Grad Chats

An individual is writing on a small piece of paper with a pot, tea cups and confectionery around them.

Grad Chats is an informal, drop-in virtual space where graduate students can connect with colleagues, learn about resources, relax, play games, chat, and meet members of the UTM community in a casual environment. Curated by representatives from the RGASC and UTMAGS, Grad Chats will also feature guests from UTM, including the UTM TA Liaison, specialists from the Health and Counselling Centre, and UTM Librarians.

Drop in to ask questions, get together with friends, and meet new people!

Winter 2022 Semester - Temporarily on Hiatus

Date: Time:
Friday, January 21, 2022 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
Friday, February 18, 2022 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET
Friday, March 18, 2022 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
Friday, April 29, 2022 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET

Special Guests for Winter 2022

February 18th: Dr. Bryan Stewart, Vice-Dean Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs

March 18th: Tori Sheldon, TATP UTM Liaison

Past Grad Chats and Topics

Topic: Welcome and Quick Tips for Grad School

Topic: "Being a Great Grad Student"
Guest: Bryan Stewart, Vice-Dean, Graduate

Topic: "Netflix & Chow"
Guest: Kimberly Green, HCC Dietitian
Description: What does Penny make for breakfast on Sheldon's "Oatmeal" Day instead of oatmeal? What two recipes does Rachel mix up when making Thanksgiving dessert? If you can answer these random questions, you're ready for Netflix & Chow! We'll multi-task by testing your food-related TV-trivia skills while showing you how to make a delicious but healthy quick bread recipe. We’ll chat about how to pull together quick but healthy meals, about the best places to find healthy "student budget" recipes and more. This is your opportunity to meet the campus Dietitian, Kimberly Green, and ask any food-and-nutrition questions you may have. Also win a gift card! 

Topic: Cultivating Caring Communities
Guest: Adrianna Michell, HCC Wellness Grad Lead
Description: Recognizing that graduate school is often an isolating experience, this Grad Chat seeks to encourage community as an important part of holistic student health. This Grad Chat will take the form of a brief workshop followed by a facilitated conversation, during which students will explore key concepts related to informal peer support, community building, and setting community intentions. Students will build on existing knowledge of self care to explore the possibilities of community care and its applications within a safe(r) space of fellow students.

Topic: Copyright
Guest: Yayo Umetsubo, Scholarly Communications and Liaison Librarian

Topic: Destress!