Campus clubs connect real-world experience to classroom lessons
What happens in the classroom is just the beginning of the knowledge and experience students can accumulate during their time at university.
One way to round out all that academia is by joining one of UTM’s many clubs and societies.
In addition to boosting your resume, clubs can help develop your leadership skills, introduce you to a diverse group of people, provide an opportunity to learn more about yourself, give back to your community, network with those in your future field and help support your overall physical and mental well-being.
Here are just a few of the options at UTM:
Mathematical and Computational Sciences Society
This club is for full-time students in the Mathematical and Computational Sciences department at UTM with a passion for mathematics, computer science or statistics.
“Whether you want to compete against others in a coding competition, get to know your professors outside of class, or simply want to tag along with a friend to a movie night with free food, we welcome anyone who wants to have a good time,” says Hillary Tang, MCSS's president for 2022-2023.
Activities include hackathons, networking with MCS professors or industry partners, technology workshops, casual activities like game nights, a snowman-building contest, a professor MasterChef competition (that students outside of the MCS programs can participate in) and the annual end-of-year celebration, The Show, which brings together multiple communities.
“With everyone back on campus, we hope to bring back in-person events to allow students to network, learn, and just have fun together,” says Tang. “However, we intend to hold online or hybrid events if those formats are ideal.”
Interested in the forensics field or the application of science to matters of truth and justice? This may be the society for you. Students do not need to be enrolled in the forensics program to join.
Also known as IVNVI (4N6), the group promotes networking, socially and academically, with events including Meet the Profs, Whodunit Murder Mystery, K9 Unit demonstration and movie/game nights.
“If you are interested in joining the Forensics Society, please send your student email to IVNVI@utoronto.ca to be added to our email list,” says Cassie Cote, president for the 2022 to 2023 academic year.
This club is designed for those interested in or taking courses related to paleontology, biology, earth science, geology, archaeology and paleoanthropology.
Networking opportunities and social outings connect peers, professors and graduate students. Social events include trivia and movie nights and outdoor activities. Academic events include opportunities to meet those in the paleontology and earth sciences field, museum tours and workshops.
“We hope that our club can grow the community and provide members with a better idea and understanding of the opportunities in such a field,” says Acting President Thalia Burden, who is supported by Secretary Jordan Yong and Treasurer Adrian Osterling Arias. “This is made possible by having the chance to meet with professors, guest speakers and learn more about research programs within this profession.”
Those who want to volunteer time to help pediatric patients and their families should check out this club.
“We are an international non-profit organization that provides educational, creative, and social programming to children facing medical challenges and their caregivers," says President Jaqueline Shie, who is supported by Vice-President Sheraz Nadeem.
A Toronto-based chapter of Project Sunshine Canada, projects include creating activity kits and surgi dolls to help children understand medical procedures and express their emotions; providing in-hospital/remote programming such as arts and crafts; and running fundraising events such as a Valentine's Day roses sale.
The club provides a friendly space in the Student Centre for gamers to socialize and compete against each other and students at other universities.
Competitive collegiate scenes for multiple games, representing UTM at local tournaments, Ontario Esports League, Collegiate Star League and more. Various types of Esports tournaments on campus that are either free or paid entry, and various online Esports events and social nights that are open to all participants.
“When I joined the club as a member in first year, that’s honestly how I met a lot of people I’m friends with now,” says Peter Ghobrial, president of the UTM eSports club.
“If you feel like it’s something you’d be interested in but feel shy – don’t be. Everyone in the club is welcoming and wants to have a good time.”
Skills and Thrills Association
This association provides a safe learning space to learn life skills such as financial literacy, home economics and personal care.
Every month, participants can learn a new skill. Activities include hands-on experiences such as how to sew and informational events such as how to do taxes or kitchen safety.
“These events will be in a manner that is fun and exciting for the student body and club members. We will utilize games and prizes to attract more attention,” says club President Gaganpreet Behal. “The club will also be educational and have a friendly competitive environment.
“I would encourage potential members to come and participate within our events to learn more about themselves, be educated on basic life skills and make friends.”
For more information on clubs and societies, visit https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/utm-engage/student-groups-societies.