School of Graduate Studies E-News: February 2011

School of Graduate Studies
Gradschool e-News :: February 2011

need-to-know

Preparing to graduate? Verify your name on ROSI
Your name will appear on your diploma exactly as it is recorded in ROSI. Missing accents can be corrected online but for any other changes please visit the SGS Student Services Desk at 63 St. George Street and provide proper documentation to support the desired change. If you are planning to convocate in March or June 2011, the deadline for changes to your name is February 4.

February 25 course drop deadline
Is your course schedule accurate? Check your enrolment and student status on the SWS (ROSI). The final date to drop full year or January session courses without academic penalty is February 25. Use the Course Add/Drop form found on the SGS website. Withdrawal from courses or programs without academic penalty does not necessarily result in a refund. Check the Student Fees refund schedule for details.

The online version of the 2010-2011 SGS Calendar has a complete listing of important sessional dates that are important to you.

Immigration status change – fee adjustment
The deadline for students to report a change of immigration status or claim exemption from international student fees for the January session is February 1. To report a change in status, present your supporting documents at the SGS Student Services Desk at 63 St. George Street.

money matters

Conference and Travel Grants
The School of Graduate Studies will be announcing a new Conference Grant Program and the annual Travel Grant Program in the month of February. The SGS Conference Grant Program helps registered, full-time doctoral-stream students in good standing present their research at a conference or other academic meeting.

The SGS Travel Grant Program is open only to Ph.D. students in Division I and Division II for whom research travel is essential for the completion of their dissertation. Check the SGS homepage Recent News or Ulife in February for more information.

SGS financial counselling service
SGS Financial Counsellors are trained to help students in all aspects of financial management, including planning a budget and debt management. Don’t let financial problems get out of control. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Graduate Awards Office at 416-946-0808 or visit the financial counselling website.

awards & honours

Nominations now open for Accessibility Awards
Do you know someone who is a strong advocate for accessibility? Nominate them for the 2011 Accessibility Awards. The awards recognize members of the University of Toronto St. George community who embody the spirit of accessibility on campus. One award will be presented in each of the following five categories: Student, Faculty, Staff, Group, and Person Living with a Disability. Submission deadline is February 11, 2011 at 5:00pm.

upcoming events

Graduate Student Alliance for Global Health Symposium
All graduate students are invited to attend and/or present their research at the Graduate Student Alliance for Global Health (GSAGH) Winter 2011 Symposium. The theme of this symposium will be Knowledge Translation. GSAGH is a student initiative supported by the Centre for International Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health.

Graduate Student Focus Groups
The Office of Student Life is looking for graduate students to participate in one of two focus groups to provide feedback on our graduate programs and communications. The sessions will be on Thursday, February 17 and Wednesday, February 23 from 12:00pm-1:30pm and pizza will be provided. All participants will receive coffee gift cards. Please email Jennifer Pinker with a preferred date if interested.

The Faculty of Physical Education and Health is looking for international graduate students who want to share their experiences of physical activity. Light dinner and a $20 U of T Bookstore gift certificate will be provided. Focus groups will be held on February 15 & 16, 4:00pm-6:00pm at the Athletic Centre, 55 Harbord St., room 304. To reserve your spot, please email Susan Lee with your preferred date.

supports & resources

Hone your library research skills
U of T Libraries regularly offers free workshops for graduate students to hone their research skills. Pre-registration is required. The following workshops are currently open for registration:

February 2: Researching Journals Online
February 3: Advanced Library and Online Research
February 14: WizFolio Citation Manager
February 16: RefWorks Citation Manager
February 28: Introduction to Library and Online Research

Strategies for effective reading
Graduate students are required to read, understand and synthesize information from seemingly endless journal articles and primary texts. Get Reading! for Graduate Students is a two-part, interactive workshop that will help you develop strategies for effective reading. February 3 & 10, 10:30am-12:00pm. Registration is required.

ELWS: Registration opens for February/March courses
Online registration for February/March courses offered by the Office of English Language and Writing Support (ELWS) will open Monday February 7 at 10:00am. ELWS courses are free, non-credit, and available exclusively to U of T graduate students. Courses fill quickly, so register on February 7 to avoid disappointment. ELWS also offers free single-session workshops and one-on-one writing consultations.

Graduate Professional Skills Program: Winter session
Visit the GPS Blackboard Community to see the schedule and to find out which offerings are open for enrolment. Be sure to check back often as additional offerings are announced throughout the semester.