CUPE members, the University does not intend to engage in a lockout. We will respect the rights of those who want to continue to work and we will respect the rights of those who want to strike. And contrary to a recent CUPE memo, the University is not engaging in and will not engage in 'scare tactics'.

The Union, however, must respect the same legal obligation that applies to the University – not to “seek by intimidation or coercion” to compel you to exercise a particular right under the Labour Relations Act. Under the Act you have the right to choose to continue to work, as well as the right to strike. Neither party may coerce you to decide one way or the other.

CUPE also is suggesting to its members that they will be on the payroll in February whether or not they are working. While it is true that the February pay will go out in advance of a potential strike, I'm sure that all members will see that the University will have to subtract the proportion of the February pay from the next paycheck, whenever that is, for those members who did only partial work that month. To do otherwise would be unfair to those who choose to exercise their legal right to continue to work.

CUPE has said that choosing to work during a strike “could get you kicked out of the union.” That is up to them. But what they did not tell you is that doing so cannot get you kicked out of your job. If you continue to work you remain employed by the University in the normal manner and have rights as a bargaining unit member even if you are no longer a member of the Union.

CUPE has said that if you choose to work during a strike you “could lose your benefits”. The only employment benefit you could lose is that the Union could decide to deny your participation in their Financial Assistance Fund, to which the University contributes. We hope that they would not engage in such punitive action against those who exercise their legal and democratic rights. As for the Health Care Spending Account, your participation would continue, although it is true that Union members control its administration. Again, we hope that the Union would not apply its rules of administration in a punitive manner.

All this said, the University very much hopes that we can avoid a strike and we encourage all CUPE 3902 Unit 1 members, whatever their views, to attend the February 24 Membership meeting and make those views clear.

CUPE 2484: Agreement ratified between U of T and Day Care Workers at the Early Learning Centre

HR #37, 2011-12
Date: February 15, 2012

To: PDAD&C
Professional & Managerial Staff

From: Angela Hildyard
Vice-President, Human Resources & Equity

Re: Agreement ratified between U of T and CUPE Local 2484, Day Care Workers at the Early Learning Centre
________________________________________

We are very pleased to announce that the tentative agreement between the University and CUPE Local 2484, Day Care Workers at the Early Learning Centre that was announced on February 2 has been ratified.
Business Board will review the agreement at an upcoming meeting. Any changes in respect to the University Pension Plan are subject to Business Board approval.
The Memorandum of Settlement will be posted shortly.

SGS: Sessional Dates 2012/2013

MEMORANDUM

To: Chairs/Directors/Graduate Coordinators and Administrators

From: Heather Kelly Director, Student Services

Cc: SGS Student Services Staff

Date: February 13, 2012

Re: Sessional Dates 2012/2013

To assist you in planning for the upcoming academic year, please find attached the Sessional Dates for 2012/2013. These sessional dates will also be included in the SGS Calendar 2012/2013 which is produced in late spring.

For reference, the official start date of classes will be on Monday September 10th, 2012. The SGS Orientation will be held on Tuesday September 4th, 2012.

As of 2011-2012, SGS Sessional dates are based upon the following criteria:

(1) The Faculty of Arts & Science start dates for both the Fall and Winter term have been adopted;
(2) The add deadline is 2 weeks from first day of classes for half courses;
(3) The drop deadline is 7 weeks from the first day of classes for half courses.

Please note that for the purpose of SGS Sessional Dates and ROSI deadlines for the start and end of classes as well as course add/drop dates, SGS will maintain the 13-week graduate instruction period. However, the precise dates of commencement of courses are to be determined by the graduate units. SGS requires that the equivalent of at least 12 weeks’ instruction for a minimum of two hours per week normally will occur in each term for a 0.5 full course equivalent. Given the diversity of delivery options, instructors retain flexibility in course scheduling and also with respect to including a fall or winter reading week. Instructors are expected to inform students of the course schedule at the start of the term.

Should a course not fall into the traditional 12 or 13-week period, the graduate unit must inform students of important dates and deadlines (e.g. course add/drop deadlines) in the course syllabus. For more information on how to schedule non-standard courses, please refer to the memo titled “Add/Drop Deadlines for Non-Standard Courses” sent on October 28, 2011.

If you have any questions about these sessional dates, please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Student Services, Heather Kelly at heather.kelly@utoronto.ca.

Heather Kelly
Director of Student Services
School of Graduate Studies
University of Toronto
63 St. George Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2Z9
Tel: 416-978-4350
Fax: 416-971-2864

_____________________________________________________________________________________

SGS Sessional Dates 2012-2013

Fall Session 2012

M August 6 Civic Holiday (University closed)
M August 13 Registration for Fall session begins
August Undergraduate course enrolment begins (1)
F August 31 Last date for payment of tuition fees to meet registration deadline

M September 3 Labour Day (University closed)
M September 10 Most formal graduate courses and seminars begin in the week of September 10th (2)
F September 14 Coursework must be completed and grades submitted for summer session courses and extended courses (4)
F September 14 Registration for Fall session ends; after this date, a late registration fee will be assessed
M September 17 Final date to submit final doctoral theses to SGS to avoid fee charges for 2012-13 (3)
M September 24 Final date to add full-year and Fall session courses
W September 26 Summer Session grades available for viewing by students on the Student Web Service

F October 5 Final date to submit final doctoral thesis for Fall Convocation
F October 5 Final date for receipt of degree recommendations and submission of any required theses for master's degrees for Fall Convocation without fees being charged for the Fall session (5)
M October 8 Thanksgiving Day (University closed)
M October 29 Final date to drop Fall session full or half courses without academic penalty

November Fall Convocation Information and Dates are posted at: www.convocation.utoronto.ca,

M December 24 University closed for winter break from Monday, December 24 to Friday, January 4 inclusive (for last day of classes before Winter break, consult graduate units concerned)

Winter Session 2013

M January 7 University re-opens
M January 7 Most formal graduate courses and seminars begin in the week of January 7th (2)
F January 11 Final date for registration of students beginning program in Winter session; after this date, a late registration fee will
be assessed
F January 11 Coursework must be completed and grades submitted for Fall session courses (4)
T January 15 Final date to submit doctoral theses without fee payment for Winter session
W January 16 Fall Session grades available for viewing by students on the Student Web Service
M January 21 Final date to add Winter session courses (4)
F January 25 Final date for receipt of degree recommendations and submission of any required theses for March or June graduation for master’s students without fees being charged for the Winter session (5)
F January 25 Final date for all students to request that their degrees be conferred in absentia in March
F January 25 Final date to submit final doctoral thesis for March Convocation in absentia
F January 25 Fall dual registrants must be recommended for the master's degree by this date to maintain their PhD registration (5)

M February 18 Family Day (University closed)
M February 25 Final date to drop full-year and Winter session courses without academic penalty (6)

March March Graduation In absentia Information is posted at: www.convocation.utoronto.ca,
F March 29 Good Friday (University closed)

April For last day of winter classes, consult unit concerned

Summer Session 2013

F April 19 For students obtaining degrees at June Convocation, course work must be completed and grades submitted for fullyear
and Winter session courses
F April 19 Final date for receipt of degree recommendations and submission of any required theses for master’s degrees for
June Convocation (5)
F April 19 Final date for submission of final doctoral thesis for students whose degrees are to be conferred at the June
Convocation (3)
F April 19 Final date for degree recommendations of Winter dual registrants for the master's degree to maintain their PhD
registration (5)

May For first day of summer classes, consult graduate unit concerned.
F May 3 Final date for registration for May session
F May 10 Final date to enrol in May-June or May-August session courses
F May 10 Course work must be completed and grades submitted for full-year and Winter session courses (except for
extended courses) (4)
W May 15 Winter Session grades available for viewing by students on the Student Web Service
M May 20 Victoria Day (University closed)
F May 31 Final date to drop May-June F section courses without academic penalty (6)

June June Convocation Information and Dates are posted at: www.convocation.utoronto.ca,
F June 21 Final date to drop May-August session Y section courses without academic penalty (6)
VH February 13, 2012
F June 21 Final date to enrol in July course work only programs
F June 29 Final date to enrol in July-August courses (7)

M July 2 Canada Day Holiday (University closed)
F July 19 Final date to drop July-August S section courses without academic penalty (6)
F July 19 Coursework must be completed and grades submitted for May/June F Section Courses (4)
W July 24 Grades for May/June F Section Courses available for viewing by students on the Student Web Service

(1) Graduate students may only enrol in undergraduate courses with the approval of their supervisor or graduate unit. Students are
responsible for meeting the deadlines and requirements of the undergraduate course as presented in class and in the undergraduate
division’s calendar. Graduate students will be graded under the graduate grading scale. Students should consult the appropriate
undergraduate calendar for enrolment and dates.
(2) The precise dates of commencement of courses are determined by the graduate units; students are urged to contact the relevant
graduate units for information. SGS maintains the 13-week graduate instruction period; however, if a course does not fall into the
traditional 13-week period, the graduate unit will inform students of important dates and deadlines in the course syllabus. The University
policy states that the first day of classes in the Fall session in all teaching divisions should not be scheduled on the first and second
days of Rosh Hashanah (from 1 1/2 hours before sunset on Wednesday, September 16, 2012 to about 1 1/2 hours after sunset on
Friday, September 18, 2012) or on Yom Kippur (from about 1 1/2 hours before sunset on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 to about 1 1/2
hours after sunset on Wednesday, September 26, 2012).
(3) A final thesis is the corrected, approved version of thesis which is submitted to SGS following the Final Oral Examination.
(4) Graduate units may establish earlier deadlines for completion of course work and may prescribe penalties for late completion of work
and for failure to complete work, provided that these penalties are announced at the time the instructor makes known to the class the
methods by which student performance shall be evaluated.
(5) For final dates for completing degree requirements, students should consult their own graduate unit.
(6) Graduate units may establish earlier deadlines to add/drop courses but these dates must clearly be communicated to students. Please
note that the last date to cancel a course or registration with no academic penalty is not the same as the last date to be eligible for a
refund.
(7) Students starting their program in the summer and OISE students are required to register by this date by paying the minimum tuition
amount stated in their invoice.

SGS Appointment: Embedded Advisor, Erika Bailey

MEMORANDUM

To: Chairs/Directors/Graduate Coordinators and Administrators

From: Heather Kelly Director, Student Services

Cc: Erika Bailey, International Transition Advisor
SGS Student Services Staff

Date: February 13, 2012

Re: Embedded Advisor

I am pleased to introduce you to Erika Bailey, International Transition Advisor from the Centre for International Experience (University of Toronto). Erika’s role is to support international graduate students throughout their passage into the academic and cultural life of the University of Toronto. She is available to meet with international graduate students informally during her on-site hours and also in one-to-one meetings.

She is available to meet with international graduate students both at the Grad Room and at the School of Graduate Studies, Student Services as follows:

• Thursdays from 3:00 to 8:00 pm – Grad Room, 66 Harbord Street (on the NE corner of Harbord and Spadina)
• Fridays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm – School of Graduate Studies, 63 St. George, Room 111

Students are invited to bring any issues they may wish to discuss to these meetings. This could include visa issues, cultural challenges, academic challenges and adjustments, searching for leadership or volunteer opportunities, language concerns, etc.. The agenda of the appointment will be directed by students’ particular concerns. In particular, the International Transition Advisor acts as a resource to international students and to help them connect with the appropriate resources and communities within SGS and U of T.

If you have questions or would like to bring your experiences and perspectives to Erika’s attention, please feel free to contact her: e.bailey@utoronto.ca ; http://cie.utoronto.ca/Programs/Transition-Advising.htm

SGS Student Services will also be sending an announcement to all international graduate students regarding this initiative. I would like to warmly welcome Erika to the graduate community and I know that our international graduate students will benefit from her on-site advising services.

Regards,

Heather

Heather Kelly
Director of Student Services
School of Graduate Studies
University of Toronto
63 St. George Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2Z9
E-mail: heather.kelly@utoronto.ca
Tel: 416-978-4350
Fax: 416-971-2864

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

E-mail to International Graduate Students

Are you an international student?
Do you have questions about your work or study permit?
Looking to connect with U of T resources and communities?
Just need someone to chat to?

Come by and visit with Erika Bailey, International Transition Advisor from the Centre for International Experience. Erika’s role is to support international students throughout your passage into the academic and cultural life of the University of Toronto.
She is available to meet with students informally during her on-site hours (below) and also in one-to-one meetings Monday to Friday. Bring any issues you may wish to discuss to your meeting. This could include cultural challenges, adjusting to Canadian weather for the first time, academic challenges, working with your supervisor, searching for leadership or volunteer opportunities, language concerns, etc. The agenda of the appointment will be directed by your particular concerns.
If you have questions or would like to book a meeting with Erika, feel free to contact her: e.bailey@utoronto.ca; http://cie.utoronto.ca/Programs/Transition-Advising.htm

International Transition Advisor Hours at Grad Room, Grad House and SGS
• Thursdays from 3:00 to 8:00 pm – Grad Room, 66 Harbord Street (on the NE corner of Harbord and Spadina)
• Fridays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm – School of Graduate Studies, 63 St. George, Room 111

Friday, February 10, 2012

Research Alerts: Advance Pre-launch Notice: Ontario-China Research and Innovation Fund (OCRIF)

Advance Pre-launch Notice: Ontario-China Research and Innovation Fund (OCRIF)

Please reply to: Hema Prabhu (innovations.partnerships@utoronto.ca)

Ontario and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of the People’s Republic of China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote scientific, technological and industrial research and commercialization cooperation.

The two jurisdictions have committed $5 million each, for a total of $10 million over five years (2011-2015), to create the Ontario-China Research and Innovation Fund (OCRIF), which supports collaborative projects between researchers and innovative companies in Ontario and China.

The upcoming call for proposals will accept projects focusing on the following four research themes:
• Water and water-related technologies
• Neuroscience
• Hydrogen Fuel Cells NEW
• Stem Cells NEW

For more information, please visit our program page or contact the Innovations & Partnerships Office.

CUPE 3902: Important Next Steps in Academic Continuity Planning re: Potential TA Strike

HR #35, 2011-12

To: PDAD&C
Professional and Managerial Staff

From: Angela Hildyard, Vice-President Human Resources & Equity
Cheryl Misak, Vice-President and Provost

Date: February 9, 2012

Re: Important Next Steps in Academic Continuity Planning:
re: Potential TA Strike

As you will know from earlier communications, while the University will try to reach a renewal collective agreement with CUPE 3902 Unit 1, we must make preparations to minimize the potential impact of a strike on students and preserve the integrity and continuity of programs and courses.

Chairs, directors, and single department faculty deans should ensure that they have reviewed HR #34 [http://www.hrandequity.utoronto.ca/about-hr-equity/news/2012/Memo_2011-12_HR34.htm], which was sent out earlier today. We are also attaching today’s message to students.

In addition we ask that you make sure that you collect, before February 22th, syllabi, exams, marks assigned to date, unmarked assignments, and marking schemes from all potentially affected courses, paying special attention to those courses taught by CUPE 3902 Unit 1 members. Note that at this time, members of CUPE 3902 Unit 1 cannot be asked if they plan to continue teaching in the event of a strike.

An appropriate communication is:

"As you know, CUPE 3902 Unit 1 is in a legal strike position as of Thursday February 23rd, 2012. In order to minimize the potential impact on our students and in order to preserve the academic integrity of our programs, we are asking that, if you have not already done so, you provide to your department chair or dean copies of your course syllabi, exams, marks assigned to date, unmarked assignments, marking schemes and the like. We thank you for your co-operation and assure you that the University has agreed to work with the mediator later this month and hopes to conclude a responsible agreement with CUPE 3902 Unit 1."

Department heads may ask whether there is anything they can discuss with CUPE 3902 Unit 1 members pertaining to their potential actions. Department heads are free to express their views as long as the expression of such views does not constitute coercion, intimidation, threats, promises or undue influence, all of which are prohibited in this context by the Labour Relations Act. The right to strike is a legal right and by law no employee can be discriminated against, threatened or penalized for exercising that right.

If a CUPE 3902 Unit 1 member asks your views, you might say that the University remains committed to reaching an agreement. You might also say, if you are so inclined, that you do not believe a strike is necessary and that it would be unfortunate for our students. However, we recommend that you do not go further than that and that if you offer any further views of your own you should be careful to add that whether or not an individual CUPE 3902 Unit 1 member chooses to strike is entirely a personal decision. You should not ask individual CUPE 3902 Unit 1 members about their personal views regarding the strike or whether or not they voted for a strike. If a CUPE 3902 Unit 1 member asks whether or not he or she should go on strike, he or she should be informed that this is a personal decision.

If a CUPE 3902 Unit 1 member asks what happens if they want to continue working in the event of a strike, information can be provided in the following kind of way: if you voluntarily choose to continue to work, the University will continue to employ you in the course(s) or program(s) in which you were working prior to the strike. The wages and benefits applicable to such work will include the increases in the University’s offer at the time a strike commences.

If you are asked questions about strike related matters by an employee, provide only factual information. If you are in any way unsure of the appropriate response or the facts, please direct them to the university homepage where they can get access to further information. If this does not seem sufficient, you should consult with your dean’s office for further advice.

An Academic Continuity Planning Group, with representation from every division, has been working diligently on practical guidelines. The first set of these will be issued tomorrow, with more to follow as the landscape changes.


----- Memo to Students -----

February 9, 2012

Dear U of T Student,

This is to update the message you received last week regarding the current collective bargaining situation with CUPE 3902, Unit 1, the Union representing U of T teaching assistants. The University intends to continue to do its utmost to reach a renewal collective agreement with CUPE 3902 Unit 1, and has accepted the mediator’s invitation to continue discussions on February 21 and 22nd, in advance of the February 23rd legal strike date.

However, we must also prepare in the event that CUPE does not accept our final offer. We are committed to taking appropriate steps to continue our academic programs and activities so that you can continue learning and complete the academic requirements of your courses and programs within the expected timeframe. The University places a very high value on maintaining the integrity of our academic programs and minimizing any negative impact upon our students.

If a strike by CUPE 3902 Unit 1 does occur, the University will remain open. The University will also respect the decision of those Unit 1 members who wish to continue working. That is, at the University will not lock out its teaching assistants, as long as this remains operationally feasible. The University will also respect the decision of those who choose to strike.

The University will approach the discussions with the mediator later this month with an open mind and in good faith. We hope to reach an agreement with CUPE.

Yours sincerely,
Jill L. Matus
Vice Provost, Students

CUPE 3902: Unit 1 Course Instructors Negotiations Update

HR #34, 2011-12

To: PDAD&C
Professional and Managerial Staff

From: Angela Hildyard, Vice-President Human Resources & Equity
Cheryl Misak, Vice-President and Provost

Date: February 9, 2012

Re: Important Update on CUPE 3902 Unit 1 Negotiations

The University intends to continue to do its utmost to reach a renewal collective agreement with CUPE 3902 Unit 1, and has accepted the mediator’s invitation to continue discussions on February 21st and 22nd, in advance of the February 23rd legal strike date.

However, we must also prepare in the event that CUPE does not accept our offer. We are committed to taking appropriate steps so that our students can continue learning and complete the academic requirements of their courses and programs within the expected timeframe.

If a strike does occur, the University will remain open. Contrary to the assertion of some CUPE members, the University will respect the decision of those Unit 1 members who wish to continue working. That is, the University will not lockout its teaching assistants as long as this remains operationally feasible.

The University will also respect the decision of those who choose to strike.

Those who continue to work will be paid on the basis of the University’s offer at the time the strike commences. An easy-to-use form will be made available immediately if a strike occurs, to determine who remains on the payroll and who does not.

All members of the teaching staff who are not represented by CUPE 3902 Unit 1 will be expected to engage in their regular activities. The University places a very high value on maintaining the integrity of our academic programs and on minimizing any negative impact upon our students.

Because it is difficult to predict what will develop during any strike, it is important that Chairs and Deans plan for the continuity of their academic programs under a variety of scenarios. Further guidance will be provided on means to maintain continuity. However, bargaining unit members should not at this point be asked to indicate whether or not they intend to strike.

The University will provide regular updates . These will soon be available through a link on the home page at http://www.utoronto.ca/.

The University will approach the discussions with the mediator later this month with an open mind and in good faith. We hope to reach an agreement with CUPE and will keep you posted.

CUPE 3902: Teaching Assistants and Unit 1 Course Instructors Negotiations Update

HR #33, 2011-12

To: PDAD&C
Professional/Managerial Staff

From: Angela Hildyard, Vice-President Human Resources & Equity
Cheryl Misak, Vice-President and Provost

Date: February 8, 2012

Update on Negotiations with CUPE 3902 (Teaching Assistants and Unit 1 Course Instructors)

We have now heard from the Ministry of Labour that the No Board report has been issued and the legal strike date will 12.01 a.m. on Thursday February 23rd. The Mediator has asked to meet with the University and the Union on February 21/22 in an effort to reach agreement.

The University remains committed to reaching an agreement with CUPE. However, in the event we are unable to reach an agreement, the Union will be in a legal strike position as students return from Reading Week. An Academic Continuity Planning Group, with representation from every division, has been working diligently over the last weeks. Practical guidance and advice will follow shortly.

In the meantime, we understand that CUPE is asking individual faculty members if they may come into classes to speak to undergraduate students about what the Union is attempting to achieve in these negotiations. The University’s preference is that faculty members who wish to invite CUPE members to express their views to undergraduate students arrange for this to occur outside of class instructional time.

We will issue additional PDAD&C memos, as appropriate, closer to the strike deadline.

CUPE: Update on Certification application by CUPE to represent Postdoctoral Fellows at U of T

HR #36, 2011-12
PDAD&C #42, 2011-12

To: PDAD&C
Professional and Managerial Staff

From: Angela Hildyard, Vice-President Human Resources & Equity
Date: February 10, 2012
Re Update on Certification application by CUPE to represent Postdoctoral Fellows at U of T

It has been some time since we provided an update on the July 2009 application, to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB), for CUPE to be certified as the exclusive bargaining agent for a large subset of postdoctoral fellows at U of T. Specifically, CUPE wishes to represent postdocs who do not apply for and receive funding from a source external to the University (such as, for example, NSERC, SSHRC or CIHR). In August 2009 the OLRB conducted a secret ballot vote to determine whether or not postdoctoral fellows in that subset wished to be represented by CUPE. Because it was clear that there were many complex legal issues to be sorted out, the OLRB ordered that the ballot box be sealed – and it still remains sealed.

For its part, the University argued that postdoctoral fellows are not employees within the meaning of that term under the Labour Relations Act. We argued that they are academic trainees who enjoy a greater degree of independence than employees.
The OLRB did not accept the University’s submissions, and determined that this subset of postdocs are employees for the purposes of the Act. (A number of other Ontario Universities also treat their postdocs as employees).

The next step in this process is for the Union and the University to try to reach agreement on whether all individuals who cast ballots back in August 2009 were actually eligible to vote. If the parties cannot agree, the OLRB will issue a decision regarding any remaining disputes. The ballot box will eventually be opened, the votes counted, and the result of the August 2009 vote will be determined.

If CUPE is successful in the vote, the University will commence bargaining for a first collective agreement for the subset of postdoctoral fellows that CUPE would represent.

We will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Appointment of Director and Associate Director of Capital Projects

UO #2, 2011-2012

February 10, 2012

To: PDAD&C
Professional & Managerial Staff

From: Scott Mabury, Vice-President University Operations

Re: Appointment of Director and Associate Director of Capital Projects

I am hugely pleased to announce the appointments of Adrienne De Francesco as Director of Capital Projects and Brian Szuberwood as Associate Director, effective March 1, 2012.

Adrienne De Francesco (PEng, MBA) is currently the Assistant Dean and Director Infrastructure Planning, Health & Safety and IT in the Faculty of Arts & Science, having taken up the position in 2008. Adrienne first came to UofT in 1994 as Administrative Manager in Chemistry, subsequently serving as a Project Co-ordinator, before moving on to York in 2005 as the Executive Officer in the Faculty of Engineering and Science. Prior to her university experience, she held a number of positions in the health care and private sectors. Adrienne, through a value added and client-focused approach to service, has had considerable success at optimizing physical spaces to best support teaching and research. As Director, Adrienne will provide the overall direction and goals for the Capital Projects unit while managing its financial and human resources.

Brian Szuberwood (B. Arch) has been at the University since 2001, serving as a superb Senior Project Manager and more recently as Development Manager in the Capital Projects group. Prior to joining the University Brian held positions as property manager and architect. His position as Associate Director will involve departmental supervision through our Development Managers, while continuing to manage major construction projects and ensuring broad continuity within the capital projects portfolio. Brian remains the Project Manager for the Rotman Expansion project that is nearing completion.
I have tremendous confidence in these two individuals and believe they will enhance the collaborative relationship with our academic divisional colleagues so necessary to realizing successful capital and renovation projects. It is recognized that we have significant challenges to address and I expect this team to array the considerable talent in the capital projects group to best support the further building of this great University.


Office of the VP, University Operations
Rm. 112, Simcoe Hall
University of Toronto
27 King's College Circle
Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1

Phone: 416 978-0231
Fax: 416 978-6701

Friday, February 3, 2012

Research Alerts: 2012 NSERC Strategic Project Grants (SPG) Program Information Session

2012 NSERC Strategic Project Grants (SPG) Program Information Session

Please reply to: Mike Folinas (m.folinas@utoronto.ca)

NSERC's Strategic Project Grants (SPG) Program aims to increase research and training that will enhance Canada's economy, society, and/or the environment over the next 10 years in the following target areas:
• Information and Communications Technologies
• Environmental Science and Technologies
• Manufacturing
• Natural Resources and Energy

Key Requirements:
• Have well-defined objectives, scope and duration (1-3 years)
• Have one or more supporting organizations that are actively involved in all stages of the project and can apply the results

Funding:
• No Limit (Note: Average yearly request is $45,000)

The 2012 competition is now open.

Learn more about this program at an Information Session featuring an NSERC Representative who will discuss the program and changes for 2012, and a successful applicant at UofT. The Session details are as follows:

Thursday, February 9, 2012, 2-4 pm
Michael E. Charles Council Chambers,
GB202, Galbraith Building, 35 St. George Street.

Please RSVP by February 7th, by sending an email to: Martina Simmonds

More Information: details about this year's competition, including new features of the SPG program, and deadlines for those wishing to apply are available on our website at: NSERC Strategic Project Grant Program 2012.

Dalhousie University: Canada Research Chairs (Tier II)

Dalhousie University
Faculty of Engineering

CANADA RESEARCH CHAIRS (TIER II)

The Faculty of Engineering at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS, invites applications from outstanding candidates for three Canada Research Chairs (Tier 2) in the areas of Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure and Water Technologies. Appointment to a faculty position will be conditional on candidates’ approval through the CRC program review process. Eligibility criteria and CRC program information can be found at www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca . The successful candidates will be offered tenure stream appointments at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor with a start date of January 2013 or later.

Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure - Search No. 1963
Department of Civil and Resource Engineering

In collaboration with Dalhousie’s Centre for Innovation in Infrastructure (CII), the Department of Civil and Resource Engineering is focussing on the needs of Canada’s aging and deteriorating public infrastructure. The Chair will be expected to collaborate with other researchers to develop world-class expertise in one or more of: infrastructure evaluation and assessment including pavements and bridge decks; characterization and damage modelling of novel materials and systems for transportation infrastructure; sustainability in bridge and pavement materials; and, the development of performance-based life-cycle criteria for pavement and transportation structure design, rehabilitation and recycling. Preference will be given to applicants whose research includes substantial focus on non-destructive testing and evaluation techniques and in-situ material and structural performance characterization.

Water Technology - Search No. 1971
Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science

Water Technology - Search No. 1972
Department of Civil and Resource Engineering

The Departments of Civil and Resource Engineering, and Process Engineering and Applied Science, in collaboration with Dalhousie’s Centre for Water Resources Studies (CWRS), have research strength in drinking water quality, watershed management and treatment technologies. One appointment will be made in each department and both also will be members of the CWRS. The Chairs will be expected to collaborate with other researchers to develop word-class expertise in water technologies. Candidates with expertise in wastewater treatment, environmental hydraulics (as related to water/wastewater infrastructure), water reuse, and treatment systems for cold regions, particularly Northern and Arctic regions, are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should have a well-established research record and demonstrated ability to conduct independent scholarly research. Chairs will be expected to establish a strong, externally-funded research program and to teach both undergraduate and graduate courses. Candidates must have earned a PhD in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering or a related field and should be eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer in Nova Scotia.

Interested individuals should reference the search number(s) and submit a single PDF file containing a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and a statement of teaching and research interests to:

Chair of the Search Committee
Department of Civil and Resource Engineering
P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3J 4R2 CANADA
Civil.Office@dal.ca

Three signed letters of reference should be sent directly by referees to the same e-mail address. Review of applications will commence March 1, 2012 and continue until the positions are filled.

Dalhousie University is an Employment Equity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from qualified Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, racially visible persons, and women.

CUPE 3902: Collective Bargaining with Teaching Assistants notice to students

February 1, 2012

Dear U of T Student,

Many students will be aware that the University is currently engaged in collective bargaining with CUPE 3902 unit 1, the Union representing our teaching assistants. We have been working with a mediation/conciliation officer to reach a settlement. The University tabled an offer late last week which addressed each of the Union's key issues and also placed significant new financial resources on the table. On Monday, however, members who attended the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 membership meeting rejected the offer and proposed to seek a strike date. The mediator has indicated that he will be inviting the University and the Union back to the table and we have indicated our willingness to accept that invitation. We remain optimistic that we will reach an agreement with our teaching assistants, who are so important to us. We assure you that, in any event, we remain committed to ensuring that the academic programs of our undergraduate students are continued without significant interruption.

Yours sincerely,
Jill L. Matus
Vice Provost, Students

--
Office of the Vice-Provost, Students
Simcoe Hall, 27 King's College Circle, Room 221 University of Toronto Toronto, ON M5S 1A1
Ph: 416.978.3870 Fax: 416.946.0678
vp.students@utoronto.ca
www.viceprovoststudents.utoronto.ca

Access Copyright: UofT and Western sign agreement

Access Copyright:
Joint Media Release

UofT and Western sign agreement with Access Copyright

TORONTO Jan. 30, 2012 ‐ The University of Toronto and Western University today
announced that they have each reached an agreement with Access Copyright to
allow their communities to reproduce copyright‐protected materials in both print
and digital formats.

“We believe that this agreement is fair for all the parties – those who create the
materials, as well as students who gain access to copyright materials through the
University,” said Cheryl Misak, University of Toronto Provost.
“This enables, within certain limits, reproduction of copyright material for students’ use without concern for infringing on copyright restrictions.”

“This agreement gives us a convenient, comprehensive way to share content
digitally and in paper form from a repertoire of millions of publications,” said Janice Deakin, Provost and Vice‐President (Academic) at Western. “The backdating of the agreement gives us peace of mind by covering past digital uses that may have
exposed the university and the indemnity provision increases the university’s legal
protection against copyright infringement.”

Western and UofT will each pay Access Copyright a royalty of $27.50 per full‐time
equivalent student annually. This royalty includes what used to be a separate 10
cents per page royalty for coursepack copying, so there will no longer be a separate
royalty for such copying. The new royalty is substantially below the amount initially
sought by Access Copyright in its Tariff application before the Copyright Board.
This agreement will be in place until December 2013 and will renew automatically
for one year terms during which any party can cancel or renegotiate the agreement
based on six months notice.

“We welcome this opportunity to work in partnership with Western and UofT” said
Maureen Cavan, Executive Director of Access Copyright. “The education and
publishing industries depend on one another. An agreement that provides for usage
of content, fair compensation to those that provide the content, with rules that
favour sustainability, is in the interest of all players” said Ms. Cavan

Over the course of the next year, a method will be jointly developed to assess the
actual volume of copying of copyright protected materials which will assist in
determining the appropriateness of the royalty structure in subsequent years.

Contact for the University of Toronto:

Michael Kurts
Assistant Vice‐President
Strategic Communications and Marketing
University Relations
(416) 978‐5947

Contact for Western:

Keith Marnoch
Director of Media and Community Relations
Western University
(519) 661‐2111 ext. 85468

Contacts for Access Copyright:

Maureen Cavan
Executive Director
Access Copyright
(416) 868‐1620 ext. 226

Roanie Levy
General Counsel, Director Policy and External Affairs
Access Copyright
(416) 868‐1620 ext. 233

---- DETAILS ----

To: Presidents of Student Governments, Presidents of College & Faculty
Student Societies, Student Members of the Governing Council.

From: Jill Matus, Vice-Provost, Students

Date: January 30, 2012

RE: University of Toronto and Western Sign Agreement with Access Copyright

I am writing to inform you that the Provost has this evening advised the Business Board of the Governing Council on the following matter.

The University of Toronto and Western have reached an agreement with Access
Copyright for a new royalty License. It allows for cost-effective copying; includes
previously excluded digital copying; minimizes risk; and simplifies the way royalties are collected. As will become clear below, these are major gains.

'Copyright' is a complex legal concept, but the word itself coveys its essence. Just as patents can be held by inventors, so also can copyrights be held by those who create content of various kinds, and who can claim compensation for the use of that content by others.

The kind of creative content used most frequently by students in universities is that found in books, journal articles, etc. In our digital age, it has become very easy to copy and distribute creative content. Content creators, such as authors and artists, have raised many concerns about fair compensation for the copying of what they have produced. These claims have often been upheld by courts.

It is, of course, relatively straightforward for someone to buy a book in a store, or to pay for digital access to an e-book. In those instances, each transaction leads to a royalty payable to the author. Matters become more complex, however, in an institutional setting such as a university, where access to information is the lifeblood of teaching and learning.

Direct textbook sales obviously continue, and the library pays subscription fees for a vast number of journals and digital resources. However, many instructors also use coursepacks, with collections of printed material that has been copyrighted by multiple authors. The sale of course-packs in itself involves challenges in tracking and where possible paying authors for their work. And matters become more difficult from there, given all the different channels through which written material is photocopied or digitally distributed in a university setting.

Different nations have taken different approaches to this situation. In Canada, the
administration of copyright is overseen by the Copyright Board, which has which has
wide-ranging powers. One of the features of copyright law is the ability of authors to band together to be represented by "collectives" authorized by the Copyright Board. The collective that affects us most directly is Access Copyright. It represents authors and administers copyright entitlements on their behalf. The Copyright Act provides for such collectives to apply to the Copyright Board for a "Tariff" - a comprehensive set of rules which among other things establishes a standardized royalty rate that applies across an entire sector, such as the university and college sector.

The idea behind these arrangements is that a collective approach offers advantages for both creators and users of content. Individual authors cannot afford to track and chase down every royalty payment and every infringement of their copyrights. Nor can individual users negotiate copyright permissions on an individualized basis for each item that they might use in an information-intensive environment such as a university.

For many years Access Copyright had full-time Canadian university students paying a
royalty of $3.38 for fall/winter terms, in addition to a 10 cents per page course-pack charge through Licenses with the universities. The $3.38 royalty covered the day-to-day copying of copyright material, while the per-page royalty covered specific published works for course-packs. Use of course-packs varies across programs. However, the average cost of the Access Copyright portion of a course-pack is estimated at $19.26. If a student's program requires him or her to purchase several course-packs, the Access Copyright royalties could be in excess of $60.00 in a given session.

When the previous License expired in 2010, Access Copyright declined to enter into new Licenses with any university. They instead brought an application to the Copyright Board for a new Tariff - including a schedule of royalties - covering the entire university and college sector. The Tariff sought included a royalty rate of $45 per full-time equivalent (FTE) student. Part of the rationale for the severe rate hike was that significant amounts of copying now occur on a digital basis. The new tariff would include digital rights.

This application by Access Copyright sparked opposition and debate on the University of Toronto campus as well as many others. Indeed, the University of Toronto has been
participating in a sector-wide challenge to Access Copyright's application for a sharp increase to the Tariff. That challenge has been conducted under the auspices of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.

As that legal challenge has continued, the University has been examining its
options. We looked for, and found, a comparator to assess the likelihood
that Access Copyright might make major headway in its claims. Quebec operates its own
copyright arrangements. The royalty charged by Copibec, the Quebec collective, varies
in the range of $24.90 to $27.50 per FTE student. This includes only limited digital
rights. A per-page course-pack charge may also be levied on top of the per FTE student charge, depending on the proportion of course-pack copying in relation to the entire work being copied.

These charges constituted a striking and pertinent Canadian precedent, and were clearly part of Access Copyright's case for a much higher tariff.

The legal challenge itself has been complex. Legal costs, while not trivial, were being shared across all universities. The delay in reaching a resolution was superficially appealing, as it deferred any increased payments. However, Access Copyright had made it clear that it would be seeking payment retroactive to the expiry of the original License at the end of 2010, and there was concern that the Copyright Board would uphold that claim.

The larger problem with the legal challenge was that the interests of the various
institutions were far from aligned. Some institutions preferred to work with an overall Tariff but disputed the proposed terms, while others were convinced that an
individualized approach was preferable and wanted to break away altogether from the
Access Copyright regime and Tariff. Putting these groups together in a single legal
settlement is far from straightforward.

The University of Toronto is also not convinced that the 'opt-out' approach is costeffective in the present circumstances. Even should the actual level of payments to copyright holders appear at first to be lower with this approach, we believe that it carries substantial hidden costs. These include the additional administrative burdens on the institution and its members, only some of which can be readily measured. Among the ongoing risks was that the opted-out institution, in an audit or a legal claim, would be found to have failed to fully and fairly track and pay for the use of all copyrighted materials in Access Copyright's repertoire.

In the province of Ontario, Western took a similar view to the University of Toronto.
Western has already been collecting from its students a royalty of $30 per FTE, on a
provisional basis, given the uncertainty of the Tariff outcome and the Quebec precedent.

Two months ago, the University of Toronto and Western decided to enter into direct
negotiations with Access Copyright for a new License. This License would apply to our
community instead of the yet-to-be-defined Tariff.

The upshot of these negotiations is that, for the period ending December 31, 2013 the
FTE royalty will be $27.50, covering both print and digital Published Works. The
royalty also eliminates a separate per page course-pack charge. And there will be no
retroactive increases, which potentially could have gone back to the expiry of the
previous License at the end of December 2010. The University community avoids
dealing with and paying separately for digital rights - an area of growing traffic and substantial potential costs. The arrangement we have made with Access Copyright
compares very favourably with the regime in Quebec, which does not include some
course-pack royalties and includes only limited digital rights.

We are keenly aware that many in the University of Toronto community - graduate
students and professors, especially - are themselves creators of copyrighted works. We operate in a climate where many authors have become more concerned about copyright
issues and fair compensation for use of their work. At the same time copyright users need greater certainty about the scope of their rights.

The University of Toronto views the new License as providing a fair and efficient
balance between the rights of copyright users and the rights of creators. When one
considers the existing course-pack royalty charges and the potential scale of charges for digital rights, we think that our agreement presents a very reasonable solution to the difficult set of problems posed by copyright.

Students may ask why the University was wary of following the lead of sister
institutions that opted out of the tariff. Our concerns relate not just to the hidden costs noted earlier. The problem with opting out is that the institution faces the risk of fines and other legal measures if violations occur. There is no question that Access Copyright will aggressively monitor opted-out institutions, looking for breaches of copyright law pertaining to the published works in Access Copyright's repertoire. Some have argued that such breaches could result in a University and its students being liable for the whole amount of any new Tariff. In contrast, in this agreement and new License, the University has successfully obtained an indemnity that covers the occasional breaches that are more or less inevitable unless one commits huge resources to training and policing these transactions.

A final consideration is that copyright amendment legislation is still pending and the next few years will bring considerable uncertainty and riskThe new License, spanning this period of uncertainty, will provide our community with welcome certainty to go on about its business of teaching, learning and discovery. The License upholds the University's ability to use concepts such as fair dealing, which is likely to have expanded scope in new legislation, and which allow broader educational use.

Student leaders will recall that when asked by students, at the December 2011 Governing Council meeting, about the status of the challenge to Access Copyright's Tariff Application, the Provost replied that Access Copyright had come forward with a steep increase to $45 and we were hoping to reach agreement on a much lower amount.

That is exactly what the University has done. $27.50 is much more reasonable, and it
includes an important expansion of coverage into digital copying, as well as eliminating the separate per page royalty for course-packs, which was having a significant impact on many students. As noted, the average royalty per course-pack at the University of Toronto was already around $19 and students were already paying an across-the-board $3.38 royalty.

As students will understand, these challenging negotiations with Access Copyright could not occur in the public arena. Now that we have reached an agreement, we will turn our attention to an equitable means of apportioning the royalty among students. Issues that may need consideration include differences in usage among students in courses heavily reliant on course-packs and those who rarely use course-packs; differences in graduate and undergraduate student usage; and so on. We will immediately engage in a wide and deep consultation process with our student leaders to hear the views of students on an equitable distribution of these charges. Any such arrangements need to be simple to administer and be practical for implementation on May 1st.

You may have already received a meeting request from the Office of the Vice-Provost,
Students. If not, we will be in contact shortly. In the meantime, if you have any
questions, please contact Jim Delaney in my office (416-978-4027 / jim.delaney@utoronto.ca).

--
Office of the Vice-Provost, Students
Simcoe Hall, 27 King's College Circle, Room 221 University of Toronto Toronto, ON
M5S 1A1
Ph: 416.978.3870 Fax: 416.946.0678
vp.students@utoronto.ca
www.viceprovoststudents.utoronto.ca
www.vpstudentsblog.utoronto.ca

Gradschool e-News : February 2012

need-to-know

February 27 course drop deadline
The deadline to drop full-year or January-session courses without academic penalty is February 27. After the deadline, late-drop requests are normally only considered considered in cases of valid, documented, health or other serious personal circumstances adversely affecting your ability to complete the coursework. Use the Course Add/Drop form found on the SGS website if making such a request. Late drops need approval from the graduate unit offering the course, your home unit and the School of Graduate Studies.

Undergraduate courses and 500-level courses have their own deadlines to drop without academic penalty. Consult your home unit if in doubt. Withdrawal from courses or programs without academic penalty does not necessarily result in a refund. Check the Student Fees refund schedule for details.

Thesis Submission: What You Need to Know About Going Global
Getting ready to submit your thesis/dissertation? Theses and dissertations are submitted electronically, housed on T-Space - University of Toronto's research repository - and searchable via Google and other search engines, from anywhere in the world. To find out What You Need to Know About Going Global with your thesis, attend the SGS and UT Library Administration workshop March 5 from 11:00-12:00 noon in the OISE Library, 252 Bloor St. W. The workshop will be webcast live to locations at UTM and UTSC or you can view the webcast on your own computer. Registration is required. Visit the News section of the SGS home page for details.

money matters

Travel Grants
Applications for the School of Graduate Studies Travel Grant Program will be open from February 6-24. The program is open only to Ph.D. students in Humanities or Social Science for whom research travel (e.g., fieldwork, consultation of specialists and of primary or secondary sources, etc.) to sites either within or outside Canada is required in order to complete their dissertation.

The SGS Conference Grant Program will also be available during the winter session. Applications will be on-line in early March. Keep checking the News section of the SGS Home Page or Ulife Opportunities in March for more information on the Conference Grant Program.

Child care reimbursement for extra and co-curricular activities
The Family Care Office has a limited amount of funding available to assist with child care costs for St. George campus students wishing to attend extra and co-curricular activities. Students must apply for the child care cost reimbursement at least one business day in advance of the event. See the Family Care Office website for application forms or more information.

Master's tuition fee bursary
The Master's Tuition Fee Bursary (MTFB) fund is awarded to both course-work and research-based Master's students who have exceeded program time limit, yet still have a small amount of work outstanding due to unanticipated delays beyond your control. Apply after you have completed all outstanding degree requirements. If awarded, the bursary is applied to your fees account, reducing the cost of your final session tuition to that of part-time fees. The deadline to apply for the MTFB in the Winter session is March 30 for students in a research program and April 20 for students completing a course-based program.

news

500-million-year-old-news
Ph.D. candidate Lorna O’Brien (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) and her supervisor, adjunct professor Jean-Bernard Caron (curator of invertebrate palaeontology at the Royal Ontario Museum) are making news studying 500-million-year-old fossil remains of some of the earliest complex animals that ever lived on earth. Even the soft tissue of these tulip-shaped creatures is uniquely preserved in the "Tulip Beds" of the Burgess Shale deposits - remnants of an ancient sea that once covered Western Canada.

Healthy, affordable and sustainable café opens on campus
Harvest Noon, a new sustainable, vegetarian café is now open. Located on the second floor of the Graduate Students' Union Building at 16 Bancroft Ave, the cafe offers a variety of tasty, homemade vegetarian and vegan menu options in a relaxed and inclusive space for you to study or take a well-deserved break. Harvest Noon is a project of the Toronto Sustainable Food Co-operative, a campus-based organization initiated by volunteers and members of the student group Hot Yam! in the Fall of 2011. The operation is starting out on entirely volunteer power and there are many opportunities for those who want to get involved - from cooking to accounting. Those who want to know more or get involved are encouraged to stop by the café or send the group an email at volunteers@harvestnoon.com.

upcoming events

Aboriginal Awareness Week
Aboriginal Awareness Week is an annual celebration of Indigenous culture that takes place February 6-10. Participate and learn about Indigenous cultures in Canada and around the world. Events include roundtable discussions, craft workshops, exhibitions, sunrise ceremonies, traditional teachings and cultural exchange.

Should judges be elected?
Join us for an evening of spirited debate and conversation with the Hon. Mr. Justice Ian Binnie (retired) and former Member of Parliament Ian Waddell on the topic "Be it resolved that Canada should elect its judges." Part of the Hart House Debate Committee’s first annual Alumni Debate and a NorthAms co-programming event, Binnie and Waddell will be joined by two law students - Richard Lizius and Anisah Hassan - as they argue either for or against the issue. The formal debate will take place in the historic Debates Room at Hart House, followed by a reception.

Thesis avoidance with style
Explore Toronto's great cultural riches in the company of other stressed-out grad students by taking part in Grad Escapes. Upcoming events include a trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame, a guided tour of the Bata Shoe Musuem, The Orpheus Choir of Toronto and Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience. Tickets can be purchased online at bookit.studentlife.utoronto.ca.

supports & resources

Learn business-ready skills with Mitacs Step
The Graduate Professional Skills Program is pleased to announce three upcoming offerings from the Mitacs Step program. The program provides graduate students with opportunities to build professional and transferrable skills, strengthen working relationships, connect with industry, and improve research results and impact. Offerings include Practice Your Presentation Skills (UTSC), Managing Projects (UTM), and Foundations of Project Management I (St. George). To register for GPS and enrol in offerings, please visit the GPS Blackboard Community.

ELWS February/March courses
Online registration for February/March courses offered by the Office of English Language and Writing Support (ELWS) will open Monday, February 6 at 10:00am. ELWS courses are free, non-credit and available exclusively to U of T graduate students. Courses fill quickly so register early to avoid disappointment. ELWS also offers free single-session workshops and one-on-one writing consultations.

Effective journal research for graduate students
Learn how to find the articles that you need efficiently and effectively. This U of T Library workshop will help you find the right journal indexes for your needs, judge when to use a specialized index and when to use one of the brand-new super-indexes, learn to search the indexes like an expert to find the best articles in less time and find the full text of journal articles online or in print. February 8, 1:00pm. Registration required.

Fairness!
The University Ombudsperson offers confidential and impartial advice and assistance on university-related problems to students, faculty and staff on all three campuses. For details visit the Office of the Ombudsperson.

Media training for Professors: February 21, 2012

For the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering to achieve its broader communication objectives, we require a broad team of individuals who are comfortable sharing their stories and engaging with journalists in print and broadcast media. It is for that reason we would like to invite you to a media relations workshop on Tues., February 21 from 9 a.m. to noon. The training will take place on the St. George campus, though the location has not yet been confirmed (it will be sent to registrants prior to the event via email).

The session will be led by Jim Maclean, President of Tactical Advice/Strategic Communications Inc. (http://www.tascinc.ca/maclean/index.html). Jim has decades of experience in communications, having worked as a national journalist, a political communications advisor and as Director of Public Affairs and Communications at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

The focus of the workshop is on understanding how journalists work, what they need and how to develop effective key messages. To register or see the full itinerary, please visit http://www.uoft.me/feb2112

Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Liam Mitchell (liam.mitchell@utoronto.ca), the Faculty’s Communications & Media Relations Strategist. I hope that you will join us for this important opportunity.

Regards,

Madelyn

--

Madelyn Herschorn | Executive Director, Communications & Public Affairs

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering | University of Toronto
Office Location: 40 St. George Street, Room 3002
Mailing Address: 35 St. George Street | Toronto, ON | M5S 1A4 | Canada
madelyn.herschorn@utoronto.ca | www.engineering.utoronto.ca
Tel 416.946.5783 | Fax 416.971.2141

Water Institute Seminar: Gerald Pollack - February 10, 2012

Good Afternoon.

The Water Institute is pleased to host a seminar by Dr. Gerald H. Pollack titled:

The Secret Life of Water: E = H2O

Gerald H. Pollack
Professor
Department of Bioengineering
University of Washington

Friday February 10, 2012, 11:30 am
Environment 3, room 1408 - Minto Lecture Hall University of Waterloo

All are welcome.

Regards,
Mary Anne Hardy
The Water Institute
University of Waterloo
519.888.4567 ext. 32658
mahardy@uwaterloo.ca
water.uwaterloo.ca

---- ABSTRACT ----

School children learn that water has three phases: solid, liquid and vapor. But
we have recently uncovered what appears to be a fourth phase. This phase occurs
next to water-loving (hydrophilic) surfaces. It is surprisingly extensive,
projecting out from the surface by up to millions of molecular layers.
Of particular significance is the observation that this fourth phase is charged;
and, the water just beyond is oppositely charged, creating a battery that can
produce current. We found that light recharges this battery. Thus, water can
receive and process electromagnetic energy drawn from the environment —
much like plants. The absorbed light energy can then be exploited for performing
work, including electrical and mechanical work. Recent experiments
confirm the reality of such energy conversion.

The energy-conversion framework implied above seems rich with implication.
Not only does it provide an understanding of how water processes solar and
other energies, but also it may provide a foundation for simpler understanding
natural phenomena ranging from weather and green energy all the way to biological
issues such as the origin of life, transport, and osmosis.

The lecture will present evidence for the presence of this novel phase of water,
and will consider the potentially broad implications of this phase for physics,
chemistry and biology, as well as some practical applications for engineering.

Standard Benefit Rates (SBR) for 2012-13

To: Principals, Deans, Academic Directors and Chairs

cc: Divisional Business Officers via AMS listserv
Divisional Financial Officers via DFO listserv

From: Sally Gamer, Executive Director, Planning & Budget

Re: Standard Benefit Rates (SBR) for 2012-13

Date: January 30, 2012

Employer benefit costs are currently charged to divisions at a standard benefit rate of 24.25% of compensation for appointed staff and 10.00% of compensation for non-appointed staff.

Effective May 1, 2012, the standard benefit rate will increase to 24.75% of compensation for appointed staff. The rate increase is due primarily to an increase in pension current service funding and recent increases to earning ceilings for legislated benefits. Please note that the SBR excludes any pension special payments.

The standard benefit rate for non-appointed staff will remain at 10.00%

Research grant applications and ancillary budget planning for fiscal 2013-14 should use the estimated rates of 24.75% for appointed staff and 10.00% for non-appointed staff.

Please note this is only an estimate and the final SBR rate for 2013-14 will be determined towards the end of 2012, in order to take into account projected benefit costs and salaries at that time.

If you have any further questions please contact your Planning and Budget Officer.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005: Integrated Accessibility Standards

PDADC#40, 2011-12

To: PDAD&C

CC: Professional/Managerial Staff

From: Angela Hildyard, Vice President Human Resources & Equity

Date: February 2, 2012

Re: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 - Integrated Accessibility Standards

The AODA came into effect in 2005. The purpose of this Act is to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures, and premises on or before January 1, 2025.

The Customer Service Standard was enacted in 2008 and outlined our obligations regarding delivery of service to persons with disabilities. Within the University context for the purposes of the standard all students were defined as "customers."

In June 2011 the Ontario Government released the Integrated Accessibility Standard, which combines standards for Information Communication, Employment, and Transportation.

The Information Communication Standard requires the University to develop accessible communication formats and supports. This standard addresses websites, educational and training materials, and libraries of educational and training institutions. The Employment Standard focuses on the entire employment cycle in terms of accessibility and accommodation of disability. Finally, the Transportation Standard addresses accessible transportation requirements which will apply to the charter companies we use to move between our three campuses.

Compliance dates for the Integrated Accessibility Standard are staggered and allow for gradual implementation.

The AODA officer and my office have been working closely with all divisions to ensure that the University of Toronto will continue to meet its obligations under the Act. Over the next year you will receive regular updates to assist your departments in fulfilling the standards set out in the Act. This will allow for a coherent and consistent strategy across the University.

We recognize that the standards do require some changes in practice and our goal is to ensure we accomplish those changes in the most efficient and effective ways possible. In particular, in partnership with the Council of Ontario Universities and the Ministry of Community and Social Services we are developing resources to assist U of T and all Ontario universities in preparing for our obligations under the AODA.

Internally, we are also developing resources to assist divisions in implementing the standard as effectively as possible. The AODA officer will be in contact with your division as rollout for the Integrated Standard continues.

For further information and consultation please contact:

Andrea Carter, AODA Officer
andrea.carter@utoronto.ca
office line: 416-978-5456

CUPE 3902: TA Bargaining Update

HR #30, 2011-12
February 1, 2012
To: PDAD&C
Professional and Managerial Staff

From: Angela Hildyard
Vice-President, Human Resources and Equity

A Progressive and Fair Offer to A Highly Valued Group of Employees and Students
At the end of last week, with the assistance of one of the Ministry of Labour’s most experienced conciliation/mediation officers, the University tabled an offer which the Union negotiating committee agreed to recommend for ratification. The offer addressed every one of the Union’s key issues and placed significant new financial resources on the table. I and my colleagues are therefore extremely disappointed that the 250 or so members who attended the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 membership meeting on Monday on the St. George campus decided that the offer should not go to all employees in the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 bargaining unit for a ratification vote. Instead, those present at the meeting directed the Union to seek a No Board report from the Ministry of Labour, which will start the clock ticking towards a legal strike date. At this time, there is no confirmation from the Ministry as to what that strike date will be.

I think it is important that members of our community are made aware of the University’s offer and I will focus on those areas which I understand to be of the greatest importance to CUPE members.

Salaries and Benefits

The University has offered an increase to the hourly rates (from the current $39.92 per hour, to $42.05 per hour by May 1, 2013) that is comparable to the increases we have negotiated with each of our unions at U of T – including USW and other CUPE locals. In addition, we have offered to add significantly to the Union’s Financial Assistance Fund (it will reach $852,000 by 2013) and the Health Care Fund, increasing it to $2.8m.

Tutorials

The University believes that tutorials are a key component of the undergraduate student experience and that teaching in tutorials should be based on sound pedagogy and best practice. In contrast to our CUPE colleagues, however, we do not accept that the focus of our attention should be simply on the size of the tutorial group. Within U of T, the term “tutorial” includes a vast range of activities: small group discussion and interaction, large group demonstrations, review of course materials, re-clarification of concepts and difficult questions, and so on. Each of these activities requires specialized teaching skills, different models of interacting with students, and varying preparation. We are committed to ensuring that TAs have the appropriate skills and time to deliver high quality teaching in the full range of activities in which they are engaged.

Therefore, the University’s proposal is to establish a Working Group that will develop a categorization scheme that captures the range of activities that fall under the heading of “tutorial”. We have further proposed that for each of those categories, the Working Group will recommend best practice based on current research, some sense of the time that a TA will need to deliver the various educational components, and recommendations on training for TAs – both required training (which will be built into TA contracts) and optional training.
The University thinks this is a more appropriate way to address a complex set of inter-relating issues than a formulaic approach based simply on numbers.
Graduate Student Financial Support

Financial support for graduate students comes from a variety of internal and external sources. Approximately 50% of graduate students receive some form of support through work as a TA – and the University has agreed that effective 2013, only 205 hours of TA work will be counted towards the funding packages for students in the funded cohort. This is a reduction from the current level of 210 and represents a real gain to many TAs.

CUPE however, wishes to negotiate other aspects of financial support, including the minimum level of the funding provided to students in the funded cohort, and the elimination of work as a Research Assistant (which is covered under the USW collective agreement) from the funding packages. CUPE represents approximately half of our graduate students in their Teaching Assistant employment relationship with the University. CUPE does not represent all graduate students and the broad range of interests that they have as they pursue their graduate studies. The issue of funding packages is a matter that affects the graduate student population at large and the University as a whole. Therefore the University has proposed a Committee on Graduate Student funding that will include representatives of the GSU (the Graduate Student Union) as well as CUPE, to discuss broad issues related to the financial support of graduate students. Such issues could include sources of funding, advocacy for federal and provincial graduate student support, the needs of international students and advancement (fundraising) strategies in support of graduate students. The University has already committed significant resources to be used as matching funds for advancement strategies, including enhancing the funds for Doctoral completion awards/grants. These rare matching funds have been eagerly leveraged by our departments, with some of our humanities departments are showing the earliest results. One important goal of the Boundless Campaign is that there will be $16 Million in new endowments to support our Ph.D. students.

Senior Students

The Current collective agreement provides up to four guaranteed TA appointments to CUPE members. The Union has expressed concern, however, about those graduate students who continue with their research work beyond these four years. The University has agreed to extend the guarantee by a half appointment in 2012 and a full appointment in 2013. This means that in September 2013, CUPE members will be eligible to receive up to five guaranteed appointments.

Next Steps

The University bargaining team worked hard to develop a comprehensive and responsive offer for settlement. I worked extensively with a number of Deans and with the Provost and the President to make sure I left no stone unturned in an effort to address each of the Union’s key issues. This is a very good offer and one that allows for meaningful future dialogue on issues that are of importance to TAs. It is certainly an offer that warranted full consideration by all employees in the bargaining unit.

Notwithstanding this, since the mediator has indicated that he will be inviting the University and the Union back to the table, we have indicated our willingness to accept that invitation.

CUPE 2484: Tentative agreement reached between U of T and Day Care Workers at the Early Learning Centre

HR #32, 2011 – 12

February 2, 2012

To: PDAD&C
Professional & Managerial Staff

From: Angela Hildyard, Vice-President, Human Resources & Equity

Re: Tentative agreement reached between U of T and CUPE Local 2484, Day Care Workers at the Early Learning Centre

We are very pleased to announce that a tentative agreement between the University and CUPE Local 2484, which represents the Day Care Workers at the University’s Early Learning Centre, has been reached.

CUPE plans on holding a ratification meeting February 13. Details regarding the agreement will be communicated following ratification.

SGS: Administrative Appointments

To: Graduate Chairs/Directors, Coordinators, Administrators and SGS Staff
From: Brian Corman, Dean of Graduate Studies and Vice-Provost, Graduate Education

Dear Colleagues:

Consistent with the Policy on Appointment of Academic Administrators, and approved by the Provost and the Academic Board, I am pleased to announce the following appointments:

FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCE

Professor John Coleman
Acting Chair and Acting Graduate Chair, Department of Cell and Systems Biology
July 1, 2012 to June 20, 2013

Professor Diane Massam
Interim Chair and Interim Graduate Chair, Department of Linguistics
January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012

Professor Pascal Riendeau
Acting Chair and Acting Graduate Chair, Department of French
February 6, 2012 to June 30, 2012 (Extension)

Professor Mark Stabile
Director, School of Public Policy and Governance (renewal)
January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2017

Professor Janice Stein
Director, Munk School of Global Affairs
July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2014 (re-appointment)

Professor Ulrich Tepass
Chair and Graduate Chair, Department of Cell and Systems Biology
July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2015

FACULTY OF MEDICINE
Dr. Howard Hu
Director, Dalla Lana School of Public Health
July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2017

I thank these Academic Administrators for their willingness to serve the University in the furtherance of graduate education. I am sure that you will join me in congratulating them.

With my best wishes,
Brian

Trinity College: Advisory Search Committee for the Dean of Arts (Principal)

PDAD&C#41, 2011-12

To: PDAD&C

From: Andy Orchard, Provost, Trinity College

Date: February 2, 2012

Re: Advisory Search Committee for the Dean of Arts (Principal), Trinity College

Professor Derek Allen will complete his third and final term as Vice-Provost and Dean of Arts of Trinity College on June 30, 2012.

In accordance with the Statutes and Certain Regulations of Trinity College and the terms of the Federation Framework Agreement, Provost Andy Orchard has struck a committee to recommend the appointment of the Dean of Arts of Trinity College. This position is similar to the role of Principal in other Federated Colleges.

The composition of the committee is as follows:

Professor Andy Orchard (Chair) - The Provost, Trinity College Professor Jill Matus - Vice-Provost, Students, University of Toronto Professor Meric Gertler, Dean, Arts & Science, University of Toronto Professor David Neelands, Dean, Faculty of Divinity, Trinity College Professor Michael Steinhauser - Chair of the Senate, Trinity College Professor Lawrin Armstrong, Fellow, Faculty of Arts, Trinity College Mr. Nelson De Melo - Registrar, Trinity College Ms. Katie Dunlop, Student, Faculty of Arts, Trinity College Ms. Helen Yarish - Human Resources Officer & Secretary of the Corporation, Trinity College

The Advisory Search Committee welcomes comments and nominations from interested persons. (Call for nominations attached.) These should be sent to the attention of Helen Yarish, by February 24, 2012 by mail (Trinity College, 6 Hoskin Avenue) or by email to yarish@trinity.utoronto.ca

Further information can be found on the Trinity College website at http://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/

---- CALL FOR NOMINATION ----

Dean of Arts, Trinity College
In the University of Toronto

Trinity College seeks to appoint a distinguished scholar with a proven record of academic leadership as the Dean of Arts of Trinity College as of July 1, 2012.

The successful candidate will hold a senior academic appointment in the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Toronto and will have the ability and leadership skills to coordinate the academic and administrative functions of the College within the wider university framework, as well as to maintain an atmosphere of trust and engagement of faculty and students in the pursuit of academic excellence.

The role of the Dean of Arts is equivalent to the position of Principal in similar college environments. The Dean of Arts reports to the Provost of Trinity College for Trinity matters, to the Provost of the University of Toronto on U of T matters, and to the Dean of Faculty of Arts & Science, U of T, as appropriate. The Dean of Arts is appointed by the Board of Trustees on the recommendation of the Provost and in consultation with the professorial Fellows in the Faculty of Arts at Trinity College. The Dean of Arts normally also holds the position of Vice‐Provost, Trinity College.

Trinity College is federated with the University of Toronto, and is a small, intimate and highly regarded College on the St. George Campus. On behalf of the University, the College sponsors three interdisciplinary undergraduate programs: International Relations; Immunology; and Ethics, Society, and Law.

The Dean of Arts Search Committee will accept nominations from February 2, 2012 to February 24, 2012. Nominations are welcome from Fellows and Associates of Trinity College, as well as from the broader University of Toronto community, and should include brief details of the qualifications and qualities of the nominee(s). Individual applications may also be submitted and should include of a statement of intent along with the curriculum vitae.

Nominations and requests for further information may be submitted in confidence to:

Helen Yarish
Secretary, Dean of Arts Search Committee
Trinity College
6 Hoskin Avenue
Toronto ON M5S 1H8
Phone: 416‐946‐7611
Email: yarish@trinity.utoronto.ca

Welcome to the CIV-MIN Blog

This is where we compile all the announcements, postings and non-urgent alerts that used to clog up your email inbox. Feel free to scroll through the latest postings organized by date below, or check our categorized listings on the right for the information you want.