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Winter 2023 Newsletter

Message from the Vice-Provost, Faculty Affairs

Dear colleagues,

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful winter break with time to unwind, recharge and be with loved ones. A new year symbolizes a fresh start, the beginning of something new and the opportunity to achieve great things – I’m looking forward to what we will accomplish together this year. 

Whether you are someone who sets resolutions or goals at the beginning of the year or not, I hope you approach 2023 with optimism and excitement. Among many exciting things happening at TMU is planning for the School of Medicine. Recruitment is underway and ramping up for a number of leadership, faculty and instructor and clinical consultant roles. Keep an eye on the school’s careers page for upcoming opportunities.

The winter semester is packed with workshops to enhance your learning and career development. These sessions are also a great opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the university. Join us in our Let’s Talk… Series, Chairs & Directors Leadership Series and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) Learning Series

Lastly, I invite you to attend our virtual town hall on January 30. We will discuss and seek feedback on the review of the Appointment of Academic Administrators (AAA) Policy and Procedures. If you are unable to attend, we would still appreciate your feedback  (google form) through this form (external link)  by February 6.

As we embark on the new semester and new year, please know the health and safety of our community is a top priority. I encourage you to reach out to your Chair/Director and/or Dean as first points of contact, with any specific questions or concerns you have. 

As always, my team and I are here to support you. Please do not hesitate to reach out, I welcome the opportunity to meet, chat and collaborate.

I hope you have a wonderful semester.

All the best in 2023,

Patrizia Albanese
Interim Vice-Provost, Faculty Affairs

EDIA Learning Series for Faculty

Join us for part 3 of our EDIA series - spots are limited!

Elinor Whitmore (external link) , an experienced mediator, facilitator, workplace consultant and certified coach, from the Stitt Feld Handy Group, will be joining us to provide tips and tools to successfully navigate difficult conversations when the stakes seem high. 

When: January 31, 2023 

  • 10:00am - 12:00pm: Interactive presentation 
  • 12:00pm - 1:00 pm: Q&A and further discussion (attendance is optional) 

Where: Virtual
Spots available: 16

We want to hear from you! 
Prior to our event, we’d like your input on a few questions we have posed in the below registration form. This will assist us with ensuring that the content is as relevant and helpful to you as possible. If you have previously registered for this event, we invite you to complete the form again so that we are able to receive your input. 

Any questions can be directed to vpfa@torontomu.ca.

Here’s what some of our colleagues had to say about the EDIA series...

Janice Neil is an associate professor in the School of Journalism, the Equity Advocate for the Creative School’s Faculty Tenure Committee and also sits on the School of Journalism’s Department Hiring Committee.

Sarah Sabatinos is an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biology and serves on the Faculty of Science’s Faculty Tenure Committee.

Spotlight

A person gestures while using a white and black VR headset against a backdrop of books as another person stands next to them, appearing to give directions while holding a green book.

How TMU researchers are leveraging VR technology
Toronto Metropolitan University researchers are exploring innovative applications of virtual reality technology.

Professor Imogen Coe (centre) holds a glass maple leaf shaped award at the CSPC annual conference award ceremony. She is pictured with MP Greg Fergus (left) and CSPC CEO and President Mehrdad Hariri (right)

TMU professor wins trailblazer award
Faculty of Science professor Imogen Coe has received national recognition for her impact through leadership in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) advocacy in scientific research environments.

A group of instructors sitting in a classroom.

CUPE-stream of the Excellence in Teaching Program set to launch
The new stream will build off of the success of the ETP by providing more opportunities for professional development.

TMU professors Linda Rothman (top right), Anne Harris (bottom right) and Raktim Mitra (bottom left).

TMU researchers part of national team to secure $3 million in funding to support healthy cities
Professors Linda Rothman, Anne Harris and Raktim Mitra will collaborate to implement sustainable transportation interventions in cities.

Winter 2023 Learning and Development Opportunities

Chairs & Directors Series
Monday, Jan. 23 International Students at TMU
Tuesday, Feb. 7 Holistic Admissions Review
Thursday, Mar. 9 International Partnerships and Student Mobility
EDIA Learning Series for Faculty
Tuesday, Jan. 31  (google form) EDIA Actions (external link)                                                      
Tuesday, Mar. 7  (google form) EDIA Outcomes (external link) 

Important Dates and Reminders

Review of AAA Policy and Procedure

In accordance with section VI of the Appointment of Academic Administrators (AAA) Policy, the university is undertaking a review of the AAA Policy and Procedures

A virtual town hall has been scheduled so that members of the community can provide feedback on the policy review. Once feedback from the community has been gathered and reviewed, a draft of the revised policy will be circulated for comment.

Virtual Town Hall

  • January 30, 11:00am - 12:00pm

If you are unable to attend the town hall, we would still appreciate your feedback. You can submit your comments online by filling out this  (google form) feedback form (external link)  by Monday, February 6.

The School of Medicine is Hiring

The School of Medicine continues to hire for a number of leadership, faculty and consultant roles. Keep an eye on the school's careers page for upcoming opportunities.

National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity

Don't forget, as part of TMU's continued mission to providing diversity information and professional development, we are an Institutional Member of the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (external link)  (NCFDD).

To activate your membership, visit the Membership Activation Page (external link) , create a username and complete the registration process using your @torontomu.ca email address. You will receive an email confirming your account is active and that you can access the NCFDD resources.


Upcoming Faculty Success Program Important Dates 

If you are interested in participating in the Faculty Success Program (external link)  in the upcoming year, here are some important dates you should know!

Summer 2023 Faculty Success Program 

Fall 2023 Faculty Success Program


Webinars

Upcoming
NCFDD's entire 2023 webinar lineup will feature presentations on the most-requested topics from members, offering the opportunity to start discussions that will provide you with the support you need no matter where you’re at in your academic career.

Recordings