News for Undergraduate Students

February 2026 news for anthropology undergraduate students

Please bookmark this page and check it regularly throughout the year! We will update the page regularly throughout the Fall and Winter terms.

Featuring news, reminders, and updates for students enrolled in UTM Anthropology programs. Please note it's possible that dates may change after we publish opportunities on this page. Questions about this page may be directed to communications.utmanthro@utoronto.ca

Your voice counts! UTM Anthropology is inviting students to a casual lunch and feedback session on March 17 (RSVP by February 17)

The UTM Anthropology department is undergoing its once‑every‑7‑years U of T Quality Assurance Process (UTQAP) program review, and one of the most important parts of the process is hearing directly from students in our courses and programs. We’re inviting undergraduate students in all years of study to a lunch with the external reviewers so you can share what you think, so let us know if you're interested (particularly if you're in a 1st or 2nd year ANT course or an upper-year ANT social science course)!

  • Date and time: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 12:20–1:15pm
  • Format: Casual lunch and discussion for undergrad student feedback
  • Why it matters: Your input can directly impact future department priorities!

RSVP: If you’re available and willing to participate, please email Carolyn Loos, Department Manager at carolyn.loos@utoronto.ca by February 17.

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Events

Are you thinking about career options after you graduate? Attend Your Career Evolution in Anthropology: a career planning workshop for undergraduate students

  • Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 10am - 11:30am
  • Location: DV2220 (Activity Room), Student Services Hub, Davis

Join this workshop to explore diverse career paths, gain practical insights, and discover how to leverage your Anthropology degree in a variety of fields!

Register on CLNx

Career Evolution in Anthropology

Are you a first-year UTM student who is choosing your Program of Study (POSt) this spring? 

Visit the Anthropology table at the Student Program Planning Interactive Exhibition (SPPIE) to learn about our HBA and HBSc programs!

  • Wednesday, March 4, 2026 10:00am to 3:00pm in MN Grand Hall and 2nd Floor Lobby
  • No registration is required! Just drop by!

Learn about SPPIE

SPPIE with multiple directional arrows

UTMAS Events

Follow UTMAS on Instagram for event listings.


Call for papers: UTM Undergraduate Anthropology Conference 2026

  • Abstracts are due February 25, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
  • The conference takes place on Thursday, March 19, 2026 in DV3130.

UTMAS invites undergrad students to submit a project - from a class or independent research - as a poster or presentation for the annual Anthropology conference at UTM! Submit your abstract (a summary of the main points and overall theme that you will be discussing or showcasing at the conference) by Feb. 25. The abstract does not have to be perfectly refined and we invite all to apply. We are excited to see all of your projects!

Visit the UTMAS Linktree to submit an abstract and/or register to attend. Even if you don't intend to present your work, you are welcome to learn more about the subfields of anthropology!

2026 UTMAS anthropology conference

More events

Visit our Events page regularly for additional event listings!


Anthropology students needed for Alternative Reading Week!

Application deadline: Thursday, February 5, 2025

Are you looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity during reading week? Check out Alternative Reading Week, a three-day initiative where students work in teams to tackle projects presented by local community organizations. For example, A Greener Future is looking for Anthropology students to work on a project focusing on developing a recruitment guidebook informed by research on volunteer engagement trends, with a particular emphasis on Generation Z. 

View Alternative Reading Week projects and application


Summer research opportunity for undergraduate students: JHI 2026 Scholars-in-Residence

Application deadline: Monday, February 23, 2026

The Jackman Humanities Institute Scholars-in-Residence (SiR) program is back! They've got 28 in-person projects exploring a diverse array of topics, including "Investigating Ancient Technologies of Record-keeping and Writing" (Prof. Heather Miller's project). Complete SiR info, eligibility, project descriptions and the application link are available on the JHI SiR program website.


Summer job opportunities for students who want to help protect Ontario’s heritage

Application deadline: February 24, 2026

The Ontario Heritage Trust is hiring students for summer roles that support the conservation, interpretation and celebration of the province’s cultural and natural heritage. For anyone interested in archaeology, historic places, landscapes, museums or storytelling, this is a chance to contribute to work that lasts far beyond one season. Positions include: 

  • Museum attendant
  • Assistant Archaeologist
  • Architectural conservation assistant
  • Natural heritage stewardship assistant
  • Marketing and communications assistant
  • General maintenance assistant

Vew postings on the Ontario Public Service website.

View the announcement on the Ontario Heritage Trust LinkedIn page.


Summer jobs with the Ontario Public Service (OPS)

Are you a student or recent graduate looking for an exciting opportunity to develop new skills, gain practical work experience, and expand your professional network? The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is hiring! You can contribute to meaningful work within a provincial ministry, provincial agency, or community group. 

View OPS postings on the Summer Employment Opportunities website.


How you can use your anthropological skills in a summer job!

UTMAS members shared how they used their anthropological skills in a variety of summer roles last year! 

View the post on UTMAS Instagram


Volunteer and paid opportunities with the UTM Health and Counselling Centre for 2026-27

  • Deadline to apply for paid positions is Tuesday February 10,  11:59 pm
  • Deadline to apply for volunteer positions is Wednesday, February 11, 11:59 pm 

Are you an anthropology of health student or interested in health and well-being? UTM's HCC programs are designed to provide students with the information, tools, and resources to help make informed decision to enhance well-being and support academic success. Recruitment is currently open for the 2026-2027 Academic Year! This is a wonderful opportunity for you to gain experience, build skills, and make a positive impact on student wellness on campus.

View postings on CLNx.

Visit the UTM HCC website for more information.


Field school updates


The CARE Lab at U of T seeks participants for an interview study on Black student mental health

The Care Lab at U of T is seeking participants for an interview study about the experiences of self-harm among Black post-secondary students. You may be eligible to participate if you’re a Black undergraduate student at the University of Toronto with lived experience of self-harm. The study involves a questionnaire and a virtual one-hour interview. You will receive up to $40 for participating. Findings will inform understanding of Black student mental health. 

For more information or to participate: contact oise.racializedmh@utoronto.ca.

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News from your professors

Stephen Scharper's latest opinion piece, “Improvising against Tyranny: The Power of Ordinary Americans from the Battle of the Bulge to the Streets of Minnesota”, is available on Substack


Reminders: deadlines and important dates

Deadlines

Other important dates

  • Feb 16 Family Day. University closed.
  • Feb 17- 20 Reading Week.