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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 6 - Issue 3 - December 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:
> From a student perspective
> Annual holiday food drive
> Mobility/Exchange info sessions
> OCAD U student groups
> OCADSU activities and services
> First Gen programming
> Leave the pack behind contest
> Fitness & well-being
> Financial aid & awards
> Become a peer mentor!
Happy Holidays!
OCAD U will be closed December 24 to January 1. Winter semester classes begin January 8, 2016.
From a student perspective
Thoughts and inspiration from a student working in Campus Life...
Allan Gardens, Toronto. Photo by Brent Everett James
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! BUT WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?
The winter break is only a couple short weeks away and many of us will be celebrating different things, whether it’s Hanukkah, Yule and Winter Solstice, Christmas, or Kwanzaa— definitely New Year's— or simply the fact that final critiques and the fall semester have come to an end!
I asked OCAD U students for their thoughts and seasonal traditions and received many interesting and diverse responses. “Happy Holidays”, a greeting commonly used during this time of year, seems to mean something different to each person. To many, it simply means “Merry Christmas”, but to others, it did not mean much more than a nice wish from people without any religious implications, and for them to have a safe and fun time regardless which "holiday" they are celebrating.
The majority of students indicated that they will be celebrating Christmas. But it is not always celebrated the same way! Besides the traditional Christmas Eve dinner with family on December 24 and opening presents the next morning, there are traditions specific to each family, and to different religious denominations. For instance, Orthodox Christmas is typically celebrated on January 6 and 7, and Serbian Christmas involves the traditions of receiving a “badnjak”, an oak branch after mass, as well as baking and sharing a "česnica" or Christmas bread. The common denominator of course is food; many different kinds of delicious treats and meals at different times through the holidays!
A number of responses also mentioned Russian New Year’s, which includes a big meal, exchanging presents and a party with family and friends which always includes singing, dancing, drinking and playing games.
Other students said they were simply looking forward to some time off, seeing and enjoying the company of their families and friends, while getting cozy in the winter weather, with zero-obligations for two weeks.
Whatever you do during your holidays, make them happy ones!
~ Sandra Samy Ibrahim is a third-year international student studying Integrated Media.
She is Campus Life Monitor for fall/winter 2015/2016 and remains very active on campus through volunteer opportunities with O-DAYS!, International Student Services and student groups. <
Annual holiday food drive
Together, students, faculty, staff and alumni make a difference
If you can, please contribute and help us fill a box by donating non-perishable and non-expired food items to OCAD U’s Annual Holiday Food Drive in support of the OCADSU Student Pantry (foodbank). Donations can be dropped off at any convenient on-campus location until Friday, December 18:
> 115 McCaul Street, (MCD) Level 2* (outside Office of Registrar)
> 113 McCaul Street, (MCC) Learning Zone, Level 1*
> 100 McCaul Street, (MCA) Lobby (north wall)
> 51 McCaul Street, (MCF) Adjacent to the front desk*
> 205 Richmond St. West, (RHA) Lobby*
> 230 Richmond St. West, (RHB) Lobby*
*Please note that five of the above locations will have small donation boxes, the contents of which will be collected weekly, while a larger box will be located at 100 McCaul Street.
FOOD 4 FINES
Reduce your overdue fines while helping a good cause by donating non-perishable food items to the Library, AV Loans, Tool Loans and Photography Centre!
For each item donated, $2.00 will be deducted from your total fines, up to a $20.00 maximum (10 food items). All donations will be contributed as part of the Holiday Food Drive to OCADSU's Student Pantry. Donations should be canned or dry food that has not gone beyond its expiration date and are always encouraged even if you don't have fines! Donations can be dropped off at any convenient on-campus location until Friday, December 18:
> Dorothy H. Hoover Library, 113 McCaul St. (MCC), Room 215,
> Main Campus AV Help Desk, 100 McCaul St. (MCA), Room 343
> South Campus AV Help Desk, 205 Richmond St. (RHA), Room 401
> Tool Loans, 100 McCaul St. (MCA), Room 131
> Photography Centre, 100 McCaul (MCA) , Room 417m
Are you having an event on campus during the food drive?
Please consider encouraging your guests/attendees to bring non-perishable items to campus in support of this Food Drive! <
Undergraduate Mobility/Exchange program
Imagine spending a semester outside Canada!
Imagine spending a semester as an exchange student in the United Kingdom, Europe, Israel, Australia, China or the United States and receiving credit towards your OCAD University degree! Studying in another country can provide you with a wealth of unique experiences to enhance your creative, academic and personal development. Make plans to attend an upcoming info session:
Wednesday, December 1
12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Room 284, Level 2, 100 McCaul Street (MCA)
Wednesday, December 2
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Room 550, Level 5, 100 McCaul Street (MCA)
Undergraduate students are invited to attend one of these info sessions to learn more about exchange opportunities and hear from students who participated in the program last year. <
OCAD U student groups
Allowing interaction and supporting faith, culture and diversity
FEELING AWFUL? HAVE A WAFFLE!
Feeling Stressed? Working at school into the late hours of night?
Come and get a freshly made waffle topped with delicious toppings and made with love—
from OCAD Christian Fellowship (OCF):
Wednesday, December 2
8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Lambert Lounge, (Room 187), Level 1, 100 McCaul Street (MCA).
NEW GROUP FOR MATURE STUDENTS
Are you a current OCAD U student studying part-time and/or identify as 25+ in age?
OCAD University’s Campus Life office, in collaboration with First Generation Programs and OCAD Student Union (OCADSU), have created the new OCAD U Mature Student Association as a means of support for our 25+ older-than-average, mature and part-time students!
Start connecting today:
> Find out more about the upcoming Study Hall program, designed
to support academics of you and your peers.
> Watch for opportunities to connect and gather socially.
> We are also looking into collaborative networking opportunities with other
Mature Student Associations such as those at Ryerson and U of T.
If you are not a Facebook user, or if you would like to be kept informed and get involved,
please e-mail Amrita Panesar, Mature and Part-time Student Representative, OCADSU.
Find out more about other student groups online! <
OCADSU activities
Services, community events and advocacy
OCAD Student Union (OCADSU) hosts an array of exciting events throughout the school year,
and can’t wait to see you in attendance. Mark your calendars!
Council Meeting
Thursday, December 3
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Room 1015, Level 10, 230 Richmond St. West (RHA)
Join us for the fall term Student Union Council Meeting. New Rep elections will be held at this meeting.
SU Grants
Deadline to apply is December 6
The OCAD Student Union believes the ideas and dreams of students should not be limited to the size of their wallets. SU Grants provide an opportunity for student members (part-time, full-time, graduate, undergrad and student groups) to receive partial or full funding to realize projects, host events or do other creative initiatives that would otherwise be unattainable due to financial barriers.
Get an application form and more information on our website.
3rd Annual Winter Feast
Friday, December 18 (6:00 p.m.)
Great Hall, Level 2, 100 McCaul Street (MCA)
That Place on the Second Floor
Closed for the holidays from December 9 to January 11, 2016
That Place on the Second Floor will be closing for the winter holidays! Grab that delicious snack and warm drink until 7:00 p.m. on December 9 and we’ll see you in the new year!
ONGOING SERVICES
Student Pantry
SU Office, Level 5, 205 Richmond St. West (RHA)
Monday to Friday (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Open until December 18
Operating since 2005, Student Pantry supports students who are in need by offering supplemental food to help minimize grocery budgets. We envision a campus where no student needs to choose between buying food or school supplies! Help yourself to three to five items per visit. Email us with any questions or call 416 977 6000, Ext. 341.
Advocate and Lawyer
Robin Fraser, Student Union Advocate, can help OCAD U students with academic misconduct, appeals, understanding policies and procedures, preparations for student hearings, mediation and representation at your hearing, as well as matters relating to your student life at university.
Mbuso Nkosi, Lawyer, provides free legal advice to all OCAD U students on a variety of matters: prepare and review legal documents, notarize or commission documents, make notarized true copies, and more. Visit us online for more information. <
First Gen Programming
Free workshops, seminars and social opportunities
STUDY GROUP EXAM REVIEWS
VISC 1002 Section 1 / Supporting R.Carson
Tuesday December 8
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Room 512, Level 5, 113 McCaul Street (MCC)
VISC 1001 Section 1 / Supporting J. Haladyn
Wednesday, December 9
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Room 516, Level 5, 113 McCaul Street (MCC)
VISC 1001 Section 2 / Supporting J. Haladyn
Wednesday, December 9
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Room 512, Level 5, 113 McCaul Street (MCC)
VISC 1001 Section 3 / Supporting H.Coffey
Thursday, December 10
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Room 512, Level 5, 113 McCaul Street (MCC)
Need support for your final essays, assignments or exams?
Tutoring runs until December 11 at the Writing & Learning Centre (WLC), Room 510, Level 5,
113 McCaul Street (MCC). Make an appointment with a tutor online, call 416-977-6000, Ext. 229,
or send an email request.
Drop-in (no appointment necessary)
Monday to Thursday (4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Friday (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
This is an open call for submissions to first generation* students from all disciplines to be part of a publication and exhibition. We welcome work in any medium, including writing, exploring the theme Reflection.
Email Claire Bartleman, Program Assistant, First-Year with questions or submissions
by Friday, December 18:
> One low-resolution full-color image of the work
> Title, medium and year the work was completed
> Your full name, student number, program and program year
Note: the publication will be printed two tones – a single dark and a single light color.
Please keep in mind that your image should read well in black and white. <
Leave the pack behind
A campus smoking program providing information for smokers and non-smokers
Leave The Pack Behind is a tobacco control program that offers young adults smoking and quitting information, personalized support, and quitting resources - all for free. It is funded by the government of Ontario and supported on-campus by OCAD U Health & Wellness Centre.
SMOKING CESSATION CONTEST
The wouldurather... contest is a quit smoking contest hosted by Leave The Pack Behind. This 6-week contest is designed specifically for young adults, and is open to any individual between the ages of 18 and 29 who is living in Ontario and/or all registered students at publically funded post-secondary institutions in Ontario, regardless of age. The wouldurather... (wur) contest is designed to motivate students to: quit smoking; cut back on smoking; and maintain a smoke-free lifestyle.
In wouldurather... there are four categories to choose from, because not everyone is ready to quit right now, and that's okay! So whether you smoke a little, a lot, or not at all, there is a category that is perfect for you:
Quit For Good: Entering this contest category means that the contestant will completely abstain from tobacco use for 6 weeks and it is designed to enhance motivation and support for students who are prepared to quit (two prizes of $2,500).
Keep The Count: Entering this contest category means that the contestant will cut-back their tobacco consumption by 50% (two prizes of $1,000).
Party Without The Smoke: Entering this contest category means that the contestant will not use tobacco or tobacco alternative products when they drink alcohol (two prizes of $750).
Don’t Start & Win: Entering this contest category means that the contestant will continue to be tobacco-free (two prizes of $250).
All contestants must register with a "buddy" and will receive motivational emails from Leave The Pack Behind throughout the 6-week contest period. Contestants can also get the nicotine patch or gum for free as part of the contest. Contest registration officially launches December 1, 2015 12:01 a.m. and contest ends March 6, 2016. <
Fitness & well-being at OCAD U
Complement and active mind with an active body!
Did you know that 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity a few times a week can boost your energy, improve concentration, reduce stress and clear your mind for creativity and inspiration? - See more at: http://www.ocadu.ca/services/campus-life/fitness-and-wellbeing.htm#sthash.9jIEexiQ.dpuf
Did you know that 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity a few times a week can boost your energy, improve concentration, reduce stress and clear your mind for creativity and inspiration? Here are a few winter semester programs for current students and alumni:
OCAD U Intramural
Campus Life, in partnership with Michener Institute, will offer the following intramural programming for winter 2016:
> Volleyball (Mondays and Wednesdays)
> Floor Hockey (Tuesdays)
> Basketball (Thursdays)
Games start the week of January 18, 2016. Deadline to sign up: Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Intramural Fee: $12 (includes HST). Sign up today! Find participation forms and waivers online or at the cashier (115 McCaul Street, Level 1), OCAD U Campus Life (51 McCaul Street, Level 1).
OCAD Yoga
Take time out of time to come home to self. A weekly one-hour session will allow you to turn inwards to reduce stress and tension from the inside out. An ongoing tradition at OCAD U, yoga continues in winter 2016 with Wednesday programming:
> Wednesday morning yoga (9:00 a.m. to 10:00 am)
> Wednesday afternoon yoga (12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. OR 1:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Yoga starts the week of January 20, 2016. Deadline to sign up: Tuesday, January 19, 2016.
For fees and more detailed information find participation forms and waivers online or at the cashier (115 McCaul Street, Level 1), OCAD U Campus Life (51 McCaul Street, Level 1).
OCAD Meditation
Use this time as an opportunity to acquire mental, physical, and spiritual capacity to enjoy life to the fullest. No experience necessary. New this fall semester, meditation programming continues in winter 2016 with Wednesday programming:
> Wednesdays (10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.)
Meditation starts the week of January 20, 2016. Deadline to sign up: Tuesday, January 19, 2016.
For fees and more detailed information find participation forms and waivers online or at the cashier (115 McCaul Street, Level 1), OCAD U Campus Life (51 McCaul Street, Level 1).
Find out about other fitness initiatives and options online! <
Financial aid & awards
Reminders, tips and programming
Financial Aid & Awards (FAA), located at 51 McCaul Street (MCF), Level 1, advises students, provides referrals to the appropriate financial assistance programs, and assists with securing the resources required to meet post-secondary education costs.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING CAN BE A SLIPPERY SLOPE
The holidays are right around the corner, and holiday shopping can be a slippery slope. Don’t let holiday spending break the bank and cause you more stress during the last few weeks of the term! Here are some tips for staying on budget:
Make a Plan: Although the holidays happen the same time every year, most people still seem to leave the shopping up to the last minute. If you plan on spending money over the holidays, in the lead up, put some money aside each month so you know how much you have at your disposal!
Get Crafty: Homemade gifts can be inexpensive and extremely heartfelt—at any time of the year! Knowing that you have made something that you have put time and effort in to, can be rewarding for yourself and the person who is receiving it.
You don’t have to go in to debt to have a happy and memorable holiday season. Remember, the best gift you can bring to any holiday gathering – is you!
FOllow us on Instagram and Twitter and don't forget to watch FAA's CreativeFund$ videos on Youtube! Feel free to email us or drop into the Financial Aid & Awards offive for more information on OSAP, Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards. <
Become a peer mentor!
Have a positive student experience and get involved
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 2016? If you answered YES! to these questions and wish to assist first-year undergrad students with their transition to OCAD U, become a Peer Mentor!
Questions? Contact Brent Everett James, Campus Life Coordinator, 416-977-6000, Ext. 275. <
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Screech Owl illustrations by José Gascon
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