Back To School 2018

Faculty of Arts & Science

Faculty of Law

Global

Mentorship

Subheadline

Four different paths lead to the same destination – U of T law school

Rebecca Barclay

Born and raised in Vancouver by a mother who blazed her own impressive trail, Rebecca Barclay grew up curious and compassionate. When she encountered those who were less fortunate, she empathized and wished she could be of more help. The law, she thought, might be a good way to do it.

So after completing a degree in international relations, Barclay worked as a legal administrative assistant. She broadened her world view by continuing a tradition of travel that was initiated early on by her mom. “She really prioritized it. Every year we would go on at least one trip that required our passports,” Barclay says.

Over time, Barclay would cover some 38 countries spanning six continents; twice, she travelled with a service team to China. Several adventures were solo, or with a friend she met while backpacking through Europe. What she saw solidified her determination.

“We visited a Tibetan refugee camp in Nepal,” Barclay says. Residents there are trapped in a life of limbo, with no citizenship, and no practical way to participate in the economy, she says. “It’s a frustrating and complex situation, though the people I spoke with bear it with resilience and grace. I want to help them, and I cannot think of many better solutions than legal recourse.”

So of all her adventures and eye-opening destinations, Toronto may well be the most impactful one. “All the opportunities I get at U of T will really cement where my skill set can best be used to impact change,” she says, adding that she envisions a career focused on defending and expanding human rights, either as a lawyer or at a United Nations organization or an NGO.

Among the law school’s many offerings that excite her, Barclay is intrigued by Law in Action Within Schools (LAWS), an educational and mentorship program that encourages youth from cultures under-represented in the legal profession to consider careers in law.

Although more women of colour are climbing to the top of their professions, such success stories were especially rare when Barclay was growing up. “I would feel so privileged to be able to be that example to younger girls who are searching for their reflection in the world around them.”

Ahmed Elahi

For Ahmed Elahi (pictured left), law school is just another challenge in a lifetime filled with them, starting with his childhood in Lahore, Pakistan. He was educated in English, but spoke Urdu everywhere else. “I felt like there was kind of a split between what I was learning in school, how I was articulating it, and how a lot of my personal life went,” he says. “It was difficult to relate what I was learning in school to the personal life I had.”

When Elahi was 17, his parents took their four children to Canada, hoping to open their world to better opportunities than they’d had at home. But life in Brampton, Ont., was difficult. Although his father was an engineer and his mother a nurse, neither could get licensed to work in their professions. “It was very hard for them,” he says. “They thought they’d have an easier time perhaps re-establishing themselves in their careers and also adjusting culturally. But in the first few years they couldn’t find steady jobs anywhere. So there was economic insecurity too.”

Elahi completed an undergraduate degree at U of T, majoring in political science and philosophy. Along the way he collected a string of scholarships, honours and awards while also working as a teaching and research assistant on campus and as a copy editor for the undergraduate political science journal. Still, he didn’t consider law school as a realistic option. “At that time, I just pictured the perfect law student, and I thought maybe I was too weak in my extracurricular activities. It just seemed like a daunting task,” he says.

Elahi attended the Law School Access Program (LSAP) for low-income students the summer after third year. “I realized that lawyers were asking the same sorts of questions about institutions and society that I was,” he says. “I saw that law could be quite an interesting career.”

Elahi is still intimidated by the road ahead, but he’s excited too. “I’m really interested in constitutional law and the rights and freedoms of individuals,” he says. “I really want to improve life for people in Canada who face disadvantages. Whether they’re immigrants or people with disabilities, or other marginalized communities.”

Venky Feng

Venky Feng (picture left) is the first to admit law school was never on her radar. Not as a young girl, growing up in Shanghai. And definitely not once she arrived in the U.S. at 14 to attend boarding school, followed by an undergraduate degree at the elite Mount Holyoke College. She majored in chemistry with a minor in engineering and graduated summa cum laude in three years.

“There were definitely expectations from my professors, who wanted me to go to a great PhD program,” she says. “It was like that was my only choice.”

Her promise as a bright young scientist led her to Oxford University. But two terms there made her realize she did have other choices. And she wanted a chance to pursue them. “Trump got elected while I was at Oxford and it was pretty intense,” she recalls. “It forced me to think about things I take for granted. About my freedom of mobility and how there are immigrants who have to fight to stay in Canada or the U.S.” That led to a deeper level of soul searching.

“It made me realize if I’m not fighting for myself as a minority, then who will fight for me? I started looking into things I could do to change the situation, and I realized that law school might be a good option.”

Feng decided to leave Oxford and take a gap year. Her focus on scientific research had obscured a list of other, widely varied interests. She’d long been fascinated by divinity, for example, and had intended to study Buddhism along with chemistry in college. She volunteered at the campus Chabad House, hoping to learn more about what she suspects might be her own undiscovered Jewish roots. Feng was also involved with Machik, a non-profit whose chief mission is expanding educational opportunities in Tibet. “In all those years, I was doing things for human rights, but because I was in science there weren’t really opportunities to pursue that,” she says.

So during her year off, she applied to law school. She also began learning Hebrew, and plans to earn a certificate in Jewish Studies while she’s at U of T. Now it’s science that’s dropped off her radar, at least for the time being. “I want to keep my options open,” Feng says. “But in my wildest dreams, I would hope to be a professor of humanities and law, or be an advisor to politicians.”

Sarah Feutl

Think all law students come from the same mould? Look no further than Sarah Feutl (pictured left). A theatre kid since middle school, she has spent most of her young life in the performing arts. She majored in theatre as an undergraduate.

Her favourite role? “I played Puck (from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream) in my final year. I loved it,” she says. “It was such a fun, mischievous role. Really physical.”

In fact, when you ask Feutl why she decided to go to law school, her answer is pretty blunt. “That’s a question I’ve asked myself a lot too,” she says with a laugh. “I love theatre. I always will and I’ll always advocate for the arts. But there was only so loud and so useful my voice could be without more training. I needed better skills to effect the change that I wanted to.”

Feutl grew up in Edmonton. Both her parents are journalists who encouraged their kids to ask questions, have opinions, and be curious. She launched and ran a free after-school drama program at a nearby elementary school when she was in Grade 12, which continued into her university years. She also volunteered with an employment-readiness program downtown, helping new immigrants and homeless people find jobs.

“People were feeling completely overwhelmed by the system. They had no advocate and no person to guide them,” she says, with obvious frustration. “It’s my hope that by going to law school, I will have more of a chance to find the tools to effect real change.”

In order to make it happen, Feutl is counting on student financial aid from U of T, which she’ll supplement with provincial and federal loans. “I don’t want to be stuck in a hole with debt for the next 20 years,” she says. “I’m hoping for as much aid as possible. Especially since the type of work I’d like to go into after law school will likely be a much lower paying job than one on Bay Street.”

Her dream scenario? “I’d like to be working for an NGO or not-for-profit foundation that supports international human rights. But also, still be creating theatre on the side or having time to take breaks to create theatre or do shows,” Feutl says. “It’s not necessarily grounded in reality. But I’m going to work really hard to keep both those passions going.”

#UofTBackToSchool: U of T Mississauga gets ready for significantly larger incoming class

noreen.rasbach — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 16:57:57 +0000

#UofTBackToSchool: U of T Mississauga gets ready for significantly larger incoming class

noreen.rasbach Tue, 09/04/2018 - 12:57

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U of T Mississauga's Instructional Centre: The campus has expanded study spaces for the larger incoming class (photo by Paul Orenstein)

Nicolle Wahl

Topic

International Students

U of T Mississauga

The usual back-to-school buzz is a little louder this year at the University of Toronto Mississauga, as preparations continue for a larger than average incoming class this September.

An additional 600 students – both international and domestic – are expected to join the U of T Mississauga community this month. While this creates a larger incoming class, campus departments are working to ensure that services and resources will be ready.

“Welcoming our new students is one of the most exciting times of the academic year,” says Professor Ulrich Krull, vice-president and principal of U of T Mississauga. “We are saying hello to a 10 per cent larger cohort of first-year students than last year, and UTM is ready to provide our usual high standard of academic and student services.”

Move-in day in photos: First-year students make themselves at home at U of T

geoff.vendeville — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 13:06:30 +0000

Move-in day in photos: First-year students make themselves at home at U of T

geoff.vendeville Tue, 09/04/2018 - 09:06

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Students help newcomers bring their things to their dorms on move-in day at U of T on the weekend (photo by Geoffrey Vendeville)

Geoffrey Vendeville

Topic

International Students

Trinity College

University College

Victoria University

If there's one event that signifies the start of a new school year, it's move-in day, when thousands of first-year students move into their University of Toronto dorms at the beginning of September.

U of T News tagged along as students on the downtown Toronto campus made themselves at home.

Orientation leaders and executives at University College welcomed new students to the dorms in style, with music, signs and plenty of helpers to carry boxes inside (all photos by Geoffrey Vendeville)

She had a 99% average in high school. Here’s how one of Toronto’s top scholars prepares for her first day at U of T

Romi Levine — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 04:00:00 +0000

She had a 99% average in high school. Here’s how one of Toronto’s top scholars prepares for her first day at U of T

Romi Levine Tue, 09/04/2018 - 00:00

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Mirza Nahiyan, who was one of TDSB's top students, is about to begin her first year in computer engineering at U of T (photo by Romi Levine)

Romi Levine

Topic

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Mirza Nahiyan is always up for a challenge. Her next one? University.

The incoming computer engineering student in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering was one of seven students from the Toronto District School Board to receive a 99 per cent or higher average in their last year of high school.

Her drive to succeed comes from a love of problem-solving and an unwavering commitment to her parents who left everything behind in Bangladesh to provide her with a good education.

When Nahiyan was four years old, her parents moved to Canada, hoping to provide her and her older brother a brighter future.

“Both of my parents don't like to show us their burdens – but they work incredibly hard,” says Nahiyan, who graduated from Cedarbrae CI high school with a 99 per cent average.

Nahiyan, in return, is committed to ensuring they made the right decision by becoming a star student.

“I knew that was the one thing I had to get right,” she says.

Welcome back! Check out these September events

Romi Levine — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 17:07:59 +0000

Welcome back! Check out these September events

Romi Levine Fri, 08/31/2018 - 13:07

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Say hi to True Blue, who was just voted the best university mascot in Canada, at a Varsity Blues game in September (photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

Romi Levine

Topic

Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy

Computer Science

Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics

Faculty of Arts & Science

University of Toronto is back in full swing this month, with plenty of goings-on to get you in the school spirit.

Whether you’re a first-year student, a film buff or a sports fanatic (or all three) – September is jam-packed with a wide range of events. Here are just a few of them:

Sept. 1

We’re still giddy over True Blue’s triumphant win of CBC’s Canadian Mascot Madness. Let’s keep the momentum going by cheering on our Varsity Blues football team at their home opener against the Waterloo Warriors.

Sept. 4

Are you starting your first year at U of T? Meet new friends, learn more about the many resources, clubs and activities available, and most importantly, have fun during orientation week.

Find out more about what’s taking place on your campus:

Downtown Toronto campus

U of T Mississauga

U of T Scarborough

Sept. 5

Get your cheer on with fellow first-year students at the Tri-Campus Parade. Then, make your way to the Clubs Carnival to learn more about the many campus clubs you can join, eat some free food and bounce on some inflatable installations.

Sept. 6

Movie stars are descending on Toronto for the annual Toronto International Film Festival. Between stargazing sessions in Yorkville and world premieres, catch one of the thought-provoking talks at the TIFF speaker series, sponsored by the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, where U of T faculty will examine global issues through film.

Learn about how privacy and social research intertwined at Sex, Science, and Secrets in the Sixties, a fascinating talk by Sarah Igo, a history professor at Vanderbilt University.

Sept. 7

It’s the grand finale of orientation week: a trip to Rogers Centre to watch the Blue Jays. Get pumped at a Front Campus pep rally before the game, complete with cheerleaders, games and a DJ.

Sept. 12

St. George Street will be pedestrian-only today for U of T’s annual Street Fest. Meet members of campus clubs, grab a snack at a food truck, and listen to live music in between your classes.

Sept. 13

Lace up those running shoes and make your way to the back campus fields for the MoveU Play Day. Take part in activities like giant Jenga and battle archery and win gear from Under Armour. Stick around for an exclusive workout led by an Under Armour trainer – you can sign up for a session here.

U of T Scarborough students can learn about the many opportunities available on campus for students, including volunteer, work-study and other paid positions at the Experience UTSC fair.

Celebrate the Faculty of Music’s 100th anniversary with a free lunchtime performance by the Bedford Trio at Walter Hall.

This evening, hear from Shauna Brail, director and associate professor, teaching stream, of urban studies in the Faculty of Arts & Science, who will be sharing her insights on how ride-hailing firms like Uber and Lyft are changing the way we think about urban transportation.

Sept. 14

Interested in computer science research? The Undergraduate Research in Computer Science Conference (URCSC) will be bringing together undergraduates to present and discuss computer science research.

Sept. 15

Celebrate the 150^thanniversary of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada by checking out the cosmos on campus. The Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics is hosting a planet gazing party where you can look through telescopes to spot Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and their moons.

Join Faculty of Music artists and friends for the third annual concert held for World Suicide Prevention Day. The free event will be held in conjunction with performances in 13 cities across the country that you can watch live online.

Sept. 23

Join members of the U of T Scarborough community for the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup at Bluffers Park. Transportation will be provided from the campus's Student Centre.

Sept. 24

Queer orientation starts today on all three campuses. Join the LGBTQ+ community for amazing events, including BBQs, bingo nights and rock climbing retreats.

Sept. 27

Join hoards of the undead for MoveU’s Zombie Skate. Dress in costume, rent some skates, and get a lesson from one of the instructors on the ice – but please don’t try and eat their brains.

#UofTBackToSchool: 7 tips for surviving the school year

geoff.vendeville — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 04:00:00 +0000

#UofTBackToSchool: 7 tips for surviving the school year

geoff.vendeville Fri, 08/31/2018 - 00:00

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There are countless resources to help students navigate university life (photo by Diana Tyszko)

Romi Levine

Topic

Centre for International Experience

Check out the neat services the library offers you may not know existed.

Between the first-day jitters, the weight of all of those textbooks and the seemingly impossible sprint from one lecture to the next, the start of classes can be daunting for new and returning students alike.

Thankfully, there are many ways to make the transition back to university life easier – and more enjoyable.

Here are our tips for getting through the year stress-free.

1. Get lost, and find your way again

If you’ve ever tried to find your way around Robarts Library or University College, you know how easy it is to lose your bearings, which makes for a great time exploring campus but a challenge when you’re trying to get to class on time. Try out these handy interactive maps of the downtown Toronto campus, U of T Scarborough and U of T Mississauga for everything from fastest routes across campus and where to lock your bike to the most convenient place to grab a coffee before class.

If you’re living off-campus, there are a number of ways to get to school. Here’s how to get your hands on TTC monthly passes, hop on the U of T Mississauga shuttle or a local bus and map out your route to U of T Scarborough.

New to Toronto? Learn about the cool things U of T students and faculty get up to in the city on the U of T Cities hub.

2. Find your favourite food spot

It’s 4 p.m. and back-to-back classes meant you were only able to fit in a granola bar for breakfast. Where should you grab a quick bite to eat? Take a look at our food guide or check out the on-campus offerings at the downtown Toronto campus, U of T Mississauga and U of T Scarborough.

3. Get to know U of T – and have fun doing it

Wondering what all those purple-painted people are doing running around campus? They’re U of T’s newest engineering students taking part in this year’s orientation activities.

If you’re new to U of T, orientation is a great way to get to know your faculty, campus clubs and organizations and meet new people. No body paint required.

Here’s what’s happening on your campus: downtown Toronto, Scarborough and Mississauga.

If you’re an international student or want to meet some amazing students from around the world, the Centre for International Experience is the first place you should go.

And you never know, the people you meet on your first day could be your best buds for life – just look at these guys.

4. Book a trip to the library

For some deep dives into U of T’s amazing archives, follow U of T Libraries and Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library on Instagram.

And for textbooks and U of T swag, stop by the bookstore on your campus.

5. Don’t forget to breathe

It doesn’t matter if you’re in first year or wrapping up your PhD, life can get stressful. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just a little under the weather, all three campuses offer mental and physical health services.

Visit the health and wellness centres at the downtown Toronto campus, U of T Mississauga and U of T Scarborough.

The School of Graduate Studies also has a Graduate Student Wellness Portal that provides information and resources to access.

If breaking a sweat is your stress-relief style, check out U of T’s many athletic centres where you can do everything from joining an intramural team and taking a yoga class to learning how to parkour. Here’s where to find them: downtown Toronto, Mississauga and Scarborough.

Students with disabilities can also access U of T’s accessibility services for a variety of resources from note-taking to adaptive technology to help make their academic year as worry-free as possible. Find info on your campus: downtown Toronto, Scarborough and Mississauga.

6. Ask as many questions as you want

Deep breath. We know that was a lot to take in – but thankfully, U of T is full of students ready and willing to answer even the silliest of questions.

During orientation, track down the friendly faces wearing orange t-shirts that say “ASKme Anything” – and take them up on it!

Want an answer with a dose of humour and a helpful GIF? Submit a question to the anonymous student helpers on the askastudent blog.

7. Follow the pros to stay in the know

We hate goodbyes. Keep in touch with the U of T News team on Twitter, tag us in your photos on Instagram and “like” us on Facebook.

Keep up to date with campus news here, at U of T Mississauga and U of T Sca rborough.

You've got to eat here: Suresh Doss’s guide to the best – and most affordable – food near U of T

Romi Levine — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 13:02:46 +0000

You've got to eat here: Suresh Doss’s guide to the best – and most affordable – food near U of T

Romi Levine Thu, 08/30/2018 - 09:02

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From pho to Portuguese tarts, food writer Suresh Doss offers his top picks for food around all three U of T campuses (photo courtesy of Suresh Doss)

Topic

Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy

Melt-in-your-mouth Portuguese tarts. Belly-warming pho. Tender kebabs.

Is your stomach rumbling yet? Because you’re in for a treat. You can find these tasty dishes near one of the University of Toronto’s three campuses – and better yet, they’re budget-friendly.

U of T News asked food writer and CBC Metro Morning regular Suresh Doss for his top picks for reasonably priced, delicious food that’s a quick walk or drive from the downtown Toronto, U of T Mississauga and U of T Scarborough campuses.

Downtown Toronto campus

“My advice for students who are going to U of T downtown is to pick a street and go for a 10-minute walk on that street – you're going to find a lot of really amazing stuff,” says Doss.

Downtown Toronto neighbourhoods around U of T are full of hidden gems and old faithfuls. Doss says he’s particularly drawn to Chinatown and Baldwin Village when he’s looking for good food near campus. Here’s what he recommends:

Hana Restaurant

This Korean restaurant on Baldwin Street does a wicked bibimbap, he says.

”It's a simple, cheap dish where you get everything you need in one place: vegetables, crispy rice, a protein kick and a lot of kimchi and spices,” says Doss, who also recommends Hana’s Kalbi ribs.

Find all of Doss's recommendations on the map:

U of T Scarborough

“The one thing I want students to know about the Scarborough campus is there are some great mom and pop places – super cultural, very traditional – all within a five- to 10-minute drive from campus,” says Doss, who grew up in Scarborough.

“One of the things I love about the area is there's a Filipino hub and there's a Middle Eastern hub,” he says.

Here are his go-to places:

Kapit Bahay

There are plenty of noodle and rice dishes to choose from at this Filipino lunch buffet, says Doss. “I love going there and having some fried fish with rice and a bottle of calamansi juice. That really hits the spot for me.”

Lola Sally’s

This is a more traditional Filipino restaurant with a buffet and a hot counter, says Doss. “You can pick a protein, a rice or noodle, and you get mom's cooking. Nothing you can find downtown.”

Kandhar Pizza

This place has a small menu but delicious food, says Doss. Come here for pizza with interesting toppings and delicious Middle Eastern-style soup.

Osmow's

This Middle Eastern restaurant serves up shawarma and vegetarian-friendly food. “They cover all their dishes with this white yogurty sauce and a hot sauce,” says Doss. “So when you're scooping through and eating it, it tastes like a wet biryani almost. It's super delicious.”

Staying on campus? Learn more about U of T Scarborough’s food services, including Booster Juice, Paramount Fine Foods and SPICE-healthy kitchen.

Want to bring your love of food to the classroom? U of T Scarborough's Culinaria Research Centre delves into the history and culture around food – sometimes taking classes into the kitchen (photo by Ken Jones)

U of T Mississauga

From Malaysian to Chinese food – Mississauga has some top-notch Asian restaurants, says Doss. Here’s where to go near U of T Mississauga:

Breakfast ING

This Malaysian-Singaporean breakfast place is cheap and tasty, says Doss, who recommends the roti canai. “This Malaysian breakfast is a small roti – super crusty on the outside, super tender on the inside. You tear off pieces of it and you scoop it in the chicken curry.”

Doss also says to try the bak kut teh, which is similar to a pork bone soup. “As you're coming back to school and it's fall – I can't think of anything better that I want to eat to keep me warm,” he says.

Chilli Chicken House

“This place has a wicked dish called chilli chicken where they take chunks of deep fried chicken, they throw it into a wok with all the spices and the sauce and it comes out super delicious, served on rice,” says Doss, who adds that, despite the name, this restaurant has some great vegetarian dishes.

Lion City

Doss is crazy about Lion City’s laksa. “It’s a Malaysian-Singaporean soup that is really hearty, and warms you up on a nice fall winter day,” he says. “If you like noodle soups – you probably know pho, you probably know ramen – but meet the spicy cousin, because once you have laksa you will not go back.”

Lazar Bakery

This Portuguese bakery has been around for over 20 years, says Doss. “I find their Portuguese custard tarts are out of this world. The best custard tarts I've had in the GTA,” he says.

Explore the many food options on campus as well, ranging from vegetarian and vegan friendly to gourmet pizzas.

Find out more about U of T Mississauga’s on-campus food

#UofTBackToSchool: 14 things every student should do before they graduate

geoff.vendeville — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 18:28:28 +0000

#UofTBackToSchool: 14 things every student should do before they graduate

geoff.vendeville Wed, 08/29/2018 - 14:28

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(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Topic

We know you’ve just arrived here, but consider this your bucket list: the things you should try at least once while you’re a University of Toronto student. Better yet, explore all three campuses and create your own set of “must-dos.” Let this be the inspiration to get you started.

1. Stroll down Philosopher’s Walk. Arrive at the meaning of life. Failing that, arrive at a decision over what to have for lunch.

(photo by SimonP)

2. Take an AstroTour and view a planetary body through the telescopes at McLennan Physical Laboratories.

(photo by Geoffrey Vendeville)

Cryptocurrencies, portfolio management, entrepreneurship: New courses for graduate engineering students

noreen.rasbach — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 19:16:44 +0000

Cryptocurrencies, portfolio management, entrepreneurship: New courses for graduate engineering students

noreen.rasbach Tue, 08/28/2018 - 15:16

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Steve Mann, a professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering, is a prolific inventor and founder of the field of wearable computing. He is teaching a graduate course in "inventrepreneurship" (photo courtesy of Steve Mann)

Topic

Our Community

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Graduate Students

On the surface, they seem like business courses, but three new classes – blockchain and cryptocurrencies, real-market portfolio management and invention and entrepreneurship – are being launched this fall for graduate students in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.

The courses are designed for those working in finance, business, technology and beyond.

#UofTBackToSchool: Young activist to pursue environmental studies at U of T

noreen.rasbach — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 17:02:07 +0000

#UofTBackToSchool: Young activist to pursue environmental studies at U of T

noreen.rasbach Tue, 08/28/2018 - 13:02

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“I feel like if people understood that the environment isn’t separate from humanity, they would take a lot more time to learn about it,” says Sam Demma, who runs an environmental group and is entering U of T this fall

Tina Adamopoulos

Topic

Environmental Science

U of T Scarborough