1. Keeping Back Campus Green Update

The GSU, along with its allies among faculty, staff, other student organizations, and our wider community have been fighting to keep Back Campus green. This fight to maintain a threatened part of UofT’s heritage and public commons has been taken to City Hall. We support efforts to formally designate this space as part of that wider heritage. In desperation and in response to our previous communications on these matters, Dean Ira Jacobs of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education decided to attack the character of the Union and mislead students with regards to the purpose of Back Campus Turf. The GSU Executive has responded publicly to Dean Jacobs.

For more information on the Keep Back Campus Green campaign, please see www.keepbackcampusgreen.ca, www.facebook.com/BackCampusGreen, or www.utgsu.ca/backcampus.

2. GSU General Council Chairperson Needed – the GSU Needs a Chair!

The Graduate Students’ Union is currently seeking a General Council Chairperson for the 2013/2014 academic year.

Experience chairing large bodies, experience as a member of GSU General Council, and familiarity with Bourinot’s Rules of Order are all assets. Preference is for a member of the GSU (i.e. a grad student), but we welcome applications from anyone in the UofT community. Remuneration: $150/meeting; approximately 8 meetings per year. Deadline: Rolling until we find someone! Interested candidates, please send a short statement of interest and/or any questions to outgoing chair Lia Frederiksen at chair@utgsu.ca.

3. Graduated in Spring: How long am I covered by the GSU Health & Dental Insurance?

If you were charged a non-refundable one-term incidental fee in the Winter semester, you will be insured until August 31, 2013. At the end of August, you may purchase the “12 Month Extended Insurance”. Forms will be available in the GSU Office and online at www.utgsu.ca/insurance after September 1, 2013. The deadlines to purchase the “12 Month Extended Insurance” coverage will be posted on our website.

4. Traveling & the GSU Health Plan

The GSU Health Plan provides a travel benefit – emergency sickness and accident coverage of $5 million dollars for the first 60 days away. It starts each time you leave the province. All GSU benefits remain in effect when a student travels for any purpose out-of-country. If you will be away for more than 60 days, you can call RSA directly at 1-800-680-3837 and request a Top-Up for the remainder of your stay. Please visit the GreenShield website and click on “Travel”, and you can print forms, id card and the policy there. You MUST contact the insurer below as quickly as possible when you have a medical emergency out of the province. Your policy number is: 28556323; your id is: your student #. They are available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In Canada or USA call 1-866-870-1898. Elsewhere call collect 0-819-566-1898.

5. June Gym Bookings: Thurs May 30

To book the GSU Gym for June, call 416-946-8699, Thursday, May 30, as of 10am. First come, first served. The gym is open weekdays. Remove street shoes before entering, and be sure to clean up any garbage before leaving. 10am-5pm bookings restricted to singles badminton with only 2 people in gym (both must be UofT grad students, and provide Tcard upon request). Names/ID numbers verified at booking. 5-11pm bookings: Mon & Fri doubles badminton. Tues & Wed volleyball (pickup Wed. 8-11pm). Thurs. basketball (pickup 7-9pm). Please see our website for additional programming: www.utgsu.ca/gym.

6. Grad Escapes: Blue Jays vs. Atlanta Braves: Mon May 27, 7pm

Grad school can be a tiring and isolating experience – sometimes you just need to escape! In 2003, the Graduate Students’ Union and Student Life Programs created Grad Escapes, a program offering discounted tickets to social, cultural, and recreational events in Toronto for stressed-out grad students. From opera to baseball, from musical theatre to historic tours, there’s something for everyone. So, forget your thesis for a night and escape! More information here.

A great Grad Escapes upcoming event is a ballgame: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Atlanta Braves. Your Toronto Blue Jays go head to head against National League (East) top ranked Atlanta Braves! Seats are located in the 100 outfield. Monday, May 27 at 7:00pm. Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way. Tickets: $19; available here. On Sale: May 13; Limit: 2 per person.

7. Harvest Noon Sprouting Workshop: Mon May 27, 5:30-7:30pm

Want to learn how to make your own sprouts? Sprouting is one of the easiest ways to increase your food sovereignty and yields super affordable, nutritious and delicious end results while only taking about 30 minutes of your time. We’ll go over the process, talk about the different things you can sprout, & see sprouts at different stages. Bring a container if you want to leave with samples! Suggested donation is $10, but no one will be turned away. Please sign up here.

Monday May 27th, from 5:30 to 7:30pm, at Harvest Noon Cafe (upstairs at UTGSU, 16 Bancroft Ave). Facebook event here.

8. Harvest Noon Drawing Party: Wed May 29, 6-8pm

Come by Harvest Noon to meet up to draw and hang out, have baked goods and beer, meet new people, and introduce your friends to Harvest Noon. Please bring whatever drawing tools you’d like to use: crayons, pencils, markers – be creative! We will be drawing collaboratively but you could also work on your own; especially bring projects you’d like to share!

Wednesday May 29th, from 6 to 8pm, at Harvest Noon Cafe (upstairs at UTGSU, 16 Bancroft Ave). Facebook event here.

9. Vegetarian or Vegan? You discuss Harvest Noon! Thurs May 30, 6-8pm

Harvest Noon recently ran a poll on our website asking what you thought as members about us starting to serve vegetarian non-vegan food this summer. To help us move forward on this issue we want to hear more about your specific views and concerns. Join Harvest Noon for a moderated roundtable discussion and give us your feedback.

Thursday May 30th, from 6 to 8pm, at Harvest Noon Cafe (upstairs at UTGSU, 16 Bancroft Ave). Facebook event here.

10. Harvest Noon Kombucha Workshop: Mon June 10, 5:30-7pm

Kombucha is an effervescent fermentation of sweetened tea that employs a gelatinous symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, which is sometimes referred to as a ‘mushroom’ or ‘mother’. Learn how to successfully brew a batch of Kombucha, how to troubleshoot problems that can arise during the brewing process as well as techniques to develop your own experimental kombucha flavors. Bring a pickle jar sized glass container to take home what is made in workshop. FREE for members. Please sign up here.

Monday June 10th, from 5:30 to 7pm, at Harvest Noon Cafe (upstairs at UTGSU, 16 Bancroft Ave). Facebook event here.

11. Breast Health Workshop: Mon May 27, 9:30am-1pm

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among Canadian women, with over 20,000 new cases diagnosed each year and over 5,000 deaths. Yet it is no doubt this can be prevented with right care. Our workshop has THREE key objectives: (1) Become of aware of women’s breast health issues; (2) Learn to do a self-exam and exercises to improve breast health; (3) Learn the role of nutrition and care.

Monday, May 27th, from 9:30am to 1pm, at OISE room C154. Workshop led by Julie Groulx, registered Massage Therapist with a specialization in Breast Health. Tea, coffee and snacks served. 25 spots available, to book your spot please email: sujatathapa@gmail.com. Organized by the CUPE 3902 Women’s Caucus. More information here.

12. P.A. Day Workshop: Lights! Camera! Action! Film Basics for Kids: Fri June 7, 10am-4pm

The UofT Family Care Office presents a P.A. Day Workshop: “Lights! Camera! Action! Film Basics for Kids”, on Friday June 7 (P.A. Day), from 10am to 4pm (including one hour break for lunch – Participants are encouraged to bring their own).

A video camera workshop for children ages 10 to 14 years (and one parent per family) to learn how to use a video camera, film a short video, and the basics of a video editing program. Participants are encouraged to bring their own Mac laptops with iMovie editing software, but we have a small number available just in case. Limited spaces, children of University of Toronto students, staff, faculty, and postdoctoral fellows are welcome, registration required at 416-978-0951 or at family.care@utoronto.ca. Co-sponsored by the Family Care Office and the Hart House Film Board.

13. Planning for Pregnancy and Beyond: Thurs May 30, 4-6pm

Join us to find out how to make healthy choices that lead to a healthy lifestyle and promote wellness during pre- pregnancy, pregnancy and postpartum. The session will address participants’ specific concerns on a range of topics including: questions around conceiving, health concerns and risks during pregnancy, health care provider options, antenatal care and screening tests, and post-partum issues. Participants will be able to access resources that support the information provided in the workshops. Facilitators: Drs. Karli Mayo and Dana Soroka, UofT Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Thursday, May 30, from 4 to 6pm, at 214 College Street, room 313. Please register early, as space is limited! All University of Toronto students and postdoctoral fellows are welcome.

14. LSCDS Proudly Presents Career Day 2013: Fri May 31, 9am-6pm

The Life Sciences Career Development Society (LSCDS) proudly presents Career Day 2013, a full-day conference (Friday May 31st, from 9am to 6pm) which is the largest event of the year. Career Day 2013 features 6 Career Panels and Company Information Fair that gathers more than 15 companies/organizations. Career Day 2013 is also honoured to have Dr. Witek, the President and CEO of Boehringer Ingelheim to give a keynote lecture. Lunch and refreshments will be served. For details and registration, visit our website.

15. Bike Month Bike to Work Breakfast at Hart House: Wed June 5, 7:30-9am

The Hart House Recreational Athletics Committee will be hosting our Annual FREE Bike to Work Month Breakfast. Come out and enjoy juice, coffee and a cold breakfast on our tab! Presented by the Hart House Recreational Athletics Committee (RAC) as part of the City’s Bike Month festivities. Food and drinks will be available on a first come, first served basis until the food runs out so get there early!

Wednesday June 5, from 7:30 to 9:00am, on the Hart House patio outside the Arbor Room. FREE. More information here.

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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!

Like us! www.facebook.com/utgsu. Follow us! www.twitter.com/utgsu; www.pinterest.com/utgsu.

Office of the Dean
Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Activity
University of Toronto
55 Harbord St., Rm # 2080
Toronto, ON M5S 2W6

21 May 2013

Dear Dean Jacobs,

The Graduate Students’ Union Executive wanted to clarify our involvement with the University of Toronto’s Back Campus Field Turfing Project. The GSU did not participate—nor did any of our representatives—in any stage of the approval of this project nor have we endorsed the project at any point. In fact, the University of Toronto administration failed to appropriately consult with our membership on the matter. Moreover, the value of the turf, which has supposedly been “recognized broadly by the University community,” has never actually been established. Not only have graduate students taken a firm stance against the turfing of the Back Campus, but so have members in other constituencies including undergraduate students, alumni, faculty, area residence, neighbourhood groups, and friends of the university. The “St. George Back Campus Fields Project” and related budget were passed in camera and effective publicity and discussion have been systematically avoided—perhaps because administration knows that it is not in the best interest, nor at the request of, the wider University community.

The notion that the tearing up of the Back Campus to create a synthetic turf is going to benefit “thousands and thousands” of students over the next decade by enabling them to “engage in a wide array of outdoor field-based intramural, recreational, and high performance sports and play” is not only preposterous but dangerously misleading. The Toronto 2015 Bid Book for the Pan Am Games states, it is “Ontario’s first dedicated international field hockey venue, including two fields meeting international specifications.”[i] If Back Campus is to be solely devoted to field hockey, how is this going to benefit anyone who doesn’t play the sport?

This is not simply a “clash of values,” it’s a sustainability and environmental issue; a question of good governance and due process where adequate consultation has yet to be sought; an equity and access concern where one of few accessible recreational fields is in jeopardy; a socio-economic problem where $9.5 million dollars is being used to destruct an irreplaceable heritage landscape for the benefit of few; and a fight we are not willing to concede.

See you on the field,

The Graduate Students’ Union Executive.

Dean Jacob’s Letter: 

It is very disappointing to read the perspective being promoted by the GSU Executive about the Back Campus Field Conversion Project in their message below. The fact is that GSU representatives participated in and endorsed all of the various stages of approval of this project that will result in an order of magnitude increase in our capacity to enable students to engage in a wide array of outdoor field-based intramural, recreational, and high performance sports and play. The implicit message of the GSU Executive message below, i.e. that the field use will be restricted to high performance field hockey is simply not true.

Those that are opposed to the conversion of a natural grass field to synthetic turf are sending out messages that are misleading and disingenuous — presumably in order to promote their opposition. I encourage the GSU Executive and our students to become knowledgeable about the project and the benefits for thousands and thousands of University of Toronto students over the next decade. The relevant information is available at: http://www.physical.utoronto.ca/FacilitiesAndMemberships/Back_Campus_Fields_Project.aspx

There is a clash of values…the value held by those that want to preserve a natural green field vs the value recognized broadly by the University community last year in the approval of the project — that the positive impact on the health and well-being of our students and our society by dramatically increasing the opportunities for healthy active living is at the heart of the importance of this project. 

Ira Jacobs , DrMedSc
Professor and Dean
Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
University of Toronto

Location: Back Campus
Day: Thursday, May 23rd
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Refreshments will be provided
(Rain Location: University College, 179 Media Room)

Hart House
The administration at Hart House attempted to introduce a new fee for graduate students for summer access. Due to the outrage expressed by a large number of members, and opposition from several quarters including your Union this fee has been deferred to next year but is still going forward.

Access Copyright
The University is soon to renew an agreement with Access Copyright that will impose twenty six dollar or more fee upon members for supposed access to journal and other academic sources that the University already pays for. As well, the agreement subverts both Canadian law under the Copyright Act and serves to repress your academic freedom.

Back Campus
Back Campus, just outside University College, is both a historic site as well as one of the few accessible, recreational, and green areas left on our Campus. There are plans to tear up the field on July 1st of this year and build a field hockey turf for the Pan Am Games. With equivalent fields located elsewhere already within the GTA, the potential for irreparable environmental damage, and an behind-closed-doors process — the University continues forward to destroy this cherished common space.

Your Union will provide information on our responses so far on each of these matters, and would like to hear from its members on possible future actions.

1. UTGSU Town Hall: Thurs May 23, 4-6pm

Worried about Hart House Summer Fees? Access Copyright? Back Campus?

Join your UTGSU for a Town Hall Meeting on these important issues on Thursday May 23rd, from 4:00 to 6:00pm, on Back Campus! (Rain Location: University College, 179 Media Room). UTGSU will provide information on our responses on these matters so far, and would like to hear from its members on possible future actions. Refreshments will be provided. Facebook event here.

More information on the Back Campus issue: www.utgsu.ca/backcampus; www.keepbackcampusgreen.ca. More information on the Hart House Summer Fees issue: www.utgsu.ca/2013/04/26/our-house; www.utgsu.ca/2013/05/04/our-house-your-update.

2. GSU General Council Chairperson Needed – the GSU Needs a Chair!

The Graduate Students’ Union is currently seeking a General Council Chairperson for the 2013/2014 academic year.

Experience chairing large bodies, experience as a member of GSU General Council, and familiarity with Bourinot’s Rules of Order are all assets. Preference is for a member of the GSU (i.e. a grad student), but we welcome applications from anyone in the UofT community. Remuneration: $150/meeting; approximately 8 meetings per year. Deadline: Rolling until we find someone! Interested candidates, please send a short statement of interest and/or any questions to outgoing chair Lia Frederiksen at chair@utgsu.ca.

3. Traveling & the GSU Health Plan

The GSU Health Plan provides a travel benefit – emergency sickness and accident coverage of $5 million dollars for the first 60 days away. It starts each time you leave the province. All GSU benefits remain in effect when a student travels for any purpose out-of-country. If you will be away for more than 60 days, you can call RSA directly at 1-800-680-3837 and request a Top-Up for the remainder of your stay. Please visit the GreenShield website and click on “Travel”, and you can print forms, id card and the policy there. You MUST contact the insurer below as quickly as possible when you have a medical emergency out of the province. Your policy number is: 28556323; your id is: your student #. They are available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In Canada or USA call 1-866-870-1898. Elsewhere call collect 0-819-566-1898.

4. Grad Escapes: Bike Maintenance: Tues May 21 & Blue Jays: Mon May 27

Grad school can be a tiring and isolating experience – sometimes you just need to escape! In 2003, the Graduate Students’ Union and Student Life Programs created Grad Escapes, a program offering discounted tickets to social, cultural, and recreational events in Toronto for stressed-out grad students. From opera to baseball, from musical theatre to historic tours, there’s something for everyone. So, forget your thesis for a night and escape! More information here. There are two great upcoming events:

Bike Chain Maintenance & Safety Workshop. Learn how to tune up your bike and stay safe with Bike Chain, the do-it-yourself bike shop on campus! Tuesday, May 21 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Cumberland House, Centre for International Experience, Basement, 33 St. George Street. Tickets: FREE; available here. Limit: 2 per person.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Atlanta Braves. Your Toronto Blue Jays go head to head against National League (East) top ranked Atlanta Braves! Seats are located in the 100 outfield. Monday, May 27 at 7:00pm. Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way. Tickets: $19; available here. On Sale: May 13; Limit: 2 per person.

5. Harvest Noon Pub Trivia: Wed May 22, 7pm

First ever pub trivia night! Two dollars to play. Winning team will receive some of our delicious all-local pub food, along with a pitcher of beer. Some rounds will have a Harvest Noon-influenced theme, but don’t worry if you don’t know your sweet potatoes from your yams, there will be all sorts of questions. So bring your friends or come join a team!

Wednesday May 22nd, starting at 7pm, at Harvest Noon Cafe (upstairs at UTGSU, 16 Bancroft Ave). Facebook event here.

6. Harvest Noon Sprouting Workshop: Mon May 27, 5:30-7:30pm

Want to learn how to make your own sprouts? Sprouting is one of the easiest ways to increase your food sovereignty and yields super affordable, nutritious and delicious end results while only taking about 30 minutes of your time. We’ll go over the process, talk about the different things you can sprout, & see sprouts at different stages. Bring a container if you want to leave with samples! Suggested donation is $10, but no one will be turned away. Please sign up here: http://bit.ly/19yDu3h.

Monday May 27th, from 5:30 to 7:30pm, at Harvest Noon Cafe (upstairs at UTGSU, 16 Bancroft Ave). Facebook event here.

7. Harvest Noon Drawing Party: Wed May 29, 6-8pm

Come by Harvest Noon to meet up to draw and hang out, have baked goods and beer, meet new people, and introduce your friends to Harvest Noon. Please bring whatever drawing tools you’d like to use: crayons, pencils, markers – be creative! We will be drawing collaboratively but you could also work on your own; especially bring projects you’d like to share!

Wednesday May 29th, from 6 to 8pm, at Harvest Noon Cafe (upstairs at UTGSU, 16 Bancroft Ave). Facebook event here.

8. Bike Month Bike to Work Breakfast at Hart House: Wed June 5, 7:30-9am

The Hart House Recreational Athletics Committee will be hosting our Annual FREE Bike to Work Month Breakfast. Come out and enjoy juice, coffee and a cold breakfast on our tab! Presented by the Hart House Recreational Athletics Committee (RAC) as part of the City’s Bike Month festivities. Food and drinks will be available on a first come, first served basis until the food runs out so get there early!

Wednesday June 5, from 7:30 to 9:00am, on the Hart House patio outside the Arbor Room. FREE. More information here.

9. UofT’s Pride Pub: Thurs June 20, 4pm-1am

As Toronto prepares for the celebration that takes over the city every summer, Pride Week, Hart House welcomes everyone to join us for UofT’s Pride Pub – your pride starts here!! We’ll start with an outdoor barbeque feast and then party under the stars all night! Join us for dinner, or stop by for a unique outdoor dance party featuring DJ Cozmic Cat (Cherry Bomb), DJ Sammy Rawal (Yes Yes Ya’ll / Business Women’s Special), and special dance performance by SC SWAGG.

Thursday June 20th, 4:00 to 8:00pm: Community Fair & BBQ; 8:00pm to 1:00 am: DJs and dancing. In the Hart House Quad (7 Hart House Circle). Cost: Free before 9:00 pm, $5 cover and 17+ after 9:00 pm. More information here.

10. Join the UofT Team in the Annual Pride & Remembrance Run: Sat June 29, 10am

Join this year’s University of Toronto team in the annual Pride & Remembrance Run! On Saturday June 29 at 10:00am, UofT will join over a thousand people from across Toronto in the 5km run or 3km walk. The Run is one of the largest fundraising events for local community organizations during Pride Week and it is a great opportunity to bring together all of the members of our communities. For lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends, and for the allies in our communities, the Run is a great opportunity to raise some money for community organizations and to celebrate the Pride season. This year, the Run will raise money for the Canadian Lesbian & Gay Archives, Planned Parenthood Toronto’s “Filling in the Blanks” project, and The Pride and Remembrance Foundation.

We invite you to join the University of Toronto team in the Pride & Remembrance Run! Join the UofT Team here. Alternatively, if you are unable to join our team this year, consider supporting the team with a donation to help us to reach out $2000 fundraising goal! The same link above will help you to make a donation online to the University of Toronto team.

11. Trans Film Series Screening of Collected Films of Juli (a) Rivera: Mon May 27, 6pm

The Trans Film Series hosts a FREE screening of the collected films of Juli (a) Rivera – including performance pieces, short films, new feature documentary and more. Collected films include: “Mein Viertel 100 (My Quarter of 100)”, “The Decadence of Your Starvation”, “It’s PoeTRY”, “Weit Wegziehen (Moving Far Away)”, and Bromance”.

Monday May 27, 6pm: food, 6:30pm: films. In the William Doo Auditorium (45 Willcocks St.). FREE. ASL-English Interpretation, captions (some), wheelchair accessible venue (*note: no power push buttons in washrooms), gender-neutral washrooms, trans-positive space, food: vegan, TTC tokens available. All welcome. Allies welcome. For info/accessibility/questions contact: transfilmseries@gmail.com. Facebook event here. Twitter: @TRANSfilmseries.

12. Responses to Frequently Asked Permanent Residence Questions on CIE Website

In follow-up to the March 15th and 25th Permanent Residence presentations, Citizenship and Immigration Canada and Opportunities Ontario responded to some of the permanent residency questions. Answers are now available on the Centre for International Experience (CIE) website. For more information, please contact isa.cie@utoronto.ca.

13. The iConnect International Mentorship Program is Recruiting New Int’l Students

New incoming UofT international students can now register to be mentees with the iConnect International Mentorship Program. Mentees will receive help in their academic and cultural transition to University, to Toronto and to Canada. This student-led mentorship program runs workshops and social events for new students to meet others in a welcoming community.

For more information and to apply to be a mentee, please see the iConnect webpage; or contact Erika Bailey (e.bailey@utoronto.ca).

14. Spaces are Still Available for the CIE English Communication Program!

Want to improve your English conversation skills? Sign up for the English Communication Program!

The English Communication Program at the Centre for International Experience (CIE) is a non-credit series of conversation classes that gives UofT students the opportunity to further develop their communication skills in English, gain insight into Canadian culture and life at UofT, and share cross-cultural experiences. The summer session of ECP runs from May 13th to July 19th. Even though the summer session has started, there are still spaces available. For the complete schedule, please see the ECP course schedule webpage. You can register for ECP courses on Bookit.

15. Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life: Fri June 21, 7pm to Sat June 22, 7am

Relay For Life is an inspirational, non-competitive, 12-hour overnight fundraising event that brings you and your community together to celebrate life and fight cancer. Relay participants fundraise individually and as a team to help the Canadian Cancer Society fund cancer research and support those who are facing cancer now. Relay For Life starts at dusk and ends at the next day’s morning; the light and darkness of the day and night parallel the physical effects, emotions, and mental state of a cancer patient while undergoing treatment. At Relay For Life, each step we take is our way of showing them that they are not alone.

The Relay for Life North York will take place at Ester Shiner Stadium (Finch and Bathurst) on Friday June 21st, from 7pm to 7am on Saturday. Sign up your team today at www.relayforlife.ca for an event close to you! For more information, please email relayforlife.northyork@gmail.com. More information on Relay for Life North York: website here; facebook group here; and twitter: @RelayForLifeNY.

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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!

Like us! www.facebook.com/utgsu. Follow us! www.twitter.com/utgsu; www.pinterest.com/utgsu.

1. Traveling & the GSU Health Plan

The GSU Health Plan provides a travel benefit – emergency sickness and accident coverage of $5 million dollars for the first 60 days away. It starts each time you leave the province. All GSU benefits remain in effect when a student travels for any purpose out-of-country. If you will be away for more than 60 days, you can call RSA directly at 1-800-680-3837 and request a Top-Up for the remainder of your stay. Please visit the GreenShield website and click on “Travel”, and you can print forms, id card and the policy there. You MUST contact the insurer below as quickly as possible when you have a medical emergency out of the province. Your policy number is: 28556323; your id is: your student #. They are available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In Canada or USA call 1-866-870-1898. Elsewhere call collect 0-819-566-1898.

2. Cinema Politica UofT Screening of “Herman’s House”: Thus May 16, 8pm

“Herman’s House”: Herman Wallace may be the longest-serving prisoner in solitary confinement in the United States — he’s spent more than 40 years in a 6-by-9-foot cell in Louisiana. Imprisoned in 1967 for a robbery he admits, he was subsequently sentenced to life for a killing he vehemently denies. Herman’s House is a moving account of the remarkable expression his struggle found in an unusual project proposed by artist Jackie Sumell. Imagining Wallace’s “dream home” began as a game and became an interrogation of justice and punishment in America. The film takes us inside the duo’s unlikely 12-year friendship, revealing the transformative power of art.

Thursday, May 16, starting at 8pm, in OISE (252 Bloor St W) room 5150. “Herman’s House” trailer here. More information on Cinema Politica UofT here.

3. Policy & Operations Committee – Meeting All Spring and Summer Long!

Do you want to understand how your Union works a little better? Do you want to gain experience is creating policy? Then come to the Union’s Policy & Operations Committee!
Every Thursday at 11:00, join your Internal Commissioner and other committee members as we help guide the governing documents, policies and the day-to-day operations which determine how students to access the Union’s various services and the basic principles which guide the Union. The Policy and Operations Committee acts as the body which coordinates efforts to deal with policy implementation, services oversight, and promotion of policies and operations which the Union has decided to undertake. So come on by the GSU Building and take part! More information here.

4. Trans Film Series Screening of Collected Films of Juli (a) Rivera: Mon May 27, 6pm

The Trans Film Series hosts a FREE screening of the collected films of Juli (a) Rivera – including performance pieces, short films, new feature documentary and more. Collected films include: “Mein Viertel 100 (My Quarter of 100)”, “The Decadence of Your Starvation”, “It’s PoeTRY”, “Weit Wegziehen (Moving Far Away)”, and Bromance”.

Monday May 27, 6pm: food, 6:30pm: films. In the William Doo Auditorium (45 Willcocks St.). FREE. ASL-English Interpretation, captions (some), wheelchair accessible venue (*note: no power push buttons in washrooms), gender-neutral washrooms, trans-positive space, food: vegan, TTC tokens available. All welcome. Allies welcome. For info/accessibility/questions contact: transfilmseries@gmail.com. Facebook event here. Twitter: @TRANSfilmseries.

5. Submit a Pitch for Action Speaks Louder: Deadline Fri May 31

Action Speaks Louder is the bi-annual newsletter of OPIRG-Toronto. We are looking for articles for our Fall 2013 issue, and we invite you to submit a pitch on any issue of social and/or environmental justice, on a political issue on campus or about campaigns you’re involved in. Pitches are 100-150 words and are meant to give us an idea of what the article will focus on and how it fits within the realm of campus or community organizing. Previous issues of Action Speaks Louder have explored such issues as indigenous solidarity, police brutality, prison expansion and anti-austerity campaigns. We work with authors through different drafts to develop the article, with input from our editorial collective.

The pitch submission deadline for the fall issue is Friday May 31st, 2013. Please send all pitches by e-mail to actionspeaksloudertoronto@gmail.com. More information here.

6. UofT Family Care Office Seeking Student Parent Peer Mentors

Would you be interested in being a Student Parent Peer Mentor? We are looking for student parents who have been at UofT for at least one year.

Can you spare an average of two hours per month assisting/orienting student parents who have just started at the University, or who have just become a parent? You come in with your practical skills on how to balance studies and family life and we will provide you with the training and opportunity to assist new student parents. Please consider leaving your name and contact details with the Family Care Office (family.care@utoronto.ca). We will contact you with more information on the Peer Mentorship Program and on how you can become involved this fall! More information here.

7. LSCDS May Seminar “Careers in Pharmaceuticals-Marketing”: Wed May 15, 5:30-6:30pm

The Life Sciences Career Development Society (LSCDS) presents its May seminar: “Careers in Pharmaceuticals-Marketing”. Wednesday May 15th, 5:30-6:30pm, in the Medical Sciences Building room 3154. Speaker: Brian Jahns, PhD: Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Roche. Pizza and pop will be provided. Register here. And see facebook group page here.

8. LSCDS Proudly Presents Career Day 2013: Fri May 31, 9am-6pm

The Life Sciences Career Development Society (LSCDS) proudly presents Career Day 2013, a full-day conference (Friday May 31st, from 9am to 6pm) which is the largest event of the year. Career Day 2013 features 6 Career Panels and Company Information Fair that gathers more than 15 companies/organizations. Career Day 2013 is also honoured to have Dr. Witek, the President and CEO of Boehringer Ingelheim to give a keynote lecture. Lunch and refreshments will be served. For details and registration visit our website.

9. Science for Peace Film Screening of “Conversations with Lee Lorch”: Thurs May 16, 6:30pm

Please join us, Science for Peace, for a film by Rachel Deutsch: “Conversations with Lee Lorch”, on Thursday May 16th, at 6:30pm, in room 179 of University College
(15 King’s College Circle). Lee Lorch (born September 20, 1915) is a mathematician and was an early civil rights activist, who is currently Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at York University in Toronto, Canada. More info on Lee Lorch can be found here. This film will explore: social justice, civil rights, de-segregation, communism, housing, boxing, music, activism, love, memories & change. Facebook event here. More information on Science for Peace here.

10. Call for CON-SNP UofT Chapter Executive Members: Deadline Fri May 17

The Canadian Obesity Network Students and New Professionals (CON-SNP) executive committee is a group of individuals that represent the interests of students and young professionals from all backgrounds of research and interest in the study of obesity and the advancement of obesity education, research, treatment, and management. The CON-SNP UofT chapter has been very active in the community since its start in January of 2007 and is looking forward to continued and expanded activities for 2013-14. The following executive positions are available: Co-Chairs, Communications Directors, Activities Director, Administrative Officer, Graduate Liaison, and Undergraduate Liaison. Please email consnp@utoronto.ca for more information and application instructions. Deadline to apply: Friday May 17, 2013.

11. Call for Hart House Players Executive Members

Hart House Players are seeking applications from UofT students for the 2013-14 executive team. You could help run a theatre group on campus! For more details, please check out our website and/or email us at: harthouseplayers@gmail.com.

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Dear Members,

First, we would like to thank everyone who has thus far decided to take part in our efforts around Hart House. In response to member concerns and outrage, the General Council of the Union–our Board of Directors, made up of representation from each of the over 85 course unions at the University–passed the following motion on Monday, April 29th:

Whereas, Hart House has deceived graduate students regarding Hart House summer fees, as described in our membership advisory.
BIRT the Graduate Students’ Union call on all its members, course unions, affiliated organizations, committees, caucuses, campus allies and all other groups associated with it to boycott and avoid cooperation with Hart House until the restoration of summer access for graduate students.
BIFRT the Union calls for the immediate resignation of Warden Bruce Kidd.
BIFRT the Union draft a letter to the Ministry responsible for the Pan Am Games expressing our belief that they should not serve as a partner to Hart House.
BIFRT the Council of the Union strike an ad hoc Committee on Hart House, to exist from now until the resolution of this issue or until April 2014.

This motion is the sheer result of your advocacy with us and toward your Union.

In turn, following the past weeks of complaints regarding Hart House from members; actions taken by the Union within Hart House’s governance structure; and following the passage of the above motion on April 30th, we have received the following news: Warden Kidd spoke at University Affairs Board on May 1st to announce that the summer fee is to be deferred for one year. Hart House will refund anyone who has paid it so far. Warden Kidd has confirmed this in written communication henceforth.

This victory and admission of bad faith by the Warden has been earned entirely through your indignation and concerns about the actions of Hart House on these matters. That said, even with the deferral of the implementation of this fee, the Administration of Hart House still intends to bring these fees forward and into effect for Summer 2014. As such, our work is far from over; it is just beginning. The incoming Executive of the Union will be striking the first Town Hall meeting of the Committee on Hart House within the couple of weeks. We will be sure to send an announcement along the listserv so you can help us plan the next steps and necessary actions for the coming year.

Due to your strong support, we have garnered clear support of our Council and have captured the first needed victory against the poor practices of Hart House. Next up is ensuring the University overturns these fees entirely! Together, we can do it.

If you wish to join the efforts to organize against this future fee increase, please join your new Executive Team in organizing efforts and sign up to our Hart House Summer Fees listserv (ourhouse@utgsu.ca) for information on working group meetings, actions and updates.

In solidarity,
The Executive Committee of the Graduate Students’ Union.

Click here for an official copy of the advisory (PDF)

Click here for the initial advisory (HTML/PDF)

1. Meet Your New Executive Committee for 2013/2014

We are pleased to announce your new 2013/2014 GSU Executive Committee!

Academics and Funding Commissioner, Divisions 1&2: Jaby Mathew (Political Science), academics1&2@utgsu.ca.
Academics and Funding Commissioner, Divisions 3&4: Akshita Kapila Vincent (Institute of Medical Science, IMS), academics3&4@utgsu.ca.
Civics and Environment Commissioner: Susanne Waldorf (Sociology of Education, OISE), civics@utgsu.ca.
External Commissioner: Veronica Carr (Philosophy of Education, OISE), external@utgsu.ca.
Finance and University Governance Commissioner: Aman Gebru (Faculty of Law), ua@utgsu.ca.
Internal Commissioner: Brad Evoy (History of Education, OISE), internal@utgsu.ca.
Executive-At-Large: Jessica Gallinger (Information), jessica@utgsu.ca.

More information can be found on our website: www.utgsu.ca/meet-your-new-exec.

2. Cinema Politica UofT Screening of “Herman’s House”: Thus May 16, 8pm

“Herman’s House”: Herman Wallace may be the longest-serving prisoner in solitary confinement in the United States — he’s spent more than 40 years in a 6-by-9-foot cell in Louisiana. Imprisoned in 1967 for a robbery he admits, he was subsequently sentenced to life for a killing he vehemently denies. Herman’s House is a moving account of the remarkable expression his struggle found in an unusual project proposed by artist Jackie Sumell. Imagining Wallace’s “dream home” began as a game and became an interrogation of justice and punishment in America. The film takes us inside the duo’s unlikely 12-year friendship, revealing the transformative power of art.

Thursday, May 16, starting at 8pm, in OISE (252 Bloor St W) room 5150. “Herman’s House” trailer here. More information on Cinema Politica UofT here.

3. GSU Council Adopts Ranked Ballots & Endorses the Ranked Ballot Initiative of Toronto (RaBIT)

At the Monday April 29th General Council Meeting, the Council adopted the policy recommendation from the Chief Returning Officer of the Union’s 2013 Election & Referenda to switch from “first-past-the-post” ballots to “ranked/instant-run-off” ballots for our elections. Ranked ballots have many advantages, as they: eliminate vote splitting, reduce strategic voting, ensure majority support, discourage negative campaigning, provide more choice for voters, and more!

The General Council also endorsed the Ranked Ballot Initiative of Toronto (RaBIT), “in its initiatives to advocate for ranked ballot voting at the municipal level of government in Toronto and ensure a fairer election process in the City of Toronto.” Want to learn more about these ballots and RaBIT? Check out the RaBIT website; the RaBIT facebook page; or the RaBIT twitter: @TorontoRaBIT.

4. 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 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. Sign the petition against Bill C-43: “The Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act”

Bill C-43 “The Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act” reverts Canadian legislature back to the days when racism and xenophobia were overtly a part of official immigration policy. Please sign this petition and tell the government to vote “NO” on Bill C-43.

Sign the petition here.

6. Deportation is not Entertainment! Sign the Petition Against the “Border Security” Show

A coalition of approximately 70 organizations has released an open letter calling on producers, broadcasters and partners to “to cancel, stop participating in, and end the broadcast of Border Security”. The group includes a range of community groups, legal organizations, labour unions, national and international human rights organizations and student groups. Please inform the organizing coalition if you know an organization which is willing to be added as a signatory to this letter by emailing info@cancelbordersecurity.ca. The letter can be found here. Please read and share.

More information here: www.cancelbordersecurity.ca.

7. Zumba Fitness Class (FREE!): Every Thursday in May, 5pm

Canadian Obesity Network – Student & New Professionals (CON-SNP), University of Toronto Chapter Presents: FREE Zumba Fitness Classes, every Thursday in May (May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30) at 5pm, in the Graduate Students’ Union gym (16 Bancroft Avenue). http://twitpic.com/catgfu.

Join us for a fun and great workout! Dance your stress away with our easy to follow directions from our Zumba instructor. FREE! Registration NOT required. More information: consnp@utoronto.ca; twitter.com/consnp_toronto.

8. Hart House Farm Transplanting Workshop: Sat May 25, 10am-6pm

The sun is shining and spring is in the air! Join us at the Hart House Farm for a fun and interactive transplanting workshop, where we will bring our vegetable garden plot and herb gardens back to life for the summer. Embrace your green thumb and learn how to transfer small vegetable seedlings from indoor pots to outdoor vegetable garden plots. We will focus on how to make the plants stay healthy and happy to ensure a good harvest later in the season. Whether you join us for a nice spring day in the countryside or to learn skills to start your own garden, it will be a great day spent outdoors!

Saturday, May 25, 10am to 5pm, at Hart House Farm. Buses depart from Hart House (7 Hart House Circle) at 10 am (arrive at the Farm at 11 am). Buses depart from Hart House Farm at 5 pm (arrive at Hart House at 6 pm). FREE! Tickets available here. For more information, visit: www.harthouse.ca.

9. Pride Planning: Join a UofT Pride Planning Team

Pride 2013 is fast approaching! Get involved by joining one (or more!) of the many UofT Pride Planning Teams!

UofT Pride Planning Teams include: Pride Parade, Cultural Event(s), Pride & Remembrance Run, Trans March, Dyke March, Pride BBQ, Outreach, and more! Contact sgdo@utoronto.ca if you would like to be involved or if you have any questions. More information can be found here.

10. Call for Submissions to Mad Pride Toronto’s “Altered States: Movies by Mad People”: Sat June 1

Share your mad, consumer, ex-psych, survivor, crazy, and “illness-ified” visions with us! We are planning a day of screenings at Mad Pride Toronto 2013 (July 8-14) of works made and curated by mad people. There’s no theme: works need not exemplify anything other than your own creativity, but we do seek works created by people with experience of the mental health system. Contact: events@madprideto.com. More information can be found on the Mad Pride Toronto website.

11. Laughter (unconventional) Yoga with Salimah: Wed May 8, 7-8pm

UofT Engineering presents ‘Laughter (unconventional) Yoga with Salimah’ on May 8, from 7 to 8 pm, at Hart House’s Debate Room. FREE! Come out and have fun and reclaim your happiness! Unconventional Yoga = no dress code nor mats required! More information and sign up here.

12. UofT Engineering Happiness’s Logo Contest

Newly-established UofT Engineering Happiness student club aims to raise the happiness level of the society with systematic approaches. We invite you to help us make a better world. We want you to design our logo! Please submit your designs to ehappy@utoronto.ca, (contact us for copyright issues). Check us out at our website.

13. Science for Peace Board & Executive Nominations (close May 15) & AGM: Sat June 1, 2-4pm

Nominations for positions on the Board of Science for Peace are now open until May 15th. Nominees are requested to submit two nominations from Science for Peace members (including a self-nomination) and a biography (100-250 words). Members will be polled for their approval of the Nominees between May 15th and May 31st. Results of this poll will be presented to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for their consideration before the official voting for Board Members takes place at that same meeting. Terms on the Board of Science for Peace are two years.

The Science for Peace Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2013 will be held on June 1st at 2pm – 4pm in the North Dining Room of Hart House (7 Hart House Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H3). All members who have paid their dues until that date are eligible to vote for Board members at the meeting. A Board Meeting is held immediately after the AGM to elect Executive Committee members.

To find out if you are on our email or mailing list, to find out about your membership status, for more information on the Nominations and Elections procedure, Board and Executive duties or to submit a nomination, please contact the Nominations and Elections Committee at: sfp@physics.utoronto.ca or 416-978-3606.

14. Bells on Bloor/Danforth: Sat May 11, 12 noon onwards

Bells on Bloor is a mass ride that has been a summer tradition for many years. We’re asking for Bike Lanes on Bloor and for slower speed limits. For those east of the Don, check out Bells on Danforth, with a similar mandate.

This year’s Bells on Bloor/Danforth will be held on Saturday May 11, 2013. Bells on Bloor will start at 12 noon from the main gate of High Park as usual. Bells on Danforth will start at 12 noon from East Lynn Park. Everyone will meet together at Queen’s Park for a rally at 2pm. This year we will be linking up with the Cycle and Sole rally, making this year’s event extra special. All afternoon we’ll celebrate and advocate for bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Find out more at: Bells on Bloor website, Bells on Bloor Facebook, Bells in Bloor twitter; Bells on Danforth website, Bells on Danforth twitter; Cycle and Sole website. Check out the facebook events: Bells on Bloor and Cycle and Sole.

15. Jane’s Walk: Saturday May 4 and Sunday May 5

Jane’s Walk celebrates the ideas and legacy of urbanist Jane Jacobs by getting people out exploring their neighbourhoods and meeting their neighbours. Free walking tours held on the first weekend of May each year are led by locals who want to create a space for residents to talk about what matters to them in the places they live and work. Since its inception in Toronto in 2007, Jane’s Walk has expanded rapidly. In May of 2011, 511 walks were held in 75 cities in 15 countries worldwide.

Jacobs saw cities as ecosystems that had their own logic and dynamism which would change over time according to how they were used. With a keen eye for detail, she wrote eloquently about sidewalks, parks, retail design and self-organization. She helped derail the car-centred approach to urban planning in both New York and Toronto, invigorating neighbourhood activism by helping stop the expansion of expressways and roads.

This weekend, on May 4 and 5, there will will dozens of community-led walks around Toronto. Take a break from your studies and take a walk in the sun! More information, including a list and description of all the walks, can be found here.

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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!

Like us! www.facebook.com/utgsu. Follow us! www.twitter.com/utgsu; www.pinterest.com/utgsu.

GSU Executive Commissioners 2013/2014 (from left-to-right): Susanne Waldorf, Akshita Kapila Vincent, Brad Evoy, Veronica Carr, Aman Gebru, Jaby Mathew.

Academics and Funding Commissioner, Divisions 1&2
Jaby Mathew
Political Science
academics1&2@utgsu.ca

Academics and Funding Commissioner, Divisions 3&4
Akshita Kapila Vincent
Institute of Medical Science (IMS)
academics3&4@utgsu.ca

Civics and Environment Commissioner
Susanne Waldorf
Sociology of Education OISE
civics@utgsu.ca

External Commissioner
Veronica Carr
Philosophy of Education OISE
external@utgsu.ca

Finance and University Governance Commissioner
Aman Gebru
Faculty of Law
ua@utgsu.ca

Internal Commissioner
Brad Evoy
History of Education OISE
internal@utgsu.ca

Executive-At-Large
Jessica Gallinger
Information
jessica@utgsu.ca