What advice would you give to incoming UTM students?

Radha Maharaj
Have an open mindset. This is crucial for your success at UTM. Your time at university prepares you academically, psychologically and socially. Be prepared to work hard, make mistakes and fail at times and know that it’s all absolutely fine. Take academic risks, so that you can build your creative muscles. Be open to exploring different perspectives from your own and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. In the end you will be like the diamond after undergoing heat and pressure, you will not only shine brightly but you would have increased your value tremendously.

- Radha Maharaj, Sessional Instructor, Institute of Communication, Culture, Information and Technology (ICCIT) 

 

Bogdan Simion

Everything new presents a challenge and nobody starts off as an expert. Learning comes by exploring new ideas, trying out new solutions, and developing your skills and intuition little by little. So don't be afraid to explore new concepts, to build solutions in gradual steps, and most importantly, to reflect on what you've learnt along the way.  

While you climb the mountains of knowledge ahead of you, don't be afraid to reach out to your professors. We are here to guide you along your journey through the beautiful trails that lead to answers, as well as to help you blaze your own trails.

- Bogdan Simion, Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences

 

Dan
It's a luxury to be able to say that your job for the next few years is to learn. Learn everything you can about your discipline; learn at least as much about yourself.

- Dan Zingaro, Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences

 

 

 

 

Sarah
Don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know something or don’t understand something. There are probably other students in class who are also confused. Don’t be afraid to ask for help — from your instructors, fellow students, and support staff at the university. We’re all here to help you learn!

-Sarah Rauscher, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences

 

 

 

Mary

Students often ask me for tips on how to get better grades. (Un)fortunately, there are no shortcuts to academic success--just good, old-fashioned hard work, focus and determination.

-Mary Cheng, Associate Professor, Department of Biology

 

 

 

 

Mindy Thuna
Never assume you already know how to do something in the most efficient and effective way. You have an underlying knowledge base from High School to start but try and remain opening to learning new ways to do things and think about things. The more you are willing to learn, the easier your UTM experience will be.

-Mindy Thuna, Head, Engineering and Computer Science Library, University of Toronto (formerly Science Liaison Librarian at UTM)