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News and info from student service departments at OCAD University.
SCREEECH! is designed to share timely info from student services at OCAD U, but students are still responsible for checking CANVAS and student email.
 

Volume 5 - Issue 4 - January 2015
SCREEECH! is prepared by the Campus Life office monthly, October to April, and contains news and information from the service areas at OCAD University. Feedback is welcome.


In this issue:
>  Important dates and deadlines
>  Fitness & well-being
>  Career development workshops
>  GART! What's your major?
>  OCAD Student Union
>  Financial Aid & Awards
>  Fire drills and evacuations
>  Big ideas fund!
>  Peer Mentor award nominations
>  Mentoring opportunities


Happy New Year!
We hope you had a great holiday and wish you all the best for 2015. May the new year move you closer to realizing your dreams! Winter semester classes begin January 5.
 

Important dates and deadlines
Relevant January dates from Office of the Registrar



EXTENDED OFFICE HOURS
Monday, January 5 and Tuesday, January 6 (8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
Please review the refund/withdrawal period for
full-year and winter semester courses.


UPCOMING DATES OF IMPORTANCE
Friday, January 2 to Friday, January 9
Winter semester course change period and late registration period for new registrants.

Monday, January 5
First day of 2015 winter semester duration 3 classes, and graduate studies winter durations 6 and 8 classes.

Friday, January 16
Winter semester Self-Directed Study Critique #1 due. Completed winter semester Self-Directed Study Critique form #1 must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar by 4:00 p.m.; Application deadline for 2015/2016 Florence Advanced Visual Studies Certificate; Application deadline for 2015/2016 Florence Off-Campus Studies.

Thursday, January 29 to Friday, February 6
Submission period for Program Major Request forms for First-year Art students.
(See Faculty of Art Info Fair details below, "GART! what's your major?").

Visit
Dates and Deadlines for more detailed information.
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Fitness & well-being
Complement an active mind with an active body!



OCAD U INTRAMURAL

Winter 2015 will see our students playing against Michener students (and one another!) with Volleyball, Floor Hockey and Basketball.

Games start the week of January 12, 2015 and are up to 45 minutes in length, including warm-up. The earliest start time is 4:00 p.m.; latest start time 7:00 p.m. The deadline to sign up is
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
. Sign up today!

Find OCAD U Intramural participation forms and waivers online or pick up printed copies at the cashier (115 McCaul Street, Level 1) or Campus Life (51 McCaul Street, Level 1).
 


 
Classes are coed and mixed level, offering students, faculty, staff and alumni the opportunity to get fit, de-stress, and stay healthy - See more at: http://www.ocadu.ca/services/campus-life/fitness-and-wellbeing/OCAD-U-yoga.htm#sthash.HczdnEdI.dpuf


OCAD YOGA
Again this winter 2015, yoga will be offered with weekly 60-minute classes on Wednesdays (January 21 to April 1, 2015). Participants can choose 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. No yoga is scheduled during winter Reading Week (February 16 to 20).

Find OCAD Yoga participation forms and waivers online or pick up printed copies at the cashier (115 McCaul Street, Level 1) or Campus Life (51 McCaul Street, Level 1) .




SIX-MONTH FITNESS AND SWIM MEMBERSHIP
University Settlement & Recreation Centre (USRC), conveniently located at 23 Grange Road (adjacent to ‪‎OCAD U‬) is offering this great deal. Join anytime until January 31 and get a FREE “I’d rather be Swimming at University Settlement” t-shirt!

Memberships are for six months from date of registration. An annual agency fee ($10) will also be applied to all memberships. Note that HST applies only to "adult" memberships, 26 years and older:

Youth (17 to 25) pay $114.00
Adults (26 to 59) pay $174.00 + HST
Seniors (60+) pay $114.00

Membership includes access to:
25-yard long pool for Aqua Fit classes and/or length swimming
Aqua-fit and yoga
Badminton, soccer, basketball and table tennis
Nautilus Fitness Centre: treadmills, elliptical trainers, free-weights, circuit training

For more information, visit our Recreational Facilities page online or contact Ted Thompson, Director of Recreation, USRC, 416-598-3444, Ext. 230.
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Career development workshops and drop-in clinics
An evolving series offered by Career Development



Take advantage of the evolving series of seminars, workshops and drop-in clinics offered by the Career Development office:

RESUME/CV, PORTFOLIO & INTERVIEW SKILLS
January 14 to January 29 (3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Drop-in clinics run every Wednesday and Thursday
Learning Zone, Level 1, 113 McCaul Street


CREATING AN ONLINE PORTFOLIO USING FORMAT
Monday, January 19 (1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Room 1430, Level 4, 113 McCaul Street

OR
Thursday, January 22 (1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Room 1430, Level 4, 113 McCaul Street
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GART! what's your major?
Info fair for art students' program major request

ATTENTION GENERAL ARTS (GART) STUDENTS, FACULTY OF ART
You must make your Program Major Request between January 29 and February 6*.

Interested in Criticism & Curatorial Practice, Digital Painting & Expanded Animation, Integrated Media, Life Studies, Photography, Printmaking, Publications, or Sculpture/Installation? Make plans to attend a special Info Fair: get information about these programs and answers to your questions; a special presentation by Kelly Dickinson, Manager, Student Advising; and enjoy free vegetarian and vegan chili!

Learning Zone
January 15, 2015 (4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

Level 1, 113 McCaul Street


Failure to make your request will prevent you from registering for summer and or fall 2015 courses! Space in some majors limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
* If you are already in Drawing & Painting, you can ignore this notice.
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OCAD Student Union
Services, community events and advocacy



OCAD Student Union (OCADSU) is an independent, democratically run organization and the formal representative of the OCAD U student body. OCADSU serves as an integral part of the student experience, and works towards creating positive systemic change within the university, institutions, and government. OCADSU also hosts an array of exciting events throughout the school year, and can’t wait to see you in attendance. Mark your calendars!

GRADE APPEALS WORKSHOP
Feel like you've been marked unfairly? It's your right as a student to request a Grade Appeal! Keep the January 23 deadline* in mind: speak to your teacher; speak to the OCADSU Student Advocate, and/or come to this free workshop!  

Thursday January 15 (4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
Lambert Lounge (Room 187), Level 1, 100 McCaul

*Procedures in place through Office of the Registrar. Payment of a fee is necessary for a formal request (SU is working on this
ugh).

HOT LUNCH
Vegan goodness made from scratch! Participating students are asked for a donation (suggested minimum of $1) or a non-perishable food item, both of which will be put towards to The Student Pantry. By Participating in Hot Lunch, you're helping your fellow students who are really in need and we think this a more responsible way to operate the Hot Lunch program. Every Thursday. January 8, 15, 22, 29, 2:30 p.m., Lambert Lounge (Room 187), Level 1, 100 McCaul Street

OPEN MIC NIGHT
We have a mic, you have a voice! Open Mic is a time to meet fellow OCAD U students across disciplines and take a break from the other-world of academia. Come out and sing/dance/joke/read poetry/eat/sleep/ chill/speak words/play the xylophone (available upon request)/ beatbox/perform art/ do anything really. All are welcome, bring your friends! Last Friday of each month. January 30, 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Lambert Lounge (Room 187), Level 1, 100 McCaul Street

COMING IN FEBRUARY... SEXY BINGO! Watch for details!

BY-ELECTIONS
Want to get involved and help support fellow students at OCAD U? Want to help build our community of artists, designers, and creative innovators? Want to project student voices and make sure they are heard in the developments of our institution? Consider running in the OCAD Student Union's annual by-elections this semester!

Information on how to run as a candidate in the elections will be sent out in January via student email and will also be found on the OCAD Student Union facebook page.
Open Positions on the OCADSU Board of Directors are:

>  First-Year Representative
>  Design Representative
>  Design Studio Representative
>  Art Studio Representative

Find more detailed information about services offered, upcoming events, how to get involved with OCADSU, and the Union’s Board of Directors & Executives. 
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Financial aid & awards
Reminders, tips and programming

Financial Aid & Awards (FAA) advises students, provides referrals to the appropriate financial assistance programs, and assists with securing the resources required to meet post-secondary education costs.



START YOUR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE NOW 2015
Presented by Financial Aid & Awards, Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers, and Alumni Relations. Supported by RBC Emerging Artists Project.

Creating. Financing. Building Community; two free days of professional practice events for students and alumni. Alumni guests will share their experience and guide you on your professional journey in:

>  Creating a place for your practice
>  Dual-tracking and applying creativity to your career
>  Managing your money
>  Building your community


Tuesday, January 20 (ART)
AND
Wednesday, January 21 (DESIGN)
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
49 McCaul Street
Refreshments will be served. See a list of alumni guest and register to attend.


OSAP DEADLINE
Please be reminded that the deadline to apply for OSAP (if enrolled for fall/winter or winter only) is February 13, 2015.

CREATiveFund$
Be sure to check out FAA's Financial Skills Program financial skills video series:

Cash Flow
Tracking & Budgeting
Credit & Debt
and more coming soon!


WIN A $500 TUITION CREDIT!
Help FAA get to 1000 followers to be included in a draw for a chance to win a $500 tuition credit. Here’s how:

1) Follow FAA on Instagram (@ocadufaa) or Twitter (@FinAidOCAD).
2) Post a pic of what you love about OCAD University.
3) Use the hashtag #ocadufaa.


HAVE A FINANCIAL AID QUESTION?
Visit our table in the lobby, 100 McCaul Street (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.):
Wednesday, January 14, 21 and 28, 2015  <
 

Fire drills and evacuations at OCAD University
A reminder from Security & Emergency Services



Evacuations are important in keeping the OCAD U Community safe and every instance needs to be considered real. Fire drills are conducted annually in partnership with Toronto Fire and need to be conducted as efficiently as possible in order to make future improvements where needed. It is important not only for security guards conducting the evacuations, but for all members of the university to get an idea of what is needed from them to create a safe atmosphere and emergency plan.

When a fire drill or evacuation is in progress, follow this procedure: 


>  Calmly walk from your current area to the nearest exit/stairwell and make your
     way out of the building, making no stops. Avoid elevators.

>  If you see someone re-entering the building, casually mention that an
     evacuation is in progress.
Once you have exited the building, safely cross to the opposite side of the street
     or to the designated waiting area, as instructed by security.

>  Do not re-enter the building until Security has indicated that it is safe to do so.

ABOUT CAMPUS SECURITY:
Campus security personnel are customer service professionals with extensive knowledge
of the OCAD U campus and university policies, rules and regulations. They are trained in First Aid, CPR, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), conflict resolution, non-violent crisis intervention, crime prevention and other relevant skills. Find out more.
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Big ideas fund!
What's your big idea to make OCAD U more inclusive?



The Office of Diversity, Equity & Sustainability Initiatives is launching its annual Big Ideas Fund and needs YOU, our creative thinkers, artists and designers to make this happen. Choose an equity issue that is important to the OCAD U community, come up with a creative responseand we'll give you $1,500 and mentorship to bring your idea to life.

Three awards of $1,500 each available to be won!
Deadline to apply: January 28, 2015 (12:00 p.m.)


WHAT TYPES OF IDEAS WILL BE CONSIDERED?
Your idea could be anything (really, anything): an interactive installation, an event, a flash mob, a website, a design solution, a short film, an art exhibit, a data visualization, a zine… you tell us. Learn more and get a copy of the Big Ideas Fund application form!
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Peer Mentor awards
2014/2015 call for nominations

Campus Life and First Generation Programs are committed to ensuring that upper-year volunteer student Peer Mentors in the Student Mentor Program are aware of their value to the program and that their efforts are appreciated and recognized. Nominations are now being accepted from students, Peer Mentors, Student Mentees, faculty and staff.

Peer Mentor Awards acknowledge those Peer Mentors who made outstanding contributions while adhering to the mandate of the program. All Peer Mentors participating in the 2014/2015 Student Mentor Program are eligible to be nominated. Successful nominees will be announced at a special Student Leadership Awards dinner in March 2015! Nominators will also be invited.

Find awards information and nomination forms online or pick up printed copies at the following locations on campus:


Campus Life (Level 1, 51 McCaul Street)
Student Advising (Room 266, Level 2, 100 McCaul Street)
Writing & Learning Centre (Room 1510, Level 5, 115 McCaul Street

Nomination deadline: Friday, February 20, 2015.
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Mentoring opportunities
Peer mentor and career mentor registration underway!


Photo by Sarah Mulholland

Are you an enthusiastic and confident upper-year undergraduate student in satisfactory academic standing? Are you going into second-, third- or fourth-year in 2015?

If you answered YES! to these questions and wish to assist first-year undergrad students with their transition to OCAD U, fill in Campus Life's
new online application to become a Peer Mentor!


Visit our table in the lobby, 100 McCaul Street (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.):
Tuesday, January 6 and Wednesday, January 14, 21 and 28, 2015

Or contact Josie MacLachlan, Coordinator, Mentorship, 416-977-6000, Ext. 4021.



Last call! Are you a fourth-year (or upper-year) student? Are you thinking about life beyond graduation? Are you looking for support and guidance to successfully transition out of university?

Campus Life's Career Mentoring Program, in collaboration with Career Development and Alumni Relations, is designed to match you as a Career Menteewith one of our grads alumni Career Mentors.

As a Career Mentee, you will receive guidance with your career goals and support as you transition out of university.
Take advantage of this fantastic program and become a Career Mentee today!

OCAD U grad? The program is also looking for Career Mentors.
Find out how to get involved!

Visit our table in the lobby, 100 McCaul Street (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.):
Tuesday, January 6 and Wednesday, January 14, 21 and 28, 2015

Or contact Josie MacLachlan, Coordinator, Mentorship, 416-977-6000, Ext. 4021.  <
 

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Screech Owl illustrations by José Gascon

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