LAUNCH

LAUNCH. Banner. Three students having a conversation.

Register for LAUNCH starting July 21st on ACORN!

Being a participant of the LAUNCH program has given me confidence and a sense of community at UTM. I have also utilized many campus services because of LAUNCH. This all contributed to me having a good GPA and feeling like my first year was a success!

What is LAUNCH?

LAUNCH is an initiative that brings together the academic and community aspects of being a new UTM student in a way that supports your transition and student success. LAUNCH is a series of engaging and interactive weekly sessions taught by academically successful upper-year student mentors (LAUNCH Leaders) enrolled in your academic discipline.

 

 

How do I enrol?

This session is not for-credit, therefore there is no homework, assignments or tests. Successful completers of LAUNCH will receive recognition for their participation on the official University of Toronto Co-Curricular Record. All first-year students are eligible to enrol, and the session is free.

To enrol in LAUNCH, register through ACORN beginning on July 21, 2020. All LAUNCH sessions will run in the Fall session. Please be sure to enrol based on your academic discipline as follows:

UTM101H5 LAUNCH: Business, Commerce and Management 

For students in Commerce, Management/Business, and Economics only

UTM102H5 LAUNCH: Science, Mathematics and Psychology

For students in Life Sciences; Chemical & Physical Sciences; Psychology; Forensic Science; Computer Science, Mathematics & Statistics

UTM103H5 LAUNCH: Humanities and Social Sciences

For students in Humanities; Social Sciences; Visual Studies; Communication, Culture, Information & Technology; Theatre & Drama

New this year!

This year, for the first time ever, LAUNCH will be taking place entirely online. This means that no matter where you are, you can still connect with the amazing programming LAUNCH as to offer. This year we have designed LAUNCH specifically for the online world, allowing students to connect, get to know one another, and build relationships from wherever they are!

What are the elements of the program?

  • Weekly sessions designed to support first year success at UTM
  • One on one meetings with an upper year mentor
  • CCR notation
  • LAUNCH specific activities available to meet other students enrolled in the LAUNCH program!

What are the benefits?

  • Make friends and get to know other new students!
  • Knowledge and support from an academically successful upper-year student mentor (LAUNCH Leader)
  • Gain familiarity with the campus and available resources
  • Learn and develop academic skills required to be successful at university
  • Business students who complete LAUNCH requirements can earn 5 Professional Skill Development Program Points (PSDP) in Academic Development
  • Engage with and become part of the UTM community
  • Participation is recognized on the Co-Curricular Record of the University of Toronto highlighting the skills and competencies developed through engagement with the program

Fall ReLAUNCH

In addition to the weekly LAUNCH sessions, ReLAUNCH provides all students a chance to engage with even more LAUNCH programming. Whether you are already a part of LAUNCH or not, you are welcome to join in these interactive sessions running over Fall Reading Week. 

This year, we are offering the following sessions, run by our incredible upper year peer leaders:

Session 1: Connecting in the Classroom 

October 15th - 10:00 am

Learn from upper year students how you can make the most of your time in the classroom, even in an online world! Hear advice on how to make connections with your professors and other students, and learn how to make meaningful connections. 

 

Session 2: Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

October 15th - 1:00 pm

Hear from our peer leaders as they explore one of the most challenging parts of being a new student this year, getting out of your comfort zone. This session explores how you can safely and comfortably push yourself in your time at UTM, and the benefits that can bring. 

 

If you are intersting in either of these sessions, or both, register here! ReLAUNCH is 100% free, and is designed with all new students in mind. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are some of the topics covered in LAUNCH?

LAUNCH covers a wide range of topics, looking at both the academic and community side of being a UTM student. Some topics include connecting with faculty, time management, planning for your future, health and wellness, as well as a campus tour! Not only does each week cover an important topic, but you will also be able to connect with your classmates, and get to know other new UTM students through fun and engaging acitivies. 

How will LAUNCH work this year? Is it online?

This year, for the first time ever, LAUNCH will take place entirely online. Each session has been updated to bring the content to students in an engaging and online-friendly way. LAUNCH will still focus on building community and having fun, and has some new and creative ways to ensure the LAUNCH experience is still amazing for every student, even if we are all not in the same room!

What can we get out of taking a LAUNCH course?

This answer may be different for every student, but there are some common themes for all students. First off, you will get to meet new people, make friends, and feel part of the UTM community! This year, we know how important it is to make sure students can still connect with one another, and LAUNCH is doing its part to bring student connection to the forefront. 

Not only will you meet new people, but you also learn a ton! LAUNCH brings in experts from across campus to prepare you for your time at UTM. You will have the chance to talk to and connect with faculty in your area of study, as well as learn from experts from the library, RGASC, and more! Not only do you get all of this, but it also goes on your CCR!

If LAUNCH is not for credit, why should I take it?

LAUNCH is not for credit, however it is also not like any other courses you would take! You will learn a lot while in LAUNCH, however you will make even bigger connections. 80% of LAUNCH students last year said it helped them make a friend who they did not know before, and 90% said it helped with their transition into University. While LAUNCH may not get you a credit, it will give you so much more!

Have other questions about LAUNCH? Email Trent Barwick!

This experience is approved on the Co-Curricular Record (CCR)! Links to the ccr website.

Inquiries

For all questions and feedback regarding LAUNCH, please contact us at:

Trent Barwick 

Student Engagement Coordinator, Transition Programs

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