U of T programs ease the transition to university for first-year students
Incoming University of Toronto students whose final year of high school was disrupted by the pandemic have had the opportunity to prepare for the fall semester with free, optional programs and courses designed to help them connect with their peers and ensure they have the required course skills to succeed.
This summer, incoming students at U of T Mississauga were invited to participate in Eagle Connect, a 13-week, student-led online program that provided them with on-demand information and helped them make personal connections with fellow students before classes even start.
Each week featured a themed module, using the Quercus online learning platform. Topics included course selection, applying for residence, campus clubs and other necessary information. A discussion board gave students a chance to ask questions and get to know one another.
The goal of Eagle Connect was to give students the tools to feel confident, ready and excited to start their time at UTM, says Trent Barwick, student success co-ordinator, orientation and transition programs with the Centre for Student Engagement. The program also allowed students to begin developing friendships and prepared them for working in a new online environment.
UTM’s Robert Gillespie Academic Learning Centre, meanwhile, offered a free mathematics workshop to prepare students for their university-level courses. The workshop was developed in response to the disruption high school students and teachers faced when classes moved online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Math is a big hurdle for many students – it creates a lot of anxiety,” says Andie Burazin, assistant professor in the department of mathematical and computational sciences. “Even in regular situations, math is just one of those things they struggle with.”
The series of six, two-hour workshops was designed to assist students taking calculus this fall by enhancing their foundational math skills and providing them with the confidence to succeed in mathematics.
U of T Scarborough also ran a month-long math preparedness program for students, the Online Mathematics Preparedness Course, organized by Manaal Hussain, a program manager in the Department of Arts, Culture and Media.
Meanwhile, students registered for a chemistry course at UTSC were given the opportunity to better prepare for the start of classes with a six-week chemistry course.
“I know there are knowledge gaps and, with online learning, it may be more difficult for (students),” says Marco Zimmer-De Iuliis, an assistant professor of chemistry at UTSC. “This course offered a low stakes way to refresh their knowledge and practice problems.
“A post-session survey indicates that most students found it helpful, and I plan to run it every summer.”
The Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering is also giving incoming students a chance to brush up on their skills with the newly-created U of T Engineering Academy, an optional and not-for-credit program that is free to all incoming students in the fall 2020 semester.
The academy offers students access to a suite of self-paced learning modules in chemistry, math and physics, as well as the opportunity to connect with upper-year mentors for assistance.
“U of T Engineering Academy gives students what they need to fill in any gaps in their Grade 12 year, as well as a friendly introduction to our faculty with the support of our incredible students and professors,” explains Micah Stickel, vice-dean, first year engineering.
The faculty also offers an optional First Year Foundations program that includes sessions, workshops and courses to help incoming students prepare for various aspects of university life, such as developing effective study and learning skills, and offering introductions to concepts like the engineering design process and communications.
Faculty members, too, have received assistance preparing for this unusual fall semester. The Faculty of Arts & Science launched the A&S Online Learning Academy this summer, offering courses for faculty taught by peers with experience in online instruction. These experts were able share technical advice, best practices and resources toward creating a seamless online learning experience for all Arts & Science students, both incoming and continuing.
“Planning for the start of this academic year has been like no other in our history,” says Melanie Woodin, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science. “We have reimagined every aspect of the U of T experience, not only from how we teach and learn, but to how we connect, socialize and stay informed.
“The University has come together to ensure that the year ahead will be full of rewarding and enriching experiences for all of our students – both near and far.”