Katie Babcock / en Planning for the future: 91勛圖 launches new student timetable builder app /news/planning-future-u-t-launches-new-student-timetable-builder-app <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Planning for the future: 91勛圖 launches new student timetable builder app</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/_methode_sundaytimes_prod_web_bin_721e093e-f4e2-11ea-a6c6-cfdce9efa370.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=EgWuaL_o 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/_methode_sundaytimes_prod_web_bin_721e093e-f4e2-11ea-a6c6-cfdce9efa370.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=nh8HSp2z 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/_methode_sundaytimes_prod_web_bin_721e093e-f4e2-11ea-a6c6-cfdce9efa370.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=PNihckMV 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/_methode_sundaytimes_prod_web_bin_721e093e-f4e2-11ea-a6c6-cfdce9efa370.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=EgWuaL_o" alt="&quot;&quot;"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2022-06-29T16:01:43-04:00" title="Wednesday, June 29, 2022 - 16:01" class="datetime">Wed, 06/29/2022 - 16:01</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">(Photo via ITS)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/katie-babcock" hreflang="en">Katie Babcock</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-applied-science-engineering" hreflang="en">Faculty of Applied Science &amp; Engineering</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-arts-science" hreflang="en">Faculty of Arts &amp; Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-music" hreflang="en">Faculty of Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/its" hreflang="en">ITS</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/john-h-daniels-faculty-architecture" hreflang="en">John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">91勛圖 Mississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">91勛圖 Scarborough</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/undergraduate-students" hreflang="en">Undergraduate Students</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Selecting the right courses, scheduling around personal commitments and balancing life as a 91勛圖 student&nbsp;just became easier.</p> <p>The universitys new&nbsp;<a href="https://ttb.utoronto.ca/">Timetable Builder application</a>&nbsp;provides a convenient location for students to search for courses and easily create, optimize and share their intended course schedules.</p> <p>Enterprise Applications &amp; Solutions Integration (EASI) released the application earlier this&nbsp;month after a successful pilot at 91勛圖 Scarborough and&nbsp;extensive consultations across all three campuses.</p> <p>The previous timetable systems each provided students with partial information, forcing them to consult multiple sources, says <strong>Rodney Branch</strong>, manager of client services and process integration, Student Information Systems. The new Timetable Builder combines the best functionality from the earlier pilot with U of Scarborough, divisional applications and the now retired Course Finder.</p> <p>Using the new application, students can search for courses across divisions with greatly improved filtering and can view near real-time information about course sections. They can also manually or automatically generate a visual course timetable based on their preferred course sections and time preferences.</p> <p>To date, the application has been released to 91勛圖 Scarborough, 91勛圖 Mississauga, the Faculty of Arts &amp; Science, the Faculty of Applied Science &amp; Engineering, the Faculty of Music&nbsp;and the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design. In the future, it will be released more broadly across the university.</p> <p>User experience was a major focus leading to the success of the project. EASIs user experience and process design team conducted university-wide interviews with students and created several prototypes for usability testing.</p> <p>At the beginning of the project, we conducted an environmental scan within and outside of 91勛圖 to see what timetable applications students were using, says <strong>Stefanos Kythreotis</strong>, junior user experience designer with EASI. It was challenging because each tool was unique and each division had its own requirements. To create an effective application, it was important to fully understand the student and staff perspective.</p> <p>In addition to the student facing application, staff can use the Online Administrative Student Information System (OASIS) to access the administrative interface. This interface gives academic divisions the ability to create a legend of division-specific information that will be displayed with each of its courses, as well as functionality to create and edit course or section-level notes individually or via a batch file upload.</p> <p>Over the course of the project some potential future improvements were identified by the team and participating divisions. These include exporting a created timetable into a students ACORN enrolment cart, and the ability to pre-populate the timetable with courses a student has already enrolled in for the current session.</p> <p>The greatest benefit for students and staff is that they will only need to go to one place to search for courses across 91勛圖, says Branch. I want to thank all of the divisions for their input and helping to optimize the application. We look forward to releasing this more broadly across 91勛圖 and streamlining the planning process for all students.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Wed, 29 Jun 2022 20:01:43 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 175380 at 91勛圖 to launch new accommodated testing services platform /news/u-t-launch-new-accommodated-testing-services-platform <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">91勛圖 to launch new accommodated testing services platform</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/UofT17957_UofT_interior_web-190.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=6cqifnyQ 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/UofT17957_UofT_interior_web-190.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=PEEAnrQq 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/UofT17957_UofT_interior_web-190.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=F44DAwZX 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/UofT17957_UofT_interior_web-190.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=6cqifnyQ" alt="Close up photo of a hand holding a pen above a multiple choice test sheet"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2020-06-15T09:41:21-04:00" title="Monday, June 15, 2020 - 09:41" class="datetime">Mon, 06/15/2020 - 09:41</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">ATS co-ordinates quiz, term test, and final exam accommodations for students on the St. George campus, but is exploring the idea of expanding the platform to 91勛圖 Mississauga and 91勛圖 Scarborough (photo by Stephen Dagg)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/katie-babcock" hreflang="en">Katie Babcock</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/student-experience" hreflang="en">Student Experience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/accessibility" hreflang="en">Accessibility</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/graduate-students" hreflang="en">Graduate Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/undergraduate-students" hreflang="en">Undergraduate Students</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Since 2010, the 91勛圖 has seen a 146 per cent increase in accommodated test bookings from quizzes to tests and final exams. To deal with the growing demand and success of the program, <a href="https://www.ace.utoronto.ca/ats/">Accommodated Testing Services (ATS)</a> is creating a new streamlined process for students, instructors and staff.</p> <p>ATS and Enterprise Applications &amp; Solutions Integration (EASI) began designing a new system in March of 2019 to ease instructors and administrative work loads and support students on their academic journey.</p> <p>The existing processes and technology supporting accommodated tests were implemented in 2010 when we received less than 9,000 accommodation requests per year, says&nbsp;<strong>Steven Bailey</strong>, director of Academic and Campus Events.&nbsp;Today, we receive nearly 22,000 requests per year with a steady increase each year.&nbsp;</p> <p>Were moving from an outdated, email-based process to a system that will help us deal with the complexities of co-ordinating tens of thousands of unique bookings.</p> <p>ATS is responsible for co-ordinating quiz, term test, and final exam accommodations for students with documented disabilities who are registered with Accessibility Services on the St. George campus.&nbsp;However, ATS and EASI have also consulted 91勛圖 Scarborough and 91勛圖&nbsp;Mississauga about extending the new process designed to be transparent, seamless and intuitive, providing easy online access to information through existing 91勛圖 platforms to all three campuses.</p> <p>Students will be able to easily log in to ACORN to create bookings with a modern, user-friendly interface, says <strong>Mark Johnston</strong>, a product manager with EASI. The Course Information System will replace an email-based system for instructors and will provide secure online submission and storage of test details and documents. ATS staff will also use a newly designed application to co-ordinate and manage all requests.</p> <p>In addition to the new platform, ATS changed its name from the previous Test and Exam Services in January.</p> <p>Were refocusing our service on the people rather than the process and figuring out what instructors, students and staff need while aligning our goals around a common purpose, says Bailey. Having that word accommodated is a multi-dimensional word accommodating community needs about academic integrity, efficient work, efficient use of technology and process flow.&nbsp;</p> <p>Accommodating different users during the pandemic has also been a central focus for ATS.</p> <p>The pandemic is a perfect case in point for why we need to create an infrastructure that is agile enough and is able to pivot as new things emerge, says Bailey. New technology around accommodation, new approaches, new assessment and all of the work were doing is laying the foundation for us to incorporate this in the future.</p> <p>The project is part of the Next Generation Student Information Services (NGSIS) program, which creates and deploys technological solutions to help students engage in rewarding learning experiences and achieve academic and personal success. It also helps to provide faculty and staff with a rich and supportive educational environment.</p> <p>The evolution of the process has involved close consultations with a cross section of students, instructors, staff and senior leadership.</p> <p>To date, the instructor module has been piloted with the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Kinesiology &amp; Physical Education and the Faculty of Arts &amp; Science. Following these pilots, the project team plans to roll out the new online modules to all students and instructors on the St. George campus, and the new administrative system to ATS staff this summer.&nbsp;</p> <p>Our goal is to ensure that all 91勛圖 students have equal opportunity to write tests and exams, says Bailey. With the new platform, ATS will be well positioned to provide excellent service to students and their instructors. Theyll have modern tools and technology at their fingertips to anticipate and respond to any challenges that come their way.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Mon, 15 Jun 2020 13:41:21 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 164967 at 91勛圖 rolls out 'one-stop shop' for student awards /news/u-t-rolls-out-one-stop-shop-student-awards <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">91勛圖 rolls out 'one-stop shop' for student awards</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/UofT119_20120327_UTSC_ComputerLab_002-lpr.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=tJUy22dB 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/UofT119_20120327_UTSC_ComputerLab_002-lpr.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=MfPjG_a0 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/UofT119_20120327_UTSC_ComputerLab_002-lpr.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=DWJXQo4E 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/UofT119_20120327_UTSC_ComputerLab_002-lpr.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=tJUy22dB" alt="students looking at computer screens in a computer lab"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2020-03-02T13:20:37-05:00" title="Monday, March 2, 2020 - 13:20" class="datetime">Mon, 03/02/2020 - 13:20</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">91勛圖's Award Explorer is a hub that gives current and prospective students access to thousands of needs- and merit-based financial supports (photo by Ken Jones)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/katie-babcock" hreflang="en">Katie Babcock</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/enterprise-applications-and-solutions-integration" hreflang="en">Enterprise Applications and Solutions Integration</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/financial-aid" hreflang="en">Financial Aid</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/graduate-students" hreflang="en">Graduate Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/school-graduate-studies" hreflang="en">School of Graduate Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">91勛圖 Mississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">91勛圖 Scarborough</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/undergraduate-students" hreflang="en">Undergraduate Students</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The 91勛圖&nbsp;has launched the first phase of <a href="https://awardexplorer.utoronto.ca/">Award Explorer</a> a public-facing, centralized awards repository that gives current and prospective students access to thousands of awards, prizes and medals. &nbsp;</p> <p>Undergraduate and graduate students can easily look for, and apply to, awards in a single location using a combination of keyword searches and filters, including award type, campus, college, faculty, citizenship and more.</p> <p>The 91勛圖 has a wide range of need- and merit-based financial supports for students, says <strong>Richard Levin</strong>, 91勛圖s&nbsp;university registrar and executive director of enrolment services.</p> <p>Award Explorer is a one-stop shop that will make it much easier and faster for students to find the information they need. At the same time, it will streamline the back-end experience for staff.</p> <p>The new tool,&nbsp;<a href="https://easi.its.utoronto.ca/award-explorer/">the result&nbsp;of a partnership between Enrolment Services and Enterprise Applications and Solutions Integration</a> (EASI), centralizes the comprehensive annual&nbsp;support made available to 91勛圖 students. That includes nearly 4,500 admission scholarships, 6,000 in-course scholarships&nbsp;and close to 19,000 bursaries to undergraduate and second entry programs. Thats on top of 16,000 combined awards, fellowships and bursaries to graduate students.</p> <p>In the past, students searched for awards on multiple sites and they werent always sure what they might be eligible for, says <strong>Donna Wall</strong>, the director of financial aid and awards at Enrolment Services. With the launch of Award Explorer, were moving toward a consistent user experience for students and staff. Its the beginning of building greater awareness of the wide range of need- and merit-based supports available.</p> <p>Awards continue to be added to the repository daily by department and faculty administrators. During this transition, current award information will continue to reside on divisional and departmental websites to ensure this information continues to be accessible to the public. Students can also access the tool through ACORNs Awards and Aid page.</p> <p>Since 2016, weve been gathering input and feedback from the academic divisions and other stakeholders, says <strong>Farah Ally</strong>, the Award Explorer project manager.&nbsp;Engaging closely with our key users, such as <strong>Laura Stathopoulos</strong>, director of financial aid at the School of Graduate Studies, has contributed to the institutional success of this project.</p> <p>Award Explorer is now the primary source of award information at 91勛圖 and its functionality will continue to expand. Future phases are already in progress, which include automatically matching students to awards, allowing students to apply for awards online and notifying them about funding decisions and payment information. They will also be able to track the status of their applications, track award payment history and access their award letters.&nbsp;</p> <div> <p>This project will transform award administration at 91勛圖 and make us a leader in award administration nationally, says Wall.&nbsp;We want to continue to attract the best and the brightest students.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Mon, 02 Mar 2020 18:20:37 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 163171 at New 91勛圖 exams app saves time and trees /news/new-u-t-exams-app-saves-time-and-trees <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">New 91勛圖 exams app saves time and trees</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2018-04-30-exam-resized.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=r9kyW6Ui 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2018-04-30-exam-resized.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=qgmomcql 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2018-04-30-exam-resized.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=w_qSlG9M 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2018-04-30-exam-resized.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=r9kyW6Ui" alt="Photo of students taking exam"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>noreen.rasbach</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2018-04-30T00:00:00-04:00" title="Monday, April 30, 2018 - 00:00" class="datetime">Mon, 04/30/2018 - 00:00</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">A new 91勛圖 app will help to ease anxiety by speeding up exam attendance, improving student tracking, and enhancing the overall staff and student experience</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/katie-babcock" hreflang="en">Katie Babcock</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-arts-science" hreflang="en">Faculty of Arts &amp; Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">91勛圖 Mississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">91勛圖 Scarborough</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/undergraduate-students" hreflang="en">Undergraduate Students</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>It's the&nbsp;most stressful time of the year final exams.</p> <p>But a&nbsp;new 91勛圖 application will help to ease anxiety by speeding up exam attendance, improving student tracking, and enhancing the overall staff and student experience.</p> <p>The application, called Exam Invigilation, was recently tested with more than 500 students at the Faculty of Arts &amp; Science. It was developed by 91勛圖s Enterprise Applications and Solutions Integration (EASI).</p> <p>In the past, staff used the small photo on the TCard to confirm a students identity, and they relied on a paper-based registration process, says <strong>Vik Chadalawada</strong>, senior manager of student information systems with EASI. Now, they can quickly scan the students TCard, confirm their identity on a tablet that displays large photos, and accurately track student information.</p> <p>The technology relies on a Bluetooth scanner that links to the tablets and connects to Student Lifes TCard photo database. During its recent pilot with the Faculty of Arts &amp; Science, the application saved staff over half the registration time&nbsp;compared with the previous process.</p> <p>Our goal is to let students focus on writing their exams, which is the culmination of a lot of hard work, says <strong>Christine Babikian</strong>, associate director, scheduling and examinations at the Faculty of Arts &amp; Science. In the past, staff would walk around the examination room and ask students to sign a registration sheet. Now, they can avoid interrupting students by silently scanning their TCards.&nbsp;</p> <p>As a backup, if students forget their TCard for their exam, staff can manually register them by checking a piece of official identification against the TCard photo database.&nbsp;</p> <p>The application also allows staff to track student information in real time. It shows how many students have checked in for the exam and who is&nbsp;late or absent. Staff can view a students entire exam history to see patterns of absences or lateness, and it can track seat numbers, helping staff to investigate possible academic offences.</p> <p>Any approved staff can easily log in to the student information system and follow up with students who didnt write the exam, says <strong>Paul Day</strong>, an information systems analyst and client services representative with EASI. Theres no longer any paper-based back and forth between the exams, registrars and academic integrity offices.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The application is based on a model originally developed by the 91勛圖 Mississauga with <strong>Cesar Mejia</strong>, associate registrar of scheduling and systems management. This version was instrumental in helping EASI to develop an enterprise-wide solution for 91勛圖.</p> <p>And the 91勛圖 Scarborough was the first to pilot it in 2016 and 2017. The EASI team initially worked with <strong>Naureen Nizam</strong>, associate registrar and director of systems and operations at 91勛圖 Scarborough, to use it with 1,106 students in courses ranging from chemistry and biology to psychology and sociology.</p> <p>Whats next for Exam Invigilation? The Faculty of Arts &amp; Science plans to use it in large examination locations in December. The team at EASI also plans to incorporate information from Accessibility Services so staff know which students are writing exams at different locations.</p> <p>Were excited about how this application could be implemented for all other divisions having similar challenges within 91勛圖, says Chadalawada. It is yet another area of systems innovation that we are proud to have within our solutions portfolio at EASI.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Mon, 30 Apr 2018 04:00:00 +0000 noreen.rasbach 134368 at Streamlining OSAP: Making tuition and financial aid info easier to process for students /news/streamlining-osap-making-tuition-and-financial-aid-info-easier-process-students <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Streamlining OSAP: Making tuition and financial aid info easier to process for students</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2018-04-26-ACORN.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=l-2QMM_o 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2018-04-26-ACORN.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=1ssDdTco 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2018-04-26-ACORN.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=i5GVWCgo 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2018-04-26-ACORN.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=l-2QMM_o" alt="student on laptop"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>ullahnor</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2018-04-26T12:23:05-04:00" title="Thursday, April 26, 2018 - 12:23" class="datetime">Thu, 04/26/2018 - 12:23</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">(photo by iStock)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/katie-babcock" hreflang="en">Katie Babcock</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/financial-aid" hreflang="en">Financial Aid</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/rotman-commerce" hreflang="en">Rotman Commerce</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/undergraduate-students" hreflang="en">Undergraduate Students</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>From tuition and financial aid to fees and incidental costs, many students struggle to figure out the actual cost of university.</p> <p>An online statement will make the process&nbsp;easier for 91勛圖 students who will soon be able to see the net cost of tuition and fees, including the amount they&nbsp;may owe to&nbsp;the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)&nbsp;&nbsp;all in one place.</p> <p>Starting in July, students will have access to a simple snapshot of their net cost of tuition and fees in ACORN.&nbsp;</p> <p>This statement gives students easy access to their OSAP aid amounts, says<strong> Farah Ally</strong>, project manager with Enterprise Applications and Solutions Integration (EASI). It helps them know how much government financial aid they are eligible for before they register, and it gives them a comprehensive picture of the actual cost of their education before the start of the school year.</p> <p><img alt class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__8172 img__view_mode__media_original attr__format__media_original" src="/sites/default/files/net-cost-january-2.jpg" style="width: 750px; height: 700px; margin: 5px;" typeof="foaf:Image"><br> The changes were mandated by Ontarios Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, and EASI is partnering with Enrolment Services and others across the university to bring them into reality.</p> <p>Making these changes has truly taken a team effort. They dont just affect OSAP administration, they&nbsp;affect business processes within Enrolment Services, Student Accounts, EASI, and the academic divisions, says <strong>Donna Wall</strong>, director of&nbsp;financial aid and&nbsp;awards at Enrolment Services. It was important to have expertise at the table from all of these areas.</p> <p>Wall also participates in a Council of Universities working group, which advises on this and other sector-wide issues.</p> <p>As part of the changes, 91勛圖 and all other Ontario postsecondary institutions will directly receive students OSAP funds to apply against student tuition and other fees. This streamlined process will save students the extra step of paying their 91勛圖 fees after receiving their OSAP funding.</p> <p>To make sure the changes are&nbsp;effective, EASI interviewed and conducted tests with students.</p> <p>We went through several rounds of testing with students to design something that works well, says <strong>Laura Klamot</strong>, a user experience designer with EASI. Its an iterative process we keep simplifying and refining the design to make sure we communicate the clearest possible information to students.</p> <p><strong>Ibraheem Aziz</strong>, a third-year Rotman Commerce student, says the changes will make the process easier.</p> <p>When I receive OSAP it can be difficult to get a realistic estimate about the cost of attending university, he says.&nbsp;It will save so much time to see all the information in one location at the same time.</p> <p>Ally agrees.</p> <p>We want students to be focused on their academic studies, and anything we can do to make financial planning easier for them is a priority for us. This is an exciting initiative that will help to provide clarity and transparency about the out-of-pocket cost of tuition.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Thu, 26 Apr 2018 16:23:05 +0000 ullahnor 134163 at Farewell to ROSI, 91勛圖's student web service /news/farewell-rosi-u-t-s-student-web-service <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Farewell to ROSI, 91勛圖's student web service</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2018-02-05-ROSI-RESIZED.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=ICu2xhBe 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2018-02-05-ROSI-RESIZED.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=4sMRuyRs 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2018-02-05-ROSI-RESIZED.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=8UpaKE-- 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2018-02-05-ROSI-RESIZED.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=ICu2xhBe" alt="Photo of ROSI mascot"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>noreen.rasbach</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2018-02-05T12:40:04-05:00" title="Monday, February 5, 2018 - 12:40" class="datetime">Mon, 02/05/2018 - 12:40</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">The ROSI mascot from orientation in 2004 (photo by Katie Babcock)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/katie-babcock" hreflang="en">Katie Babcock</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-arts-science" hreflang="en">Faculty of Arts &amp; Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/information-technology" hreflang="en">Information Technology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/innis-college" hreflang="en">Innis College</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/ontario-institute-studies-education" hreflang="en">Ontario Institute for Studies in Education</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>After 19 years, ROSI Student Web Service&nbsp;will officially be retired on Feb.&nbsp;15. In its place, ACORN has now become the primary student web service since launching in 2015 with more than&nbsp;12 million logins in the past year.</p> <p>91勛圖s Enterprise Applications and Solutions Integration (EASI) kept the two systems running concurrently to help students make the transition. Now,&nbsp;ACORN is ready to take over.</p> <p>But how did we make the leap from long lineups and paper-based registration to technology that revolutionizes the student experience?</p> <p>When ROSI was nearing the end of its lifecycle, the project team decided to rewrite the code with contemporary best practices and student expectations in mind. These included using inclusive design principles for accessibility, improving mobile usability, and making the process of planning and enrolling in courses more helpful and personalized to each student.</p> <p>The team engaged hundreds of students through interviews, usability tests and other research activities.</p> <p>Our goal was to improve the student experience using the web service in a number of different ways: planning for and conducting course enrolment, understanding and accessing financial information, as well as increasing the visibility and engagement with student life services, says <strong>Michael Clark</strong>, manager of user experience and process design with EASI.</p> <p>ACORN provides a cohesive experience that helps students navigate an otherwise complicated network of resources across the university.</p> <p><img alt class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__7498 img__view_mode__media_large attr__format__media_large" height="453" src="/sites/default/files/2018-02-05-scarborough-lineup_0.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" width="451" loading="lazy"></p> <p><em>Students register for classes, using paper, at 91勛圖 Scarborough in 1969 (photo courtesy of 91勛圖 Scarborough Library, UTSC Archives Legacy Collection)</em></p> <p>The ACORN project team within EASI partnered with Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions and with Information Security and Enterprise Architecture to launch the service.</p> <p>ACORN is a more highly polished and functional website than ROSI could be during its time. Students can see if theres room in a course and how long a wait list is theres much more transparency to the process, says <strong>Karel Swift</strong>, who was 91勛圖s university registrar and led the functional development and implementation of ROSI. Fees can also be paid in the same place as course and program selection it truly is a one-stop shop.</p> <h2>The past</h2> <p>Before 1974, students registered through an entirely paper-based system.</p> <p>The university moved from this system in 1974 to enter students paper-based course selections into computers. In 1978, staff transcribed 31,400 students selections.</p> <p><img alt class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__7492 img__view_mode__media_large attr__format__media_large" height="453" src="/sites/default/files/2018-02-05-other-lineup-resized.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" width="603" loading="lazy"></p> <p><i>&nbsp;Students waiting in line outside of Woodsworth College, formerly the Drill Hall, to register for classes in 1988 (photo courtesy of Richard Chow)</i></p> <p>In the 1980s, students used to wait in long lineups to have their paper course selections processed in the computer system, says <strong>Rodney Branch</strong>, who worked in college registrars offices at the time and is currently manager of client services and process integration with EASI. They would then have to line up separately to pay their fees. The lineups would go out the door, down the hall and onto the sidewalk.</p> <p><strong>Donald Boere</strong>, registrar of Innis College, remembers ACCESS, the Assisted by Computer Course Enrolment and Scheduling System used by the Faculty of Arts &amp; Science starting in the late 1980s.</p> <p><img alt class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__7491 img__view_mode__media_large attr__format__media_large" src="/sites/default/files/2018-02-05-IBM-resized.jpg" style="width: 350px; height: 389px; margin: 10px; float: left;" typeof="foaf:Image">In the summer, students wrote their options for timetable scenarios on paper forms, and all these requests would be typed into IBM dedicated terminals (pictured left) by staff, though in later years, students with touch-tone not rotary&nbsp; phones could enter their own requests through the Student Telephone Service. Resulting timetables were mailed to every student. For changes, there was a second round, called Mini-ACCESS, and students got new timetables during Registration Week. It was pretty cutting-edge for its time.</p> <p><strong>Anil Purandar矇 </strong>was one of those students. During my first year, I was anxious and pretty naive about the process. New College had a large sign that said, Dont Worry Well Help You. It was lovely to meet people, but increasingly complex registration required a more effective process, says Purandar矇, now a doctoral registration specialist at the Office of the Registrar and Student Services at 91勛圖's Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE).</p> <p>ACORN has made the registration process much more student-friendly. When youre anxious, and perhaps naive about the process, that helps a lot.</p> <p>ROSI was introduced in 1999 and was used, along with the ROSI telephone service, to enable 54,132 students to register in real time.</p> <h2>The future</h2> <p>In 2016-17, 88,766 students enrolled at 91勛圖. To accommodate increasing numbers and enrolment complexity in the future, Information Technology Services will implement a new computing platform in 2018. This upgrade will improve system performance and capacity, allowing up to 15,000 students to register simultaneously for classes during peak registration times.</p> <p>ROSI, now called ROSI Alumni Transcripts, will continue to exist in a simplified form for alumni to view their academic history, request transcripts and reset their PIN. Staff will still use the administrator-facing ROSI to manage and maintain students records, and ACORN will evolve to serve students needs.</p> <p>ACORN will continue to be timely, personalized and helpful with improved accessibility, mobile optimizations, financial tools and additional complementary tools, including the Grant Application, GPA Calculator and Financial Planning Calculator, says Clark. Were the hub in the wheel of student services and well be strengthening that core to consistently improve the student experience.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Mon, 05 Feb 2018 17:40:04 +0000 noreen.rasbach 128857 at Financial planning calculator helps 91勛圖 students to easily and accurately predict their living costs /news/financial-planning-calculator-helps-u-t-students-easily-and-accurately-predict-their-living <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Financial planning calculator helps 91勛圖 students to easily and accurately predict their living costs</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-10-27-budgeting-resized.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=zC---jqq 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2017-10-27-budgeting-resized.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=Noq-m53G 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2017-10-27-budgeting-resized.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=JaBTVh1z 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-10-27-budgeting-resized.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=zC---jqq" alt="Photo of woman budgeting"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>rasbachn</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2017-10-27T16:38:30-04:00" title="Friday, October 27, 2017 - 16:38" class="datetime">Fri, 10/27/2017 - 16:38</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">Since its launch in February 2016, the financial calculator has helped more than 14,152 undergraduate students. Now the application is available to all graduate and second-entry students (photo by iStock)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/katie-babcock" hreflang="en">Katie Babcock</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/information-technology" hreflang="en">Information Technology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/students" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subheadline field--type-string-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Subheadline</div> <div class="field__item"> </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Tuition is just the beginning. Housing, utilities, food, textbooks, transit and recreation costs all add up, and managing expenses can often become an overwhelming task for busy students. But the <a href="https://planningcalc.utoronto.ca/financialPlanner/#/">financial planning calculator</a>, now available to all 91勛圖 students, is helping them easily and accurately predict their living costs for a year setting them up for academic and future success.</p> <p>When we interviewed students before developing this application, we discovered that they didnt know how to budget, how much to budget or didnt have effective tools, aside from calculating everything manually using a spreadsheet, says <strong>Laura Klamot</strong>, a user experience designer with 91勛圖s <a href="https://main.its.utoronto.ca/its-units/easi/">Enterprise Applications and Solutions Integration department</a>&nbsp;(EASI). Now students have a simple, customizable tool they can use each year to plan ahead.</p> <p>Its hard to predict what everything will cost especially food and recreation, says <strong>Yanna Ding</strong>, a first-year student in the Faculty of Arts &amp; Science. When I graduate I dont want to have a lot of debt, so I want to manage my finances closely. Ill also need to develop economic independence, and a tool like this could really help in my future planning.</p> <h3><a href="http://planningcalc.utoronto.ca/financialPlanner/#/">Use the financial planning calculator</a></h3> <h3><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjp8cBVjG_c&amp;feature=youtu.be">Tutorial shows how the calculator works</a></h3> <p>The tool helps students quickly predict how much it will cost to live in Toronto, an often difficult task for those who are unfamiliar with the area. It is also highly customizable for each individual depending on their program, year of study, residency status and campus. The application will suggest specific resources for awards and financial aid to help them save money and manage expenses.</p> <p>If youre spending more money on meals, compared to your peers, then the application will notify you and offer resources such as 91勛圖s Food Services, and theres also information about cooking for yourself, says <strong>Michael Clark</strong>, manager of user experience and process design at EASI.</p> <p>The team is planning to solicit feedback and make improvements for future releases.</p> <p>Im happy were providing this tool to students as it will help them make informed decisions about their finances, says Clark. Were focused on improving the student experience, and this tool is an example of how we can approach that objective from a different direction and offer value to our community.</p> <h3>&nbsp;</h3> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Fri, 27 Oct 2017 20:38:30 +0000 rasbachn 120162 at Playground superheroes: 91勛圖 research shows kids overestimate physical abilities /news/playground-superheroes-u-t-research-shows-kids-overestimate-physical-abilities <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Playground superheroes: 91勛圖 research shows kids overestimate physical abilities</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-06-27-playground-super-heroes-lead.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=hhrWGHaZ 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2017-06-27-playground-super-heroes-lead.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=2J6Zs7Eu 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2017-06-27-playground-super-heroes-lead.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=XzflPucA 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-06-27-playground-super-heroes-lead.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=hhrWGHaZ" alt="Photo of two children dressed as superheroes"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>krisha</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2017-06-27T10:39:45-04:00" title="Tuesday, June 27, 2017 - 10:39" class="datetime">Tue, 06/27/2017 - 10:39</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">Study finds that younger children havent had as much experience moving, and this may be why their perception of what is possible could be less accurate (photo by iStockPhoto)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/katie-babcock" hreflang="en">Katie Babcock</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-legacy field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Author legacy</div> <div class="field__item">Katie Babcock</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/city-culture" hreflang="en">City &amp; Culture</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/kpe" hreflang="en">KPE</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-kinesiology-physical-education" hreflang="en">Faculty of Kinesiology &amp; Physical Education</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>If your child fearlessly flies&nbsp;through the air like a superhero or leaps over large obstacles like an extreme athlete, new research from the 91勛圖 shows&nbsp;that young children often overestimate their physical abilities.&nbsp;</p> <p>Its a finding that could&nbsp;not only help&nbsp;exasperated parents deal with daredevil children, but it could also create new guidelines for sport training and help children&nbsp;with movement disorders.</p> <p>In this study, we measured how accurately kids and young adults could imagine their movements and how well they could perceive what actions were possible for them to perform, says researcher <strong>Tim Welsh</strong>, a professor at 91勛圖s Faculty of Kinesiology &amp;&nbsp;Physical Education. We found that adults tend to estimate their abilities fairly accurately&nbsp;while young children will overestimate these same abilities. &nbsp;</p> <p>Welsh and his team studied how well 45 individuals&nbsp;between the ages of 7 and 25 imagined, perceived and executed a specific movement. The study was recently published in the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00222895.2017.1327408"><em>Journal of Motor Behavior</em></a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>Past research has shown that the more times a person performs a task the better they become at estimating their abilities to perform that task in the future. Younger children havent had as much experience moving, and this may be why their perception of what is possible could be less accurate.</p> <p>The findings may influence approaches to training athletes.&nbsp;</p> <p>Athletes often use visualization as a training tool, and they also learn by watching others and imagining how they would perform the task themselves, says Welsh. Were trying to understand how this mental practice works so we can help shape learning and coaching environments.</p> <p><strong>Emma Yoxon</strong>, a graduate student at KPE&nbsp;and lead author of the study, has already incorporated some of these findings into practice as a synchronized swimming coach. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>We use visualization a lot because access to the pool can be limited and we want to avoid overtraining. While imagination is an important tool for many athletes, it might not be as effective for younger children now I try to get kids moving more.</p> <p>Such mental practice might not only benefit high performance athletes, but it might also help people with movement disorders recover their abilities. &nbsp;</p> <p>Welsh and Yoxon are currently working with scientists at the Movement Disorders Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network. They want to understand how well these individuals could use their imagination to train while resting as opposed to stressing their systems through constant physical performance.&nbsp;</p> <p>In the future, the team plans to run the same studies in individuals with autism, who may face&nbsp;challenges observing and executing actions.&nbsp;</p> <p>Now that we know people imagine, perceive and execute actions differently, were trying to understand the different brain areas involved, says Welsh. Were excited to be breaking new ground in this area to hopefully help a wide range of people from children to elite athletes and those simply wanting to pick up a glass of water.&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Tue, 27 Jun 2017 14:39:45 +0000 krisha 108693 at Five ways to celebrate Pride at 91勛圖 /news/five-ways-celebrate-pride-u-t <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Five ways to celebrate Pride at 91勛圖</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-06-01-pride-flag.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=1Zlr8-6S 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2017-06-01-pride-flag.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=k4RqbA5n 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2017-06-01-pride-flag.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=rQptaoKU 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-06-01-pride-flag.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=1Zlr8-6S" alt> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>ullahnor</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2017-06-01T13:55:52-04:00" title="Thursday, June 1, 2017 - 13:55" class="datetime">Thu, 06/01/2017 - 13:55</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">The Pride flag was raised today at the Varsity Centre as part of Pride Month celebrations (photo by Katie Babcock) </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/katie-babcock" hreflang="en">Katie Babcock</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-legacy field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Author legacy</div> <div class="field__item">Katie Babcock</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/city-culture" hreflang="en">City &amp; Culture</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/pride" hreflang="en">Pride</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/lgbtq" hreflang="en">LGBTQ</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Pride flag went up at&nbsp;91勛圖s Varsity Centre on Bloor Street today, kicking off upcoming celebrations at the university for Toronto's second Pride Month. &nbsp;</p> <p>The flag&nbsp;signals 91勛圖s continued support for the LGBTQ+ community. The universitys internationally recognized Positive Space campaign, which raises the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community, was started 21 years ago.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Ira Jacobs</strong>, dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE), <strong>Alex Malone</strong>, a Varsity Blues athlete,&nbsp;and <strong>Kelly Hannah-Moffat</strong>, vice-president of human resources and equity, spoke at the flag raising.&nbsp;</p> <p>Since 1999, the universitys Sexual and Gender Diversity Office and KPE have greatly expanded training, programs and events, says&nbsp;<strong>Allison Burgess</strong>, the sexual &amp; gender diversity officer with human resources and&nbsp;equity. 91勛圖 also has so many LGBTQ+ student groups and has a long history of activism the first on-campus LGBTQ+ association in Canada was created at 91勛圖 in 1969. So many campus departments and groups, including KPE, have worked to collaborate and increase awareness, knowledge and understanding of LGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty.</p> <p>Among the many initiatives across the university, KPE&nbsp;has developed Athlete Ally, a Varsity Blues program committed to ending homophobia and transphobia in sport. The Faculty also started a student-led group that organizes inclusive initiatives throughout the year.</p> <p>By raising the flag high over Bloor Street, the Faculty and 91勛圖 are proud to recognize the beginning of Canadas Pride month, Jacobs said. During the month of June, we will unite with other organizations along Bloor Street to celebrate our LGBTQ community.</p> <p>Not only does this event link to our academic mission and signify the beginning of Pride month, it also shows our dedication to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion at all levels in research, education and our broad spectrum of co-curricular physical activity and sport programs, and student-driven initiatives.</p> <p>Here are some more events marking the month:</p> <p><a href="http://sgdo.utoronto.ca/event/2017-u-t-pride-pub/"><strong>91勛圖 Pride Pub</strong></a><br> June 9<br> 4-8 p.m. Community Fair and BBQ<br> 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Dancing Under the Stars<br> Hart House Quad, 7 Hart House Circle<br> Learn about LGBTQ+ resources at our community fair, play games like giant Jenga, make buttons and listen to amazing music.<br> Featuring: Raging Asian Women Taiko Drummers, Cozmic Cat (Cherry Bomb, Queer Nation) and Sammy Royale (Yes Yes Yall)&nbsp;<br> This is a family-friendly event. All ages until 9 p.m., 17+ after 9 p.m.</p> <p><a href="http://positivespace.utoronto.ca/event/displayyourpride-2017/"><strong>Display your Pride</strong></a><br> June 22<br> 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m.<br> Show your creative flair and fabulous colours by decorating your office or student space in support of Pride. Be sure to tweet your photos with the #DisplayYourPride and #UofT hashtag (as well as your campus hastag: #UTSC, #UTM and #StG) and follow online. Dont have a Twitter, Instagram or Facebook account? Send photos to <a href="mailto:sgdo@utoronto.ca">sgdo@utoronto.ca</a>, and it will be tweeted&nbsp;for you.</p> <p><a href="http://sgdo.utoronto.ca/event/u-t-participates-pride-run/"><strong>Pride Remembrance Run</strong></a><br> June 24<br> 10-11:30 a.m.<br> Corner of Church and Wellesley<br> The 91勛圖 Pride and Remembrance Run Team will hit the pavement in support of local LGBTQ+ charitable organizations. The 5km run (or 3km walk) circles twice around Queens Park Crescent (once for the walkers) and then finishes back at the corner of Church and Wellesley streets.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://sgdo.utoronto.ca/events/2017-06/"><strong>Trans March, Dyke March and Pride Parade</strong></a><br> June 23, 24 and 25<br> Represent the 91勛圖 community in Torontos Pride celebrations. Join the Trans March, Dyke March, Pride Parade, or all three.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="http://sgdo.utoronto.ca/events/">Check the Sexual &amp; Gender Diversity Office&nbsp;website</a></strong><br> Look&nbsp;for any updates to this month's&nbsp;Pride calendar.&nbsp;Students can also join <a href="https://www.facebook.com/equitymovement/?fref=ts">the Equity Movement</a>, a student-led group at KPE which&nbsp;organizes inclusive initiatives throughout the year.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Thu, 01 Jun 2017 17:55:52 +0000 ullahnor 108019 at Olympic athletes disproportionately white and privately educated, 91勛圖 researcher finds /news/olympic-athletes-disproportionately-white-and-privately-educated-u-t-researcher-finds <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Olympic athletes disproportionately white and privately educated, 91勛圖 researcher finds</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-05-11-biking.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=Kb80oRGK 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2017-05-11-biking.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=_HU6zz5G 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2017-05-11-biking.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=MjK2ZX_O 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-05-11-biking.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=Kb80oRGK" alt="photo of bicyclists"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>lanthierj</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2017-05-11T14:23:50-04:00" title="Thursday, May 11, 2017 - 14:23" class="datetime">Thu, 05/11/2017 - 14:23</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">London 2012 Olympic Women's Triathlon Final - Hyde Park (photo by iDJ Photography via Flickr)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/nicole-bodnar" hreflang="en">Nicole Bodnar</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/nicole-bodnar-files-katie-babcock" hreflang="en">Nicole Bodnar with files from Katie Babcock</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/katie-babcock" hreflang="en">Katie Babcock</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-legacy field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Author legacy</div> <div class="field__item">Nicole Bodnar, with files from Katie Babcock</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/olympics" hreflang="en">Olympics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/kpe" hreflang="en">KPE</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sports" hreflang="en">Sports</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/dalla-lana-school-public-health" hreflang="en">Dalla Lana School of Public Health</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subheadline field--type-string-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Subheadline</div> <div class="field__item">A major barrier to participation in many sports is access to wealth</div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>White and privately educated Olympic athletes&nbsp;&nbsp;particularly Winter Olympic Games athletes&nbsp;&nbsp;are over-represented on Olympic teams from Canada, the United States, Great Britain and Australia, a 91勛圖 researcher has found.</p> <p>It's the first international study to examine sociodemographic profiles of individual athletes.</p> <p>Public funds are heavily subsidizing Olympic teams that are composed primarily of white and privately educated elite athletes&nbsp;in Canada and in high income countries globally, said Dr. <strong>David Lawrence</strong>.</p> <p>The studys lead author,&nbsp;Lawrence, is a masters student in epidemiology at 91勛圖's<a href="http://www.dlsph.utoronto.ca/">&nbsp;Dalla Lana School of Public Health</a>&nbsp;and a staff physician at the David L. MacIntosh Sport Medicine Clinic.</p> <p>Olympic sports and athletes receive significant financial support from the publicly funded federal budget, an investment that is intended to promote health and physical activity, Lawrence said. The Canadian federal government provides approximately $197 million annually to <a href="http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1414510019083">Sport Canada</a>, most of which is directed towards elite and Olympic athletes.</p> <p>A former university rugby player and <a href="http://www.dlsph.utoronto.ca/2016/08/rio2016-sports-medicine-physician-leverages-front-row-olympic-seat-to-examine-structure-of-sport-funding-in-canada/">member of the Canadian Health Services Team last summer in the Rio de Janeiro&nbsp;Olympic Games</a>, Lawrence decided to pursue a public health degree after practicing for two years as a sports medicine physician so he could critically evaluate this so-called trickle-down effect of elite sport to increase physical activity at a population level.</p> <p>Not only is the evidence linking elite sports and population health weak, our study found significant access and equity issues that restrict individuals from a lower socioeconomic status, creating a participation parity barrier, said Lawrence, who received his medical degree from 91勛圖 Medicine in 2013 and trained in sports medicine at St. Michaels Hospital.</p> <p>In the study, 'Sociodemographic Profile of an Olympic Team,' published this week&nbsp;in <a href="https://www.journals.elsevier.com/public-health/"><em>Public Health</em></a>, Lawrence and his team collected sociodemographic data from publicly available resources for all athletes representing Canada, the United States, Great Britain, and Australia at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games and the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games.&nbsp;</p> <p>The research team studied information on&nbsp;568 winter and 1,643 summer athletes, using the Olympic committee database, sport organizations database, school-specific (University, College, or secondary school) databases, personal biographies, media reports and social media profiles. Researchers subjectively classified each athlete as white or non-white based on their photo, determined their secondary school&nbsp;(private, public, or home schooled), and compared the prevalence of white, privately educated athletes with the prevalence in the general population.</p> <p>They found that the percentage of the elite athlete population that is white was much larger than that of the general population. Privately educated athletes constituted 30.3 per cent, and 32.7 per cent of winter and summer athletes, respectively. They found&nbsp;94.9 per cent of winter, and 81.7 per cent of summer athletes were white.</p> <p>From a Canadian perspective, the prevalence of privately educated Canadian athletes was&nbsp;significantly higher than in the general population for both the Canadian Winter and Summer Olympic teams. The prevalence of white Canadian athletes was significantly higher on the winter team, but not for the summer team.</p> <p>While Summer Olympic athletes demonstrated greater diversity in ethnicity and affluence, athletics (track and field), basketball, gymnastics, taekwondo, table tennis and judo were sports found to exhibit the most ethnic and wealth diversity. However, certain sports&nbsp;&nbsp;such as equestrian, sailing, cycling, and rowing&nbsp;&nbsp;consistently favoured white and privately educated athletes.</p> <p>I think that Canada and other countries that emphasize elite sport through the diversion of public resources should re-evaluate this practice, said Lawrence. We know funding elite sport does not provide societal benefit, so governments must invest in strategies to promote health in the general population, such as community runs, access to green space and community centres.</p> <p>There have been many anecdotal reports highlighting the potential disparity in participation, but no one has formally studied it. I think the degree to which race and wealth play a role in elite sport might be surprising.</p> <h3><a href="https://www.thestar.com/sports/amateur/2017/05/11/canadas-olympians-are-whiter-and-better-off-than-general-population-according-to-study.html">Read the Toronto Star article</a></h3> <p>Lawrence said he hopes the study will shed light on how to reduce barriers to participation and advancement within sport.</p> <p>A major barrier to participation in many sports is access to wealth. Participating in many sports is costly and the financial burden only increases with advancement whether its equipment, access to facilities or time requirements for both parents and the children.</p> <p>Initiatives aimed at increasing physical activity in the general population should target the general population, including increasing access to green space, recreational facilities and public programming, Lawrence said.&nbsp;I want to start an honest discussion about the value we place on Olympic sports and explore more effective ways to get people moving.</p> <p><img alt="photo of Lawrence" class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__4573 img__view_mode__media_large attr__format__media_large" src="/sites/default/files/2017-05-11-lawrence-olympics-resized_0.jpg" style="width: 680px; height: 453px; margin: 10px;" typeof="foaf:Image"></p> <p>(photo of Dr. David Lawrence at Rio Games courtesy Dr. Lawrence)</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Thu, 11 May 2017 18:23:50 +0000 lanthierj 107504 at