October 2026
Academics
Events & Dates to Remember
- Level Up: Learning to Write in Anthropology and Forensic Science
- Career Centre: Resume Writing for Forensic Science
- IVNVI October Events: Meet the Professors
- IVNVI October Event: Halloween Whodunnit
Other
- Academic Exchange in Germany: Fall Info Session
- Spotted at UTM: Pictures from the Student Leadership Awards Ceremony
- Spotted at UTM: IVNVI & FSC Exceed 1500$ for Innocent Canada!
Academics
CAPSTONE INFORMATION SESSION: Monday, October 19thAttention all Forensic Science Specialist students entering your final year in 2027-2028! On October 19, we will be hosting an information session on the capstone requirement. A capstone is a culminating and integrative capstone experience that provides opportunities for professional practice and preparation for their next steps after graduation. You can learn more about capstone experience on our website (link). At this session, we will provide an overview of the capstone experience, capstone course options, and the application process. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. You will leave the session with valuable guidance and tips to help you prepare a strong capstone application. Students planning to complete the capstone requirement in the 2027-2028 academic year are strongly encouraged to attend. If you have not received an invitation to this event, contact Teresa Didiano, Program Manager, Academic Programs and Curriculum (t.didiano@utoronto.ca). |
EVENTS
Level Up: Learning to Write in Anthropology and Forensic ScienceRegister here for the upcoming workshop in the Level Up: Skills for Academic Success series. 
Date: Wednesday October 21, 2026 Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm Location: DV3130CC Learning to Write in Anthropology and Forensic Science “Good writing” looks different depending on what academic discipline you are in. This workshop will teach students common writing and argumentation practices in anthropology and forensic science. We will look at models of successful professional writing in these disciplines and instill patterns of communication that students can use in their own essays. Presenter: Professor Mark Blaauw-Hara, Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy |
RESUME WRITING FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE: |
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OTHER
DAAD RISE GERMANY: |
In April, the winners of the annual Undergraduate Awards were presented with their prizes at a ceremony in the Kaneff Rotunda, and among them were several Forensic Science students! 
IVNVI and UTM Forensic Science Exceed the $1500 goal for Innocence Canada!
Earlier this week, IVNVI (your forensic student society), held a three day fundraising drive for the non-profit organization, Innocence Canada. 
We couldn’t be happier with the compassion, care and generosity of all those who contributed! Thank you for your support! Have a photo you’d like to share for the newsletter? Send it to ifs.outreach@utoronto.ca with the subject line: Spotted at UTM! |
September 2026
Academics
- Welcome to our new First Year cohort!
- Your Annual Reminder about Forensic Institute contacts
- Important notice about recording and academic integrity
- Important Dates & Deadlines
Events & Dates to Remember
- Forensic Fundraiser for Innocence Canada
- Forensic Level Up! Workshops
- Experiential Education Fair
- Career Centre’s ‘Get Hired’ Fair
Other
Academics
WELCOME TO THE INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC SCIENCES!A big welcome to our newest additions to the IFS community! This email is your monthly resource for what's going on in the program, including events, important deadlines, and program application updates. |
REMINDER ABOUT FORENSIC INSTITUTE CONTACTSPlease be aware that when you have a concern or issue, you’ll want to direct it to the correct person. It will be addressed faster without the need to bounce around as much. All student concerns should be addressed to the contacts below. For your own sake, under no circumstances should you be “spamming” emails you find online in the hopes that ‘someone’ will respond.
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IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINESRemember that one of the keys to success in this program is staying organized and on top of deadlines. Visit the UTM Registrar’s Important Dates website for all necessary details.
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EVENTS
FORENSIC FUNDRAISER FOR INNOCENCE CANADAMonday, September 28th - Wednesday, September 30th in the IB ATRIUMThe Institute of Forensic Sciences has once again partnered with Innocence Canada to raise funds for exonerees who have been wrongfully convicted of crimes that they did not commit (and since exonerated through new technologies and science). Donations raised in September will go towards supporting exonerees through social assistance bursaries, legal fees for pro-bono cases, or funding public outreach events to raise more awareness. If you are interested in supporting the cause, please be sure to stop by the booth in the IB Atrium (outside of IB120) from Monday, September 28th - Wednesday, September 30th, where IVNVI and forensic outreach volunteers will be selling merch, raffling prizes, and taking donations. We’ll be there all day (10am-3pm), with raffle winners drawn at the end of the week. If you’re unable to make it, but would still like to donate, you can connect with the Program Officer at ifs.outreach@utoronto.ca for other options. The total amount raised will be presented to exonerees during October’s Wrongful Conviction Day gala, an annual event that commemorates and raises awareness of the abuse of the justice system. Since its inception in 1993, Innocence Canada has helped in the exonerations of 34 Canadians from across the country. Innocence Canada is currently reviewing over 100 cases of possible wrongful convictions. Let’s show them how much UTM believes in a fair and corrective justice system! |
FORENSIC SKILL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP FALL SERIESPreviously known as the Forensic Skill Development Workshops, the newly launched Level Up! program is a series of workshops that focuses on essential skills needed to thrive at university.
From developing productive study habits, to effective notetaking strategies, to best practices for making a positive impression with professors, this series will equip you with practical tools to support your success throughout your degree. Attend five workshops between September to April to receive CCR credit! Participants will receive a $10 food voucher valid at the UTM campus at the conclusion of each workshop, so we ask that students register in advance. Register today to Level Up! your skills for academic success!
Fall Dates: All Fall workshops will take place on Wednesdays from 3-4pm
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EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION FAIRTuesday, Sept. 22 - Wednesday Sept. 23, Kaneff RotundaAre you interested in gaining practical experience for credit? Getting involved in experiential learning (EL) opportunities has never been easier! The Fair provides a forum for you to network with faculty, staff, and partners. On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, tables will be available in The Rotunda from 10:30am - 3:30pm for students to engage in casual, informative conversations with academic units, campus partners, and external organizations. Information Sessions will also be held throughout the day, providing students with a look at different experiential learning opportunities available at UTM. EEU will also host a Connection Space in the afternoon, where students can mix and mingle with Experiential Learning Partners and Peers to network and share success stories. On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, students will have the unique opportunity to attend the Undergraduate Research Showcase, where students can speak with undergraduate student researchers, listen to poster presentations, and learn more about the wide range of research activities available at UTM. Register today for the Experiential Education Fair at: uoft.me/UTMEEFair |
GET HIRED FAIRWednesday, September 23, 2026, 10am-2:30pm in the RAWC gym A/bThe Career Centre’s Get Hired Fair is your opportunity to speak with employers about potential opportunities including internships, summer, part-time, full-time, volunteer and co-op. Positions promoted at the fair include both on and off-campus work and volunteer opportunities. Bring your T-Card and drop in any time. Accessible Entry: The Fair will be open from 10:00–10:30 a.m. for students and recent alumni who would benefit from a quieter, less crowded environment or who experience barriers that may impact participation in large networking events. This may include, but is not limited to, students with disabilities, neurodivergent students, Indigenous students, Black students, students who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, and others who feel early access would support their participation. To stay up to date with details please visit uoft.me/GHF |
OTHER
CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF PROFESSOR KNAAP
This past January, IDENT and field school professor Wade Knaap entered his retirement from his professorship after 16 years teaching at UTM! This comes after his first retirement as a detective constable with the Toronto Police Services before joining us here at the university. Professor Knaap brought his expertise and experiences to our forensic institute from some of Canada’s most famous crime scenes, including the Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka investigations. Don’t worry though, we still have Professor Knaap for a few more years as he continues to teach the FSC407: Forensic Identification Field School as a sessional instructor. Congratulations to Professor Knaap on a well-earned retirement, on behalf of your family at the Institute! |
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Congrats to our newest additions to the forensic Alumni pool! June Convocation was a great day, with a ton of energy and celebration (and relief!). 
Have a photo you’d like to share for the newsletter? Send it to ifs.outreach@utoronto.ca with the subject line: Spotted at UTM! |