"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!" -LAUNCH participant
What is LAUNCH?
LAUNCH is a program 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 enroll?
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 enroll, and the session is free.
To enroll in LAUNCH, register through ACORN. All LAUNCH sessions will run in the Fall session. Please be sure to enroll 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
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 five 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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This program is approved on the Co-Curricular Record!
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 activities.
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. Eighty per cent of LAUNCH students last year said it helped them make a friend who they did not know before, and 90 per cent said it helped with their transition into University. While LAUNCH may not get you a credit, it will give you so much more!
Inquiries
For all questions and feedback regarding LAUNCH, please contact us at:
Charesma Biaspal
Student Engagement Coordinator, Transition Programs
- Email: charesma.biaspal@utoronto.ca