Date:
February 18 &19, 2012

Time:
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Location:
Earth Sciences Building, 33 Willcocks, Rm 1050

Admission?
$ 10.00 Advance Tickets; $ 8.00 per day at the door

Registration Required?
http://bpsu.blogs.chass.utoronto.ca/?page_id=409

Event Contact:
mindmatterstoronto@gmail.com

A Public Lecture and Launch of the UNIA Papers 1910-1920 (Robert Hill, ed., Duke University Press, 2011), in commemoration of Marcus Garvey’s 125th Anniversary:

DATE: February 17th
PLACE:   William Doo Auditorium, 45 Willcocks Street
TIME:  6:30 p.m.

With A Different Booklist

Download the event poster here

Day 3: Thursday, February 16th – 6pm
Mooz-lum (dir. Basir, 2011) Film Screening and Discussion
William Doo Auditorium, New College (45 Willcocks St.)

Synopsis: Mooz-lum (i.e. “Muslim”) tells the story of an African American Muslim family whose lives are changed by the September 11th attacks and their aftermath. Starring Danny Glover.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DRvfVbnUrg

Islamic Africa and Diaspora explores the diversity of experiences, histories and traditions of peoples of African descent who identify as Muslim, both on the continent and in the diaspora. Through four events – an evening of arts and performance, an academic panel discussion, a film screening and a keynote lecture – this series will highlight the many ways Muslims of African descent have imagined, expressed and lived their Blackness and Islamic identities.

Islamic Africa and Diaspora is supported by the University of Toronto Students’ Union, the Muslim Students’ Association, the African Students’ Association, the Egyptian Students’ Association, African Studies, the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office, and the Ontario Black History Society.

For more information please see: https://www.facebook.com/events/140793352707293/

To date more than 200 friends, alumni, faculty and staff have shown their support for New College students by contributing to this fund, creating a permanent scholarship that will allow future generations of students to focus on what matters most: their education.

Individual donors making combined donations of $ 1,827 or more are welcomed into the Presidents’ Circle—a unique membership program for those donors who commitment reflects the vision and leadership of the University’s past presidents.

To join us in building a legacy that will shape the successful societies of tomorrow, click here.

For more information about this scholarship,  please contact Celeste Richards at 416.978.0310 or celeste.richards@utoronto.ca

This offers an opportunity for alumni to meaningfully engage with current upper-year students who are interested in learning about potential careers after graduation in an intimate setting.

Over dinner, students are able to ask alumni about their academic and professional successes. Alumni in turn offer the insights they have gained since graduation, analyzing how their experiences led them into their fields and toward the subsequent success they have enjoyed since.

Our first Dinner was hosted by Dr. Leslie Goldenberg (‘71), Medical Director for the Walking Mobility Clinics in the GTA and surrounding area. Students who attended this dinner were captivated by Dr. Goldenberg’s years of experience, success and wise counsel.

After a night of giving, Dr. Goldenberg (‘71) receives a small ‘thank you’ for his time.  

The value of this evening for those preparing for a career in the medical field was noted in the feedback of several participants, including Stacey Konidis, a 3^rd year Human Biology and Psychology student. “This was an amazing opportunity and a great event,” she said. “Dr. Goldenberg’s advice was very eloquently presented and he addressed many areas that go well beyond what I had expected.”

The second dinner was hosted by Mr. John Kalm (‘86), a Senior Counsel in the legal department of Ontario Power Generation Inc. (OPG), who spoke passionately about his academic and professional trajectory. His talk was particularly poignant for students preparing to enter law school.

Mr. Kalm (‘86) shares advice and a good meal with New College students.

   “This was a really fantastic experience,” said Yayi Ding, a 4^th year Economics and Political Science student. “I think these kinds of opportunities are what make New College stand out, and I’m really glad to be a part of it.”

The response from our students has been overwhelming and we are excited about the prospect of continuing to provide such a worthwhile opportunity for our students.

If you are interested in participating and sharing your experiences, expertise and knowledge with our students, visit our website for more details email Brenda Registe at alumni.newcollege@utoronto.ca or 416-978-8273.

by Brenda Registe

From left to right: Drs. Roshan Razik (’06), Jeff Bloom (’72) & Raymond Rupert (’72)

“I think that current mentees can benefit greatly from any mentor that’s enthusiastic and willing to adjust their mentoring role to the needs of the student” said Dr. Roshan Razik, a former mentee at New College and now a mentor himself.

When preparing his applications for Medical school, Dr. Razik found that he needed some guidance along the way, “but more importantly” he adds, “I needed a human FAQ of sorts to tell me what it really means to be a physician. By applying to the New College mentorship program, I was hoping that it would fill that void for me.”

His story echoes that of many undergraduates at the University of Toronto, which prompted Vice Provost, Students Jill Matus to initiate a formal assessment of the student experience at the University. The findings, published in July 2010 and titled In Their Own Words: Understanding the Undergraduate Student Experience at the University of Toronto, were clear: “Across the University the success of small group seminars and mentorship programs was evident– and many students expressed the desire for more such opportunities.”

“This document is but one symptom of the value that the University places upon mentorship for students at all levels,” Dr. Matus told New College’s mentors that evening, also noting that students who participated in mentoring programs had described their transition through University more positively than those who did not.

Chan Leung (‘01) [left] and his former mentor Paul Lindblad (’81) [right]. Chan has since returned to mentor the next generation of students.

The importance of such programs was reiterated by Principal Yves Roberge in his address to the group. “The Mentorship program is one of New College’s greatest achievements,” he said. “We must ensure that our students’ experience at U of T remains differentiated, personal and adapted to their particular needs. Mentorships contribute to this goal.”

From left to right: Jesslyn & Jason Maurier (’98 and ’99 respectively) with Aaron Grinhaus (’03)

Launched in 1991, New College’s Career Mentorship Program provides students with a high level of personalized assistance in defining career aspirations and selecting courses that will help to launch their careers. With Dr. Raymond Rupert, who has worked with more than 25 mentees since 2004, students are given a chance to shadow him as ‘student doctors’ for a day. Adorned with a white lab coat, mentees meet with patients and help to problem-solve complex cases that challenge them in new ways.

Dr. Rupert explains that the most important aspect of any mentoring relationship is the match between mentor and mentee. His own technique to establish this rapport is to take new mentees out for Dim Sum and watch as they attempt to negotiate the often-unfamiliar menu. This provides an opportunity for him to share his story and to learn theirs in an informal environment.

The success of the program at New College is undeniable, with past-mentees like Dr. Razik who have come back to guide the next generation, and committed mentors like Veena Daddar, who has served as mentor for over 15 years and played an integral role in the development of the program. “These are tough times for younger people” said Ms. Daddar. “They want to make the right choices that will bring them the best return for their academic investment – but the reality of our world can often leave them with feelings of fear and dread – worried that there may not be a place for them.”

And so, rather than simply offering their reassurance, Veena and Dr. Razik are two members of a team of alumnae and friends who have instead offered their own time and personal attention to students who need a bit of advice before taking that next step. For this we cannot thank them enough.

New College’s mentors pose with Principal Yves Roberge

To find out more about how you can participate in our Career Mentorship Program, contact Brenda Registe at alumni.newcollege@utoronto.ca or (416) 978-8273.

by Philip Cox

From left to right: Drs. Roshan Razik (’06), Jeff Bloom (’72) & Raymond Rupert (’72)

 “I think that current mentees can benefit greatly from any mentor that’s enthusiastic and willing to adjust their mentoring role to the needs of the student” said Dr. Roshan Razik, a former mentee at New College and now a mentor himself.

When preparing his applications for Medical school, Dr. Razik found that he needed some guidance along the way, “but more importantly” he adds, “I needed a human FAQ of sorts to tell me what it really means to be a physician. By applying to the New College mentorship program, I was hoping that it would fill that void for me.”

His story echoes that of many undergraduates at the University of Toronto, which prompted Vice Provost, Students Jill Matus to initiate a formal assessment of the student experience at the University. The findings, published in July 2010 and titled In Their Own Words: Understanding the Undergraduate Student Experience at the University of Toronto, were clear: “Across the University the success of small group seminars and mentorship programs was evident– and many students expressed the desire for more such opportunities.”

“This document is but one symptom of the value that the University places upon mentorship for students at all levels,” Dr. Matus told New College’s mentors that evening, also noting that students who participated in mentoring programs had described  their  transition  through  University  more  positively  than  those  who  did  not.

Chan Leung (‘01) [left] and his former mentor Paul Lindblad (’81) [right]. Chan has since returned to mentor the next generation of students.

The importance of such programs was reiterated by Principal Yves Roberge in his address to the group. “The Mentorship program is one of New College’s greatest achievements,” he said. “We must ensure that our students’ experience at U of T remains differentiated, personal and adapted to their particular needs. Mentorships contribute to this goal.”

From left to right: Jesslyn & Jason Maurier (’98 and ’99 respectively) with Aaron Grinhaus (’03)

Launched in 1991, New College’s Career Mentorship Program provides students with a high level of personalized assistance in defining career aspirations and selecting courses that will help to launch their careers. With Dr. Raymond Rupert, who has worked with more than 25 mentees since 2004, students are given a chance to shadow him as ‘student doctors’ for a day. Adorned with a white lab coat, mentees meet with patients and help to problem-solve complex cases that challenge them in new ways.

Dr. Rupert explains that the most important aspect of any mentoring relationship is the match between mentor and mentee. His own technique to establish this rapport is to take new mentees out for Dim Sum and watch as they attempt to negotiate the often-unfamiliar menu. This provides an opportunity for him to share his story and to learn theirs in an informal environment.

The success of the program at New College is undeniable, with past-mentees like Dr. Razik who have come back to guide the next generation, and committed mentors like Veena Daddar, who has served as mentor for over 15 years and played an integral role in the development of the program. “These are tough times for younger people” said Ms. Daddar. “They want to make the right choices that will bring them the best return for their academic investment – but the reality of our world can often leave them with feelings of fear and dread – worried that there may not be a place for them.”

And so, rather than simply offering their reassurance, Ms. Daddar, Dr. Rupert and Dr. Razik are three members of a team of alumnae and friends who have instead offered their own time and personal attention to students who need a bit of advice before taking that next step. For this we cannot thank them enough.

New College’s mentors pose with Principal Yves Roberge

To find out more about how you can participate in our Career Mentorship Program, contact Brenda Registe at alumni.newcollege@utoronto.ca or (416) 978-8273.

by Philip Cox

We invited two of our Service Learning students, Kamilah Apong (Equity Studies, Women & Gender Studies) and Sasha Elford (Women & Gender Studies) from the GAAP project to report on the group’s activities on World AIDS Day.

Late last November, U of T students and community youth joined the GAAP project and the Queen West Community Health Centre to raise awareness about World AIDS Day.

Through a walking tour and film screening, the group explored a number of issues concerning the social determinants of health, with an emphasis on sexual health education and harm reduction.

Starting at New College with a presentation from the U of T Sexual Education Centre (S.E.C), students mixed and mingled while snacking on delicious condom-themed cupcakes.

From there, they walked to the Centre for Women and Trans People, a safe space for women and trans people to drop in on campus, and then on to YouthLink, an organization with several locations around the GTA that provide services and programming for street-involved youth. In each they received a tour of the Centres’ facilities and an overview of their services and programming.

Between venues, students took part in some fun, spontaneous art installations related to HIV/AIDS awareness, tying red ribbons around trees and poles, adorning signs with red stickers, and writing chalk messages on the sidewalk.

The final destination of the night was the Queen West Community Health Centre, where we were joined by more community members to share a delicious dinner from Fabarnak, a restaurant located at the 519 Church Street Community Centre.

The night ended off with a film screening of the Empower Digital Stories—a series of short films produced by community youth in the Empower Project around the social determinants of sexual health—and a short documentary, Candlelight Vigil at the Russian Embassy, about the need for harm reduction programming for injection drug users. People shared stories, poems and knowledge about HIV/AIDS, as well as information about resources in the community.

From top left, clockwise: Youth receive a tour of the Centre for Women and Trans People; The sexual health resources at Queen West Community Health Centre; Everyone enjoys dinner and screening of the Empower Digital Stories at Queen West; Tying a red ribbon in honour of World AIDS Day; a mural at YouthLink.

GAAP hosts numerous events throughout the year, and is located at the New College Student Centre.  The next scheduled event is a youth research symposium entitled “Youth and the Determinants of Sexual Health,” on March 22, 2012, which you can check out on Facebook

For more information, join the mailing list by sending a message to info@utgaap.org or visit their website at www.utgaap.info.

by Kamilah Apong & Sasha Elford