Friday, September 26, 2008

Grad school, professional school, or post-grad diploma?

With lots of friends currently putting together their application packages for medical schools and other things, I am forced to also think about my future after UTSC. Although, I still hope to get some full-time work experience after I graduate, I guess it's also a good idea to consider further education.

It was a time-consuming task to research universities when I was applying from high school, I guess I have to do the same again. However, it's always good to know there are resources and people available to help me.

Mark you calendars, Professional & Graduate Fair is happening on October 2, 7, and 8th at the Meeting Place. With all these schools coming to UTSC, you can get all your admission questions answered by school and program representatives. It's always good to drop by and pick up pamphlets and brochures to see the wide range of programs available. And lots of schools give great freebies including pens and post-its, things a student can always use.

Here are some pictures from fun times last year:


See you at the P&G Fair!

Take care,
ACE

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Time flies...

When you're having fun or not. So the first two weeks of September have flew right by. Working on my work-study applications and attending Career Info Days downtown have kept me a very busy person. Not to mention all the course readings and assignments that are starting to pile up.

Learning from my mistakes last year, I know I definitely need to plan my time better and avoid procrastination. Setting realistic goals and making "to do" lists have been helpful in the past. But I have to be careful this year so my lists don't get too long. In addition, AA&CC also offers a bunch of helpful seminars including Extreme Time Management and Reading & Notetaking that I really recommend to everybody. And if you're like me and not so great with multiple-choice questions, you definitely want to check out Mastering Multiple Choice Tests & Exams. Sign-ups are available on the Intranet, nice and easy. Oh yeah, and going to these workshops and seminars can earn you stamps towards a Study Skills Success Certificate which looks great on my wall right now.

Remember "study smarter, not harder!"

Good luck everyone!

ACE

Sunday, September 7, 2008

The NEW Podcast Series @ the AA & CC.


Did you know that the Academic Advising & Career Centre (AA &CC) has a NEW Podcast Series?  These short video clips give more information to UTSC students about:
  • GPA calculation
  • program selection & review
  • degree requirements
  • occupational research
  • career exploration
Here's one of the podcasts that introduces the Online Self Assessment tool:



Be sure to check out the AA & CC website to find more of the Podcast Series.  It's pretty cool & very helpful for your academic & career planning.

Enjoy,
ACE

First Day of School!

Welcome back to school & happy first day of school to all the UTSC students!!! I know that the first day of classes brings about new beginnings & new school resolutions each September. The first week of classes is filled with new professors, buying textbooks, planning your schedule, and organizing your life according to your course outlines/syllabuses.

Many of the NEW students who are starting first year will have various questions about any of the above & will be looking for some help at The Academic Advising & Career Centre (AA & CC).  Be sure to stop by to ask questions about:

  • course conflicts
  • part time job & work experience
  • wait lists questions
  • work study applications
  • academic schedules & issues
  • and MUCH more!

The best way to answer those quick questions is to stop by AC 213 IN PERSON (beside the Library in the ARC). The office does get busy, but if you are patient then you can probably be helped that very day.

Be sure to check out what the AA & CC does to support students and the hours the office is open. Good luck with your first week of classes!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Job Hunting, Anyone??


Are you on the hunt for a job? The beginning of the school year also means the start of a new job for many students.

If you're like me, you're interested in making some cash while at school.  I currently work at the AA & CC with the Work Study program.  Other jobs in this department & others are posted online NOW! 

I know it can be tough landing that new gig, so let me help with the job search. Here are a few resources I recommend:
  • Job Postings: U of T students have exclusive access to job opportunities through their Career Centre Online account. If you don't have one, you can sign up for FREE today if you are a registered student.
  • Work Study Program: a financial need program, for students collecting OSAP, that allows you to work part-time on campus during the Fall & Winter session. These jobs are on campus with a staff or faculty member and the postings can be found HERE. For more information, please check out the AA & CC Work Study page and information on Financial Aid & Awards website.
Good luck everyone!

All About The Registrar's Office.

Be sure to check out the Registrar's Office website:
http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/registrar/

It's a great resource for students to find information about:

  • course registration
  • fees & payments
  • student account information
  • OSAP & Financial Aid information
  • academic & financial dates/deadlines
  • university regulations
  • petition process
  • graduation
  • and MORE!

Here's the 411 for the Registrar's Office...

Location: AA 142

Hours: (September 4th-June 30th inclusive)
Monday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday Evening 5:00 pm - 6:45 pm
Thursday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday 9:30 am - 3:00 pm

Telephone: 416.287.7001

Fax: 416.287.7528

You might have to wait a bit to speak with someone on the phone OR in person, since the beginning of the semester is pretty busy. Please be patient & polite with the staff there who are trying to help you.

Be sure to browse through the Registrar's Office website to find answers to your questions. Or you could ASK UTSC: www.utsc.utoronto.ca/askus