Your Graduate Student Union Listserve Announcements are here!
GSU Digest Issues:
GSU Digest: Debates & Sock Monkeys - March 14, 2013
Contents:
1. All-Candidates Debate: Wed Mar 20, 4-6pm
2. Get to Know Your Candidates! Candidate Statements Available Online
3. Permanent Residency Workshop for International Students: Tues Mar 19, 6-8pm
4. Income Tax Information for Graduate Students
5. Health & Dental Insurance Opt-Out Cheques
6. Health & Dental Insurance Receipts for Teaching Assistants
7. Idle No More UofT: March 18-22
8. Harvest Noon + ChocoSol: Tortilla Making Workshop! Tue Mar 26, 6-8pm
9. Graduate Student Survey: deadline extended!
10. Winona LaDuke Rescheduled: Tues April 2, 7pm
11. The Institute for Optical Sciences Announces Techno2013 Program
12. MISC & MSGSA Open Mic Nights at Hart House: Wed Mar 20, 7-11pm
13. Deciding to Become a Parent While Pursuing Academia: Mon Mar 25, 2-3:30pm
14. Hart House Players Announces Two Productions by UofT Students
15. Operation Sock Monkey: Thurs Mar 21, 11am-1pm
16. Two Science for Peace Lectures: Thurs Mar 21
17. Free Zumba Fitness Class: Every Thursday at 5pm
1. All-Candidates Debate: Wed Mar 20, 4-6pm
Like a good debate?! Then come hear the candidates of the Graduate Students' Union election debate each other! Find out who you want to cast your ballot for! Meet other GSU members and eat *free* food! Candidate statements are available here: www.utgsu.ca/elections/
Wednesday, March 20, from 4 to 6pm. University College (15 King's College Circle) room 144. More information on the debate: www.utgsu.ca/elections/debate.
The GSU Election *VOTING DAYS* are: Tuesday, March 26; Wednesday, March 27; and Thursday, March 28. Polling locations all across St George Campus & at UTM, UTSC, Sunnybrook and Aerospace: www.utgsu.ca/polls. General elections info: www.utgsu.ca/elections; cro@utgsu.ca; info@utgsu.ca.
2. Get to Know Your Candidates! Candidate Statements Available Online
Candidate statements are now available online: www.utgsu.ca/elections/
The GSU Election *VOTING DAYS* are: Tuesday, March 26; Wednesday, March 27; and Thursday, March 28. Polling locations all across St George Campus & at UTM, UTSC, Sunnybrook and Aerospace: www.utgsu.ca/polls. General elections info: www.utgsu.ca/elections; cro@utgsu.ca; info@utgsu.ca.
3. Permanent Residency Workshop for International Students: Tues Mar 19, 6-8pm
Are you an international student? Do you have questions about how to apply for Permanent Residency? The GSU International Students' Caucus (ISC) will be having its next official meeting on Tuesday, March 19th from 6-8 PM in the Bissel Building (140 St. George Street) Room 205. Elizabeth Long, an accredited immigration lawyer, will be speaking to us about the ins and outs of applying for permanent residency! This will be a wonderful opportunity to get some guidance on this important topic and to have some of your pressing questions answered! As always, refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP to stephanie.shaw@mail.utoronto.
4. Income Tax Information for Graduate Students
Tax season is upon us! In order to help you out with the preparation of your 2012 income tax return, we have provided links to important and useful resources below.
Ufile for free! The Canadian Federation of Students offers free access to Ufile for students (look for "Students file free"): http://bit.ly/YdpG94. Income Tax Information for Students from the Canada Revenue Agency: http://bit.ly/Xznn5Q. Income Tax help for low income individuals (there are many clinics in the City of Toronto): http://bit.ly/WpTMse. International Student Income Tax: http://bit.ly/Z1LFio. University of Toronto tax slip information for T2202A: http://bit.ly/13Vd9xP and for T4A: http://bit.ly/XakRgg. Please watch the GSU website for more income tax information: www.utgsu.ca/taxes.
5. Health & Dental Insurance Opt-Out Cheques
Opt-out cheques for GSU health and dental insurance will be mailed out by the end of March. This will also include opt out cheques for students who started in January 2013. You should have received an application number after you opted-out. That is your confirmation that your opt-out went through, and, if there are any discrepancies, please send an email to: health@utgsu.ca and refer to the confirmation number and your student number.
6. Health & Dental Insurance Receipts for Teaching Assistants
If you are a TA and would like to get your GSU health and dental premium receipt (i.e. if you did not opt-out), please check the CUPE website (www.cupe3902.org) and follow the instructions under the Benefits section.
The GSU Health and Dental Office is ONLY issuing receipts for the family plans. Family premium receipts can be picked up from the GSU Health and Dental offices after March 1, 2013 on Mondays & Thursdays (ONLY), between Noon-2pm (these days and times are strictly enforced).
7. Idle No More UofT: March 18-22
A broad coalition of indigenous and non-indigenous UofT students and education workers have come together to organize a series of events on campus in support of the Idle No More movement and indigenous sovereignty more generally. We are planning a week of educational events from March 18-22, 2013, that include: Monday - banner making; Tuesday - Deepening Knowledge discussion; Wednesday - Indigenous@UofT panel; Thursday - Rally then joining Nation to Nation conversation at OISE. For more information and up-to-date schedule, see the facebook page: www.facebook.com/
8. Harvest Noon + ChocoSol: Tortilla Making Workshop! Tue March 26, 6-8pm
Harvest Noon is teaming up with ChocoSol yet again to bring you a hands-on workshop and presentation about revitalizing our relationship with the crucial crop of corn. Come learn about the teachings of corn, and learn to make fresh corn tortillas from scratch using traditional methods such as nixtamalization and stone-grinding. You’ll also get to eat your fill of organic, chocolate-stuffed tortillas! Even more a-maize-ing: participation is free for graduate students! Sign up today at: http://goo.gl/Kjp7W.
9. Graduate Student Survey: deadline extended!
The deadline to submit your response to the graduate student survey (CGPSS) has been extended to March 15. Take 20 minutes to tell us about your graduate experience today. Student completing the survey before midnight on March 15 will be eligible to win a $500 pre-loaded credit card. Look for your unique access code and survey link in your email from ‘School of Graduate Studies (CGPSS)’. More info and CGPSS FAQs can be found on the SGS website: http://bit.ly/VtxOms.
10. Winona LaDuke Rescheduled: Tues April 2, 7pm
The University of Toronto Students' Union (UTSU) and Association of Part-time Undergraduate Students (APUS) are pleased to announce that we have re-scheduled Winona LaDuke! The previous speaking engagement (Feb 11th) had been cancelled due to inclement weather in the U.S. Winona LaDuke will be speaking to issues facing the environment, First Nations people and the global Idle No More indigenous environmental justice movement.
New event: Tuesday, April 2, 7pm, in the OISE Auditorium (252 Bloor St W). For questions or more information email: kate@utsu.ca. Facebook event: http://on.fb.me/Xzt1oo.
We will honour all tickets previously purchased. If you have not purchased tickets they are still for sale at UTSU (12 Hart House Circle) Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm and the APUS Office (Rm 1089 at Sidney Smith) Monday to Thursday, from 10am to 7pm, Friday 10am to 5pm.
11. The Institute for Optical Sciences Announces Techno2013 Program
Have you ever wished that the solutions you develop in the lab could make a difference out in the real world? Over the past 3 years, the annual Techno workshop has helped numerous science and engineering graduate students create over 30 companies. Designed to educate graduate students and post-docs in the fundamentals of building a tech-based business, the 4-week hands-on workshop focuses on subjects from intellectual property to corporate governance. Applications are due on March 25th and more info is available at: techno.optics.utoronto.ca.
12. MISC & MSGSA Open Mic Nights at Hart House: Wed Mar 20, 7-11pm
This is the last one of the semester so if you haven't done it yet, grab your instrument and a drink, and get your butt on the stage. (Spectators welcome, too.) Wednesday, March 20, from 7pm to 11pm. FREE!!! Sammy’s Student Exchange, in Hart House basement. Open Mic Nights at Hart House are hosted by Master of Information Student Council (MISC) and Museum Studies Graduate Student Association (MSGSA). More info at: http://missc.ischool.utoronto.
13. Deciding to Become a Parent While Pursuing Academia: Mon Mar 25, 2-3:30pm
Can I Have Both? Many graduate students wonder if they can have both a career in academia and have children. Join us for a panel discussion featuring a faculty member and graduate students who are currently integrating their studies/career with raising children. All University of Toronto students and postdoctoral fellows are welcome.
Monday March 25, 2pm to 3:30pm. OISE (252 Bloor St W), room 5150. Please register online: http://bit.ly/X7LORN.
The Family Care Office has a small fund of money that is available to assist University of Toronto students with family responsibilities who wish to attend extra and co-curricular activities (such as this one) but are unable to because of child care costs. Here are the Eligibility criteria: http://bit.ly/YoKDjB.
14. Hart House Players Announces Two Productions by UofT Students
Hart House Players is pleased to announce two upcoming productions authored and developed by UofT students!
Our mainstage production, "Rhyme Reason or Otherwise", directed by Jeremy Hutton, will run at Hart House Theatre from March 28-30. Student tickets are $12. For more details and to purchase tickets, see our Facebook event: http://on.fb.me/ZIRUtx.
"Sexpectations: A Collective Procreation" is a multimedia sex-themed collective creation cabaret developed over six months from the work of over eighty contributors. It is on Sunday March 24 in the Hart House Debates Room. Tickets are pay-what-you-can. Details at: http://on.fb.me/XuVA6j.
15. Operation Sock Monkey: Thurs Mar 21, 11am-1pm
Operation Sock Monkey (OSM) is a volunteer-run initiative in support of humanitarian organizations that provide laughter, hope and healing to children in communities around the world affected by disease, disaster and social/political turmoil. Sock Monkey is a simple craft that can be mastered by novice and veteran crafters alike. The main activity is hand-sewing, but no previous sewing experience is required. Creativity, imagination and a desire to send a smile is all you’ll need to succeed.
Thursday, March 21, from 11am to 1pm. Hart House Reading Room. $10, materials provided. Registration is required: http://bit.ly/Ybuj3i. Learn more at: www.harthouse.ca.
If you fall in love with your sock monkey/critter and you can't bear to be separated, it can be kept for a cash donation of another $5; otherwise, it will be given back to OSM for inclusion in the sponsor group (currently to children in Russian orphanages via our Canadian chapter of Clowns Without Borders/Clowns Sans Frontieres).
16. Two Science for Peace Lectures: Thurs Mar 21
Join Science for Peace for two free public lectures on Thursday, March 21! See here for more information: www.scienceforpeace.ca/events.
3-5pm: "Stress- The psychological, physiological, and emotional consequences of living in a nuclear age", by Frank Sommers. At University College (15 King’s College Circle), room 044 (in basement).
7-9pm: “The Making of Global Capitalism: The Canadian Model”, by Leo Panitch (Professor of Political Science, York University). At University College (15 King’s College Circle), room 144.
17. Free Zumba Fitness Class: Every Thursday at 5pm
Canadian Obesity Network - Student & New Professionals (CON-SNP), University of Toronto Chapter Presents: Zumba Fitness Class. Join us for a fun and great workout. Dance your stress away with our easy to follow directions from our Zumba instructor. FREE of charge, every Thursday at 5PM at the Graduate Students' Union (16 Bancroft Avenue). More information: consnp@utoronto.ca; www.twitter.com/consnp_toronto
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The digest goes out each Thursday. Submissions must be sent to digest@utgsu.ca by Wednesday at noon. Due to space limitations, announcements for same-day or next-day events are not accommodated. Please keep digest submissions under our strict 7 line maximum, or they will be returned for editing. Thank you!
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Contents:
1. GSU 2013 Elections Update
2. Cinema Politica UofT Screening of 'Myths for Profit': Thurs Mar 14, 8pm
3. Health & Dental Insurance Opt-Out Cheques
4. Health Insurance Receipts for Teaching Assistants
5. Health Insurance Receipts for Teaching Assistants
6. Improve Transit in the GTA by Joining the TTCriders Advocacy Group
7. Positive Space Poster Competition: Deadline Fri Mar 8
8. 3MT® (3 Minute Thesis) Competition Registration Now Open
9. Family Care Office March Break Activities: March 13-15
10. The Graduate Student Survey Continues until March 10
11. Elections for 2013-2014 Arts and Science Council
12. Can We Be Free of Nuclear Weapons & Still Have Nuclear Power? Thurs Mar 7, 7-9pm
13. Interdisciplinary Students for International Development: Thurs Mar 7, 12-2pm
14. Join a Hart House Student-Led Committee: Deadline March 14
15. Feminar: Sat Mar 2, 10am-2pm
1. GSU 2013 Elections Update
This is a reminder that the nomination period for Graduate Students' Union 2013/2014 Executive Officer Positions closes on Friday, March 1 at 5pm. Nomination forms can be picked up in the GSU Offices (16 Bancroft Ave), downloaded from our elections webpage (www.utgsu.ca/elections), or by special arrangement with the Chief Returning Officer (cro@utgsu.ca). Successful nominations will be announced on our website next week.
The next election-related deadline coming up is the All-Candidates Debate scheduled for Thursday, March 21, 3-5pm. Save the date! Details are forthcoming and will be posted both in the Weekly GSU Digest, and on our elections website.
2. Cinema Politica UofT Screening of 'Myths for Profit': Thurs Mar 14, 8pm
‘Myths for Profit' is a dramatic, exposé documentary which explores 'Canada’s role in Industries of War and Peace’. Through diverse interviews and case studies this documentary unveils the specific interests and profits that are made by certain corporation, individuals and agency within Canada. By examining these myths we seek to find out what are the possible motives that hide behind these stories, and if there are certain people who stand to gain and maintain these misconceptions. Only by breaking down these myths can we hope to understand how these systems of power operate, and help empower people across Canada to change them.
Thursday, March 14, starting at 8pm, in OISE (252 Bloor St W) room 5150. Myths of Profit trailer: http://bit.ly/15TDBXX.
Cinema Politica UofT is an initiative of the Graduate Students’ Union, University of Toronto and Association for Part-Time Undergraduate Students. We screen films that challenge conventional narratives and that explore under-represented stories. Our film screenings aim to engage students and the community in critical issues surrounding equity and environmental justice. We seek to accomplish this by following each screening with a discussion about how the content of the film relates to our own experiences and what action we can take collectively. www.cinemapolitica.org/uoft.
3. Health & Dental Insurance Opt-Out Cheques
Opt-out cheques will be mailed out by the end of March. This will also include opt out cheques for students who started in January 2013. You should have received an application number after you opted-out. That is your confirmation that your opt-out went through, and, if there are any discrepancies, please send an email to: health@utgsu.ca and refer to the confirmation number and your student number.
4. Health Insurance Receipts for Teaching Assistants
If you are a TA and would like to get your GSU premium receipt (i.e. if you did not opt-out), please check the CUPE website (www.cupe3902.org) and follow the instructions under the Benefits section.
The GSU Health and Dental Office is ONLY issuing receipts for the family plans. Family premium receipts can be picked up from the GSU Health and Dental offices after March 1, 2013 on Mondays & Thursdays (ONLY), between Noon-2pm (these days and times are strictly enforced).
5. Health & Dental Insurance Benefits Guide
The Health & Dental Insurance Benefits Guide, claim forms, etc. are available on the GreenShield website: www.greenshield.ca/
6. Improve Transit in the GTA by Joining the TTCriders Advocacy Group
Most of us use public transit on a daily basis; it is no wonder that each of us has complained about it or wished for some improvements to the transit service that we have in the GTA. That is the reason why we believe that it is now time to actively engage in improving the public transit system of our city, and we are doing so through TTCriders.
TTCriders is a public transit advocacy group that gives transit riders a voice. Through it we have recently started planning for campaigns aiming to improve the ridership experience and increase the positive outcomes that a strong transit system provides. There are ways for you to participate in this process too: (1) By joining the ~16,000 people who receive updates by email from TTCriders by registering on our website at www.ttcriders.ca; (2) By becoming a member of TTCriders through the website; and (3) By joining a committee or working group of TTCriders – email Shaun Cleaver (shaun.cleaver@utoronto.ca) and/or Bahar Davoudi (bahar.davoudi@utoronto.ca).
We believe that as students, we can have a loud and important voice. Here is your chance to contribute to that voice.
7. Positive Space Poster Competition: Deadline Fri Mar 8
You're invited to design and create a poster on the theme 'THIS is Positive Space'. The winning entry will be used as part of the Positive Space campaign at the University of Toronto and receive a $200 gift certificate (of your choice, with some restrictions!). Judging criteria include: creativity, relevance to Positive Space goals and aims, and appropriate to faculty, staff and students at the University of Toronto.
Entries are welcomed from students, staff, faculty and alumni and will be displayed on campus throughout the spring and fall and on www.positivespace.utoronto.ca. Submissions are due Friday, March 8, 2013. Posters should be in PDF (8.5 x 11) format and submitted to: positive.space@utoronto.ca. For more information, see: http://bit.ly/ZM2Vic.
8. 3MT® (3 Minute Thesis) Competition Registration Now Open
The 3MT® (3 Minute Thesis) is a university-wide competition for doctoral students – you’ll have a 3 minute time limit to present your doctoral research to a panel of non-specialist judges. The challenge is to present complex research information in an engaging, accessible and compelling way within 3 minutes and with only one power-point slide. The University of Toronto will hold a university-wide 3MT® competition on Friday, March 22. A preliminary heat for each division will be held starting at 4:30 in the Galbraith Building. The winner and runner-up of the University of Toronto competition will compete in the provincial finals to be held at Queen’s University in Kingston on April 18, 2013.
Prizes for University of Toronto Winners are: $1,000 for 1st place; iPad mini for the runner up; and $100 UofT Bookstore gift certificate for finalists.
Registration for the 3MT® opened on Wed. Feb. 27th and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 20 confirmed registrants in each division will compete amongst their peers in their respective preliminary heats. To sign up for the 3MT® competition, please see the SGS website. http://bit.ly/Y2stRs
9. Family Care Office March Break Activities: March 13-15
The Family Care Office is offering March Break Activities on campus: Galaxy Crafts Morning, Tue, March 12, 10 am to 12 pm for kids 4 to 12 years; Skywatch: Planetarium Show and Telescope Viewing Wed March 13th, 7:45 to 9 pm for kids grades 3 to 8; and the workshop At Home Alone on Friday, March 15, 10 am to 12 pm for parents with their children 9 to 12 years of age. (Online) registration required! http://bit.ly/15hy64k
10. The Graduate Student Survey Continues until March 10
Your chance to tell us about your graduate experience ends on Sunday, March 10. All eligible students completing the online graduate student survey (CGPSS) could win a $500 pre-loaded credit card. Your email message from ‘School of Graduate Studies (CGPSS)’ contains your unique access code and the link to the survey. Don’t let the chance to give your feedback pass you by! More information on the CGPSS page: http://bit.ly/VtxOms.
11. Elections for 2013-2014 Arts and Science Council
Nominations for positions on 2013-2014 Arts and Science Council will open on March 13 and close on March 15. There are six positions for graduate students on Council and on the Graduate Curriculum Committee (GCC). As of 2012, Council and the GCC approve various parts of the Faculty’s graduate curriculum, and Council needs to hear the views of your constituency.
Elections will be held (on the Arts & Science Governance web site) on April 2 and 3. Nomination forms are on the Arts & Science governance website at http://bit.ly/YDasLH
12. Can We Be Free of Nuclear Weapons & Still Have Nuclear Power? Thurs Mar 7, 7-9pm
Join Science for Peace for a free public lecture at 7-9pm on March 7th, 2013 in Room 1105 of the Sanford Fleming Building 10 King?s College Road, Toronto, ON by Gordon Edwards, Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility, on "Can We Be Free of Nuclear Weapons and Still Have Nuclear Power?". More information at www.scienceforpeace.ca/events.
13. Interdisciplinary Students for International Development: Thurs Mar 7, 12-2pm
The Interdisciplinary Students for International Development (ISID) aims to bring together researchers and students from various disciplines who are working on topics related to international development. Our sessions are organized around different themes, and the upcoming launch event focuses on Global Health. This session will be held on Thursday March 7th, from 12-2pm at Hart House. There will be complimentary lunch and snacks served at the event. Further information and reservations for the event are available at: www.utisid.wordpress.com.
14. Join a Hart House Student-Led Committee: Deadline March 14
Don’t miss your opportunity to join one of U of T’s most vibrant communities!
Plan a concert series in the Arbor Room; host a dialogue on sustainable economics with leading figures like David Miller; help the Theatre select it’s next season; develop events which promote wellness; you can even plant potatoes at Hart House Farm! Hart House is recruiting students to sit on one of its 11 student-led committees — from Art to Debates, Music to Social Justice. Create your own adventure at Hart House! Visit here for more information and to fill out an application: www.harthouse.ca/
15. Feminar: Sat Mar 2, 10am-2pm
All women studying at UofT are invited to take part in a FREE workshop to rediscover their life goals this Saturday March 2nd, 10am-2pm, at the St. George campus. This half-day "Feminar" will be facilitated by members of Sheconnex - a community focused on growing all aspects of a women's lives, both professionally and personally. The 3-part session focuses on identifying your passion, growing your confidence and pursuing your dreams with ambition.
Feel welcome, encouraged and appreciated in an environment that is safe, comfortable and inclusive. The event is open to all women enrolled at UofT, and is sponsored by the Kinesiology and Physical Education Equity Ideas Fund. The event will be held at the UofT Athletic Centre, 55 Harbord St. in the Benson Student Lounge on the 2nd floor. Snacks will be served. As there are limited spaces available we ask that all participants register online: www.sheconnex.com/event/
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The digest goes out each Thursday. Submissions must be sent to digest@utgsu.ca by Wednesday at noon. Due to space limitations, announcements for same-day or next-day events are not accommodated. Please keep digest submissions under our strict 7 line maximum, or they will be returned for editing. Thank you!
3. Cinema Politica UofT Revolutionary Feminism Double Bill: Thurs Feb 21, 8pm
4. Refresh Your GSU! Submissions Due February 22nd!
5. Queer Caucus Movie & Pub Night: Tues Feb 26, 8pm
6. Graduate Supervisory Workshop: Tues Feb 26, 4-6pm
7. Health & Dental Opt-Out Cheques
8. Health Insurance Receipts for Teaching Assistants
9. Health & Dental Insurance Benefits Guide
10. GSU Gym Available Evenings Feb. 19 and 20
11. Graduate Student Survey: Early bird prize deadline on Feb 18
12. A Reading Week of Workshops at Harvest Noon! Chocolate, Bread, & Darkness!
13. UofT Environmental Resource Network (UTERN) Levy Refund Period: Feb 4 to 22
14. Promoting Healthy Body Image In Your Children: Tues Feb 19: 12-2pm
15. Soccer Tournament: Registration due Sat Feb 16
16. UofT's Sexual Education Centre (UTSEC) Bedslam: Tues Mar 5, 7-11pm
17. Hart House Players 2013 Play Contest: Deadline Fri Mar 1
1. Nomination Period for 2013/14 GSU Executive Positions: Feb 15 to Mar 1
Nominations for six GSU executive positions (2013-2014) will open on Friday, February 15, 2013, and close Friday, March 1, 2013 at 5pm. The term of office for these positions is May 1, 2013 to April 30, 2014, with an annual honorarium of $14,528 / year. Nomination forms will be available at the GSU Offices (16 Bancroft Ave), for the duration of the nomination period from Friday February 15 to Friday March 1, during regular business hours (10am – 5pm), from Monday to Friday, or by special arrangement with the CRO (cro@utgsu.ca).
For more information, please see our elections webpage for election timeline, summary of executive officer duties, and more: www.utgsu.ca/elections. We will regularly update this elections webpage with election information. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Jeff Myers, the Chief Returning Officer of this year’s election, at cro@utgsu.ca.
2. The UTGSU Policy Workshop: Wed Feb 20, 12:45-3pm
Are you a grad student with a passion for policy? Are you involved in your course union or other campus groups? Do you want to know more about Post-Secondary Education policy? No matter your interest in policy, the UTGSU Policy Workshop has it all. With Special Guests Erika Shaker of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and Heather Laird of the Ontario Nonprofit Network, we’ll be engaging in variety of policy topics and discussions ranging from the creation of good policy, to what makes our sector’s policy tick! Head over to the Association of Part-time Undergraduate Students (APUS) Boardroom on the 2nd Floor of the North Borden Building from 12:45 PM to 3:00 PM and let’s find out! Refreshments will be provided.
3. Cinema Politica UofT Revolutionary Feminism Double Bill: Thurs Feb 21, 8pm
Cinema Politica UofT is hosting a double bill on revolutionary feminism, screening both My Daughter the Terrorist and Leila Khaled: Hijacker. Stick around for a discussion about revolutionary feminism following the screenings. "My Daughter the Terrorist" is an award-winning documentary about two female soldiers who fight for the independence of Tamil. "Leila Khaled: Hijacker" is a film about Palestinian Leila Khaler, who made history in 1969 by becoming the first woman to hijack an airplane, and challenges our assumptions about those who resort to violent means in response to oppression. More detailed descriptions and trailers of the films can be found here:www.cinemapolitica.org/film/
Cinema Politica UofT is an initiative of the Graduate Students' Union, University of Toronto and Association for Part-Time Undergraduate Students. We screen films that challenge conventional narratives and that explore under-represented stories. Our film screenings aim to engage students and the community in critical issues surrounding equity and environmental justice. We seek to accomplish this by following each screening with a discussion about how the content of the film relates to our own experiences and what action we can take collectively. www.cinemapolitica.org/uoft.
4. Refresh Your GSU! Submissions Due February 22nd!
The UTGSU is a member driven organization that provides a democratic student voice for over 17,000 graduate students at the University of Toronto. As an organization driven to improve the lives and environment of graduate students, we are committed to making U of T more equitable, accessible, and just. With these aspiration, the UTGSU is looking to refresh its identity to reflect the changing needs of the student body and its diverse, but unified, membership. Our brand should reflect these ideals and engage all graduate students. Design a comprehensive visual identity to encapsulate the brand of the Union by February 22nd 2013 which will be both judged by a team of experts and voted on by the membership for the ultimate prize of the admiration of the membership, a lasting impact on graduate students at the University and ... Five Hundred Dollars ($ 500.00)!
For more information, please see www.utgsu.ca/brand to view our full set of requirements for the contest and the downloadable template.
5. Queer Caucus Movie & Pub Night: Tues Feb 26, 8pm
The GSU Queer Caucus is hosting a Film Screening and Pub Night on Tuesday, February 26. 8pm: Screening of "Pariah" in the Geography Lounge (Sidney Smith Hall, 5th Floor, 100 St. George). 10pm: Pub Night at the GSU Pub (GSU Building, 16 Bancroft).
"Pariah" is a film about a 17-year old Brooklyn teenager, who embraces her identity as a lesbian, while she juggles conflicting identities and risks friendship, heartbreak, and family in a desperate search for sexual expression.
Light snacks and some refreshments will be provided. Come one, come all! Facebook event: http://on.fb.me/WJlIYC.
6. Graduate Supervisory Workshop: Tues Feb 26, 4-6pm
Do you have ANY issues with your supervisor or committee or lab? According to our survey results, it seems some of you do. Be proactive. Ask the experts what you can do to resolve issues and insist that there be mechanisms in place to deal with issues like sexual harassment, etc. better. Submit questions anonymously for our panel of experts to address to bahram@utgsu.ca and please attend the workshop.
UofT's Ombudsperson, Graduate Students' Union (GSU) staff & School of Graduate Studies (SGS) staff who deal with student issues, and educational law professor Justice Marvin Zuker will all be there to address your issues and those of others.
Tuesday, February 26th, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at OISE room 2211. Facebook event: http://on.fb.me/TZlLjY.
7. Health & Dental Opt-Out Cheques
Opt-out cheques will be mailed out by the end of March. This will also include opt out cheques for students who started in January 2013. You should have received an application number after you opted-out. That is your confirmation that your opt-out went through, and, if there are any discrepancies, please send an email to:health@utgsu.ca and refer to the confirmation number and your student number.
8. Health Insurance Receipts for Teaching Assistants
If you are a TA and would like to get your GSU premium receipt (i.e. if you did not opt-out), please check the CUPE website: www.cupe3902.org and follow the instructions under the Benefits section.
The GSU Health and Dental Office is ONLY issuing receipts for the family plans. Family premium receipts can be picked up from the GSU Health and Dental offices after March 1, 2013 on Mondays & Thursdays (ONLY), between Noon-2pm (these days and times are strictly enforced).
9. Health & Dental Insurance Benefits Guide
The Health & Dental Insurance Benefits Guide, claim forms, etc. are available on the GreenShield website: www.greenshield.ca/
10. GSU Gym Available Evenings Feb. 19 and 20
Because our Volleyball League doesn't play during Reading Week, the Graduate Students' Union gym is available Feb. 19 for volleyball bookings, and 20th for doubles badminton bookings. You can book one hour between 5 to 11pm. To book please call Ruth at , starting at 10am on Tuesday Feb. 19. Do not leave a voicemail message. First come, first served. There must be at least 4 players, 75% graduate students, and a list of their names and student numbers must be provided toruth@utgsu.ca. www.utgsu.ca/gym.
11. Graduate Student Survey: Early bird prize deadline on Feb 18
Before Reading Week, give us your feedback in the graduate student survey (CGPSS) for your chance to win an iPad mini! All students completing the survey before midnight on February 18 are eligible for the early bird prize.
Also, students who complete the survey before March 10 can win a $500 pre-loaded credit card. Look for your unique access code and the survey link in your email from ‘School of Graduate Studies (CGPSS)’. For more information, please check out the CGPSS 2013 FAQs: http://bit.ly/VtxOms.
12. A Reading Week of Workshops at Harvest Noon! Chocolate, Bread, & Darkness!
Although Harvest Noon will not be open for our regular lunch service next week (Reading Week: February 18 to February 22), we will be opening up in the evening for some super awesome workshops and events throughout the week, all of which are being offered free to graduate students! Events include a talk on chocolate, a sensory awareness dinner, a pay-what-you-can (PWYC) yard sale, and a bread baking workshop. Attendance is limited, so sign up soon! More info can be found at:http://goo.gl/WIwPR
13. UofT Environmental Resource Network (UTERN) Levy Refund Period: Feb 4 to 22
During the 2012 GSU Elections, the GSU Membership voted to establish a refundable levy for the University of Toronto Environmental Resource Network (UTERN). The levy is $0.50/year for full-time graduate students and $0.26/year for part-time graduate students.
Graduate students who wish to opt out of this levy and receive a refund of the fees collected can do so Monday through Friday, from February 4 to 22, 2013 (inclusive), during regular business hours (11am – 7pm), including the three (3) Tuesday evenings (7-9pm) during the refund period outlined above. Refunds for both the Fall 2012 and Winter 2013 terms can be requested during this period. Please bring your University of Toronto Student ID and proof of registration (such as print-out from rosi!). For more information on UTERN and for more details (location, times) on the refund process, contact UTERN: www.utern.org; utern.toronto@gmail.com.
14. Promoting Healthy Body Image In Your Children: Tues Feb 19: 12-2pm
In this workshop by the National Eating Disorder Information Centre we will explore the social, familial, peer and individual factors influencing self-esteem and body image in youth today. Research findings on the effects of language, gender, media messages, family, peers, and social media on body image will be shared. Small group work will be used to explore ways to engage boys and girls in discussion of body image issues, and to develop strategies to promote healthy self-esteem in children ages 9 and up. Tuesday, February 19, 12 to 2 p.m., 214 College St., Room 313. Registration at www.familycare.utoronto.ca/
15. Soccer Tournament: Registration due Sat Feb 16
Do you enjoy playing soccer? Do you want to play soccer in a fun, yet competitive environment? Well get your teams registered by Saturday, February 16th to take part in UofT's most anticipated soccer tournament!
UofT's Nawranj Iranian Association (NIA) is excited to announce its 4th annual soccer tournament, to take place on Wednesday, February 20! A much talked about event held at the University of Toronto, Varsity Dome. This event has gathered a big following of fans, and many teams participate every year to try their chance at winning the cup and medals. So join us again, and lets play some soccer! Also, be advised that you are guaranteed a spot only after you pay the registration fee of $250 per team. Each team is required to have a minimum of 6 players to participate. The maximum number of players on a team is 12. You can pay the fee either by money transfer or in person. info@nawranj.com; .
16. UofT's Sexual Education Centre (UTSEC) Bedslam: Tues Mar 5, 7-11pm
Bedslam is an event with the goal of providing an open mic outlet for sex, sexuality and relationship stories, songs and anything else. With the goal of destigmatizing sex talk, we ask you to bring us your best and bring us your worst, all are welcome. For submissions, see the following link and please submit by the night of the event, only a limited amount of spots will be open the night of, as due to the nature of this show, we're prereading submissions. Not to make sure they're not risque, but to make sure they're not mean or offensive. www.olaskud.wufoo.com/forms/
Tuesday, March 5, 7pm -11pm, in the Arbour Room at Hart House. Facebook event: http://on.fb.me/X5uPCA.
Hosted by UofT's Sexual Education Centre (UTSEC), sponsored by the Sexual Diversity Studies department, and organized with help from LBGTout, Queer Writes, Out in Law, Qu(e)erying Religion, Sexual & Gender Diversity Office (SGDO), and countless other organizations on campus, Bedslam is a project to create and grow a sex positive community at U of T from our many queer positive groups.
17. Hart House Players 2013 Play Contest: Deadline Fri Mar 1
Hart House Players invites all University of Toronto students to submit their one-act and full-length plays to our contest by March 1st, 2013. The deadline to submit your play is midnight on Friday, March 1st, 2013. Please send submissions to harthouseplayers@gmail.com with Play Contest Submission in the subject line.
Play Contest Rules and Prizes: (1) The play must be minimum one act (running time of approx. 40mins-1 hr.) but can be as long as you like; (2) The play must be an original work; and (3) The author must be a current student at the University of Toronto.
All plays submitted will be evaluated by a panel, and those chosen in the top slots will receive cash prizes. Those plays selected as winners will receive one of the following prizes: Best Full Length Play (prize of $200); Best One-Act Play (prize of $200); First Runner-Up (prize of $100); Second Runner-Up (prize of $50). Any plays that do not receive prizes may still be eligible for workshop productions by the Players in the 2012-2013 School Year.
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The digest goes out each Thursday. Submissions must be sent to digest@utgsu.ca by Wednesday at noon. Due to space limitations, announcements for same-day or next-day events are not accommodated. Please keep digest submissions under our strict 7 line maximum, or they will be returned for editing. Thank you!
Contents: .
1. GSU Health & Dental Insurance
2. GSU Co-ed Volleyball League - Sign Up Meeting: Mon Sept 10, 12pm
3. GSU Internal Committee Meeting: Tues Sept 11, 2pm
4. We Need Your Input! Improving Graduate School Proposal Townhall: Mon Sept 10, 5-7pm
5. GSU Handbook/Dayplanner
6. Disorientation Week 2012 Presents: The City is a Battleground: Sept 17-21
7. Wine and Cheese Reception for New Faculty and PhD Students: Thurs Sept 20: 5-7pm
8. CUPE 3902's The Guardian September 2012 Issue Now Online
9. Learn to SCUBA Dive with the Hart House Underwater Club (HHUC)
10. SGS Intramural Team Sign Up
1. GSU Health & Dental Insurance
Starting September 1st please visit our website: www.utgsu.ca/insurance for the following: Opt-in and opt-out dates, link to the opt-out site, forms for family opt-in and 12-Month Extension, link to the Greenshield website for the 2012-2013 Benefit Booklet.
2. GSU Co-ed Volleyball League - Sign Up Meeting: Mon Sept 10, 12pm
Looking to play in 2012-2013 the GSU Volleyball League? The organizational and sign-up meeting for all divisions takes place on Monday, September 10 at noon in the GSU gym (16 Bancroft Avenue). As in previous years, there will be four divisions to choose from:
Recreational: Recreation means anything goes (playing just for “fun”). There are no playoffs.
Intermediate A and B: Intermediate means playing by the rules, but not necessarily strictly called.
Competitive: Competitive means hard spiking, blocking required, setters running plays, very strict rules.
For more information on the League, contact Anika Harford, GSU Volleyball League Coordinator (volleyball@utgsu.ca). www.utgsu.ca/athletics/gsu-volleyball-league
3. GSU Internal Committee Meeting: Tues Sept 11, 2pm
New Members - Incoming or Returning Graduate Students - Welcome!
This committee is open to all members and its work will include aiding in policy preparation, advise Council members as to best practices with regards to policy writing and assisting in the implementation of existing policy and operational goals. Over the coming year, the committee shall engage in a complete review of much of what makes our union tick and we need you to make our Union the best it can be!
The Committee will be meeting at 2pm on Tuesday, September 11th, at the GSU Building (16 Bancroft Ave).
The agenda can be found at www.utgsu.ca/internal and for more information, please contact Brad Evoy (internal@utgsu.ca).
4. We Need Your Input! Improving Graduate School Proposal Townhall: Mon Sept 10, 5-7pm
After an initial consultation process, your Academics and Funding Commissioners drafted a report on how graduate school might be improved. This proposal will eventually be sent to the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities as part of a larger consultation process that they are having to transform the post-secondary education system. You can contribute by reading our proposal and replying either via email (academics@utgsu.ca), via our survey, or by attending the September 10th Townhall meeting.
Townhall: Monday, September 10, 5-7pm. Koffler Multi-Faith Centre (569 Spadina Ave), auditorium. More info: on.fb.me/Snaw3f
Read the full draft proposal here: www.utgsu.ca/ontproposal
Fill out the survey here: svy.mk/UuLn44
5. GSU Handbook/Dayplanner
New members, please pick up your handbook in your department (mailed c/o your Grad Administrator). Sorry, we have run out of them at the GSU Building. Contact: ruth@utgsu.ca
6. Disorientation Week 2012 Presents: The City is a Battleground: Sept 17-21
Austerity. What is it? What does it mean for our communities? How can we resist it?
It isn’t always easy to understand it as a concept, but we know what it looks like on the ground. Attacks on public sector workers and cuts to social services have been on the rise in Toronto and abroad. This is only the beginning. The local cutbacks are only a small part of a larger agenda. This fight against austerity also resists the same exploitative system that keeps communities and people poor, and works to end a system built on a continuing history of white supremacy, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and the colonization of indigenous people. A brutal era of austerity is already being felt, but so too is the resistance to it.
Join OPIRG-Toronto and the University of Toronto Student’s Union for a week of discussion, debate and direct action!
Dis/Orientation is the radical alternative to frosh week. Organized annually by OPIRG-Toronto, in conjunction with the University of Toronto Student’s Union, disorientation aims to introduce new and returning students to the politicized side of campus life, and connect them with student activism, community organizing and the work of OPIRG’s action groups.
For more information, including workshop details and the schedule, visit:www.opirgtoronto.org/content/disorientation-week-2012-presents-city-battleground
All Disorientation events are free and wheelchair accessible. For childcare and other accessibility inquiries, please get in touch with us at opirg.toronto@gmail.com.
7. Wine and Cheese Reception for New Faculty and PhD Students: Thurs Sept 20: 5-7pm
Please join Larry Alford, Chief Librarian, University of Toronto Libraries, and Professor Brian Corman, Dean, School of Graduate Studies, at a wine & cheese reception for new faculty and PhD students.
Thursday 20 September 2012, 5:00–7:00 pm
Gerstein Reading Room, Heritage Wing, Gerstein Science Information Centre, 9 King’s College Circle
RSVP at http://go.utlib.ca/rsvp by Monday 17 September. Info: bit.ly/P3BeuK
8. CUPE 3902's The Guardian September 2012 Issue Now Online
The September 2012 issue of The Guardian, CUPE 3902′s bi-monthly newspaper, is now available online: bit.ly/TmCdIP. In this issue you’ll find extensive coverage of upcoming changes in post-secondary education, updates from CUPE 3902 working groups, important information and bargaining updates for Unit 2, 3, and 4, and much more.
The paper issue will soon be mailed to Unit 2 and 3 members. Members of Units 1 and 4 may request a paper copy of future issues by e-mailing info@cupe3902.org.
9. Learn to SCUBA Dive with the Hart House Underwater Club (HHUC)
Since 1962 the HHUC has offered high quality Scuba diver training courses featuring twelve weeks of classroom and pool instruction leading to Scuba certification with the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI). The club supports a team of professionally qualified NAUI instructors (many of whom are faculty, staff and alumni of University of Toronto). Our instructors are also club members and volunteers, who teach for love of the sport, rather than for financial gain, and because they believe in keeping the sport of diving safe for all participants. The club provides many diving opportunities with an extensive summer dive schedule, various overseas trips and a variety of Scuba related and social activities! Sign up for the fall course which will run on Tuesday evenings 7:00pm-11:00pm from Sept. 18th until Dec. 4th, 2012. For more information view our course brochure: bit.ly/OdkH8M. For more information on the HHUC: www.hhuc.ca.
10. SGS Intramural Team Sign Up
The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) has a number of intramural teams for the upcoming fall semester. Sports for the Fall 2012 season are:
CO-ED Basketball, Volleyball, Flag Football, Ultimate Frisbee
WOMEN'S Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Flag Football
MEN'S Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Flag Football
Please email us with the following information (sgs.intramurals@gmail.com), so that we can put you on the contact list for a team: 1. Your name 2. Sport 3. Men's/Women's/Co-ed 4. Division (Division 1 - most competitive, 2 - intermediate/recreational).
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The digest goes out each Thursday. Submissions must be sent to digest@utgsu.ca by Wednesday at noon. Due to space limitations, announcements for same-day or next-day events are rarely accommodated. Please keep digest submissions under our strict 7 line maximum, or they will be returned for editing. Thank you!