OCAD U Campus Life: News and info for students

Volume 6 - Issue 5 - February 2016
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
> Hey GART! What's your major?
> Call for submissions
> From a student perspective
> Be a peer mentor!
> Student recognition
> Health & wellness support
> Fitness & well-being
> First generation support
> Campus life trivia night
> Financial aid & awards
> Guardly safe campus
> Alumni in action

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

UPCOMING DATES OF IMPORTANCE
For information on course withdrawal, please review the refund/withdrawal schedule.
Visit Dates and Deadlines for more detailed information.

Thursday, February 4, 2016
Last day to withdraw from winter term courses for 50% refund.
Withdraw before 11:59 p.m.

Friday, February 5, 2016
> Deadline to submit Program Major Request form for first-year art students.
> Deadline to submit Applications for Reinstatement for following fall/winter session.
> Deadline to submit applications for Alumni Degree Completion for following
     fall/winter session.
> Last day to submit an Intent to Graduate form to the Office of the Registrar for
    Spring 2016 Convocation without a late fee.
> Deadline to submit an Application to Change Major/Program for the
    next academic year.

Sunday, February 7, 2016
Final deadline to apply for full-time OSAP (for graduate studies students registered full-time in the fall & winter terms, and winter term only).

Thursday, February 11, 2016
Last day to withdraw from winter term courses for 40% refund.
Withdraw before 11:59 p.m.

Monday, February 15, 2016
Family day. University closed.

Monday, February 15 to Friday, February 19, 2016
Reading week. No classes scheduled.

Monday, February 22, 2016
Final deadline to apply for full-time OSAP (for undergraduate students registered
full-time in the fall & winter terms, and winter term only).

Friday, February 26, 2016
Final deadline to apply for part-time OSAP (for graduate studies students registered part-time in the winter term only). <

Faculty of art
Educating artists and cultural practitioners...

All General Art (GART) students must submit their Major Request Form by February 5, 2016. If you are a First-year DRPT student wanting to enter a different program, fill
an Application to Change Major/Program. For more information, visit this Faculty of Art presentation on Program and Specialization options.

Note: students may not register for further courses until the request form has been submitted. Space in some majors may be limited and assigned on a first-come-first-served basis. Students may view their approved major on the ‘Academic Standing’ page of their on-line records in early March. <

Call for submissions
Opportunities to participate in student exhibitions

CELEBRATION OF FIRST-YEAR EXHIBITION
Attention all first-year Art students (including DRPT)! Don't forget to submit your work
to our first-year / end-of-year exhibition by the deadline: Saturday, March 5.

All first-year GART and DRPT students have been emailed the link for submission.
Click on "enroll in course" button through CANVAS. <

From a student perspective
Thoughts from a student working in campus life...

Photo via Flickr user John Vetterli.

My name is Sandra. I am a third-year student studying Integrated Media, working on campus as International Student/Campus Life Monitor. I moved to Canada, from Bahrain, in September 2013 to join and study at OCAD U.

Moving from a small, almost unknown country to such a big city can be quite
intimidating and challenging. Suddenly I had to be more independent, and almost completely responsible for myself, which is probably one of the most exciting—yet terrifying—things someone can go through. However, as students here at OCAD, we are lucky to be surrounded by kind people willing to help us, whether they are your peers or Student Advisors, support staff, or Professors.

As I reflect on the last few years as a student, it's hard to believe that I am moving on to my fourth-year next September! At this point, the thought of thesis scares me, mostly because I am not quite sure how everything will go down; it sounds overwhelming and exhausting! However, seeing the GradEx at the end of each year is inspiring, and keeps me motivated to continue working on new and bigger projects.

I remember missing the first two weeks of my first year! This meant that I missed out on O-DAYS! and the opportunity to learn about the student services that OCAD U offers. With that in mind, I have been motivated to sign up as a Peer Mentor and provide support for newcomers who may feel challenged by arrival in a new country, city and school. With knowledge of OCAD U and Toronto, I'll be able to guide and encourage them, and answer questions regarding anything from social aspects to the more academic ones. It's my way of giving back! ~ Sandra Ibrahim

All students going into second-, third-, fourth/upper-year are welcome to sign up and
become Peer Mentors. See more information below. ~ Editor <

Be a peer mentor
Assist first-year undergrads with their transition to OCAD U!

Photo by Sabrina Leeder

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. Recruitment for 2016/2017 is underway! <

Student recognition
Celebrating leadership and excellence

Student leadership, excellence and involvement is acknowledged and recognized at
OCAD University annually, with awards given to those whose outstanding contributions
to student life, leadership, advocacy, equity and social justice, contribute to improving the campus community. A celebratory dinner and awards ceremony are coordinated through the Campus Life office in collaboration with First Generation Programs; OCAD Student Union; Office of Associate Vice-President, Students; Diversity, Equity & Sustainability Initiatives; Financial Aid & Awards; and Alumni Relations.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: STUDENT AWARDS
Nominations are being accepted for Peer Mentor Awards and Diversity & Equity Excellence Award for Students. Information and nomination forms can be found online,
or pick up printed copies at Campus Life (Level 1, 51 McCaul Street); Student Advising (Room 266, Level 2, 100 McCaul Street); Diversity, Equity & Sustainability Initiatives (Level 2, 115 McCaul Street); or OCAD Student Union (Level 5, 205 Richmond St. West).
Nominators are invited to attend.

Nomination deadline: Friday, February 26. Email Brent Everett James, Campus Life Coordinator, 416-977-6000, Ext. 275. <

Health and wellness support
Medical and counselling services on campus

Health & Wellness Centre (HWC), Level 2, MCF, 51 McCaul Street, is an on-campus clinic providing medical and counselling services to OCAD U students. Services are accessible and responsive to issues relating to gender, race, age, culture, ability, sexual orientation, income and faith. Our team of health-care professionals are here to make your time at OCAD U a positive and fulfilling experience and help you maintain optimal physical and mental health while pursuing a post-secondary education.

INTRODUCING...
We have a number of new HWC staff we would like to introduce:

Jennifer Ko is our new Nurse, responsible for primary health care as well as health promotion. Stay tuned for her upcoming pre-Valentines event, Heart Yr Parts!

Shawna Howe is our new Aboriginal Student Counsellor working with Health & Wellness and Indigenous Visual Culture (INVC). Shawna will be facilitating a weekly talking circle starting February 2 at INVC (Room 401, Level 4, 113 McCaul Street) from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Robyn Shaw, Counsellor, has been promoted to Manager, Health & Wellness Centre, and will take on more leadership and administrative responsibilities around HWC.

Alex McLaren has joined our team as our Peer Facilitator and will be helping us develop more opportunities for peer support and student involvement around HWC. She also co-facilitates our weekly Anxiety Drop-in group (Fridays at noon with pizza!)

Dr. Haque, our new family physician, is available for scheduled appointments and walk-in on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays (Dr. Fraser is on maternity leave after having a gorgeous baby boy).

Dr. Chandler is our new psychiatrist, who can see students by referral from Dr. Haque.

We also have three new Masters of Social Work students, Alanna Fletcher, Elise Millet and Julie Martauslle, who are completing a practicum placement with HWC during the winter semester and are available to meet with students.

For more information about the Health & Wellness Centre, please contact us by email, telephone 416-977-6000, Ext. 260 or visit us in person. <

Fitness & well-being
Complement an 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? Winter semester programs for current students, staff and alumni include:

GRANGE FITNESS
University Settlement & Recreation Centre (USRC), located at 23 Grange Road (directly adjacent to OCAD U), has re-opened after extensive renovations. Their new Grange Fitness Centre is ONLY $24 per month for all OCAD U students, faculty and staff!
Find more information on Campus Life's Fitness & Well-being Recreational Facilities page.

OCAD YOGA
Winter semester yoga has begun! If you missed out on the opportunity to sign up for a package, take advantage of pay-as-you go! Find more information at www.ocadu.ca/yoga

OCAD MEDITATION
Winter semester (Wednesday) programming has begun. Thursday Meditation Circle starts February 4! Pay-as-you-go opportunities are also available on both days. For fees and more detailed information find participation forms and waivers online or at the cashier (115 McCaul Street, Level 1), ‪Campus Life (51 McCaul Street, Level 1).

Find out about other fitness initiatives and options on the OCAD U website and for regular updates, join OCAD U Fitness & Well-being on Facebook! <

Support, study groups and workshops

First Generation Programs, Writing & Learning Centre

COLOURING GROUP

Tuesdays (12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
Learning Zone (Level 1) SPA, 122 St. Patrick Street
Also accessible through Grange Food Court (MCC, 113 McCaul Street)
Join us every week to colour, de-stress and meet new people. Colouring books and markers are provided. Colouring outside the lines is encouraged!

THE MIGHTY PEN
Wednesdays (4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
Indigenous Visual Culture (INVC), Room 401 (Level 4) MCC, 113 McCaul Street
Co-sponsored by Writing & Learning Centre, Diversity, Equity & Sustainability Initiatives, INVC and Creative Writing Program, this writing circle is open to students who identify as Indigenous and/or person of colour, to bring voices from the margins
to centralize and celebrate our narratives in all their complexities.

HOT LUNCH, SPONSORED BY FIRST GENERATION PROGRAM
Thursday, February 11 (2:30 p.m.)
Lambert Lounge / Room 187 (Level 1) MCA, 100 McCaul Street
Come by for a free homemade vegan meal and learn about the First Generation Program! Students are welcome to pay-what-you-can or donate a canned good. An initiative of the OCAD U Student Union, Hot Lunch happens every Thursday!

MOVIE NIGHT
Thursday, February 18 (8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
Learning Zone (Level 1) SPA, 122 St. Patrick Street
Also accessible through Grange Food Court (MCC, 113 McCaul Street)
Take a break from studying and join us to watch episodes from Season 7 of Art 21.
Movie snacks will be provided!

LONG NIGHT AGAINST PROCRASTINATION
Join us for our fourth LNAP in March!
Watch for details! <

Campus life trivia night
Prepare to battle! Show off your knowledge!

Campus Life and First Generation Programs invite you to make plans to come out for an evening of fun, food and prizes during Reading Week! Prepare to battle! Show off your knowledge! Play independently or in teams of two!

Thursday, February 18 (7:00 p.m.)
Room 512 (Level 5) MCC, 113 McCaul Street
Complimentary pizza and pop!

Prizes include two tickets to Kinky Boots courtesy of Mirvish Productions; a gift card courtesy of Signs Restaurant; and car share memberships courtesy of Zipcar Toronto! For more details, visit www.facebook.com/ocaducampuslife <

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.

CREDIT CARDS = "DEBT" CARDS
Quick cash can rack up big costs! Do you know why you should avoid taking cash advances on your credit card?

Whenever you use your credit card to withdraw cash, you have to pay a “cash advance fee”. This fee can be a fixed amount per transaction, a percentage of the transaction or
a fixed amount plus a percentage! In addition to the cash advance fee, the credit card issuer will charge you interest starting from the date you withdrew the money and continue to charge that interest on a daily basis until you pay off the entire cash advance amount. These cash advances can be a very expensive way to put money in your pocket;
if possible, always try to use your debit card instead. If you use cash advances, try to pay off as much of your balance possible because the longer you wait, the more money you owe! Want more info? Tune in to our CREATiveFund$ video on Credit and Debt!

FOLLOW US
We know that remembering submission deadlines, keeping track of your spending and juggling an academic workload can be stressful! That is why you can also get important updates and tips by following us us on Instagram and Twitter !

CONTACT US
For more information regarding Financial Literacy, OSAP, Bursaries, Scholarships & Awards, drop in to the Financial Aid & Awards office, (Level 1) MCF, 51 McCaul Street,
or email us. <

Guardly safe campus service
A reminder from Safety & Security Services

OCAD University takes your safety on and off campus very seriously. As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen and improve our ability to respond to all kinds of emergency incidents, Campus Services & Security is proud to offer the revolutionary
new Guardly Safe Campus™ service.

If the need arises to signal distress, OCAD U students, faculty and staff can now access a campus security dispatcher and/or their own personal security network directly via their pocket. Activate Guardly Safe Campus™ and your smartphone "transforms" into a blue light emergency phone console, instantly summoning help.

HOW IT WORKS
During an active emergency incident, Guardly uses a combination of GPS, WiFi and cell tower triangulation to track location, and provides this information to a campus security dispatcher. For privacy purposes, location tracking is only enabled once you trigger an alert. Your extended safety network can also provide input to campus security to aid in response efforts. Students and staff are encouraged to download and use the free Guardly mobile app for safety on campus. Visit the Guardly OCAD U page for more information. <

Alumni in action
Profiles and stories to inspire current and incoming students

DEBORAH WANG
Toronto-based Deborah Wang (MFA, Criticism & Curatorial Practice, 2010), is an independent curator and designer. She holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Waterloo, and a Master of Fine Arts from OCAD University.

Deborah has curated and co-curated exhibitions for the Textile Museum of Canada, Gladstone Hotel, XPACE Cultural Centre, and the Art Gallery of Ontario; worked with Katharine Mulherin Contemporary Art Projects; and taught design studio at Ryerson University. She has exhibited in Toronto and abroad, and presented her art and design work as a guest speaker in academic and cultural forums.

Currently, Deborah splits her time as creative director of the Toronto Design Offsite Festival and a senior designer for superkül. Read more of her interview with Alumni Relations from the December/January Alumni News. <

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Screech Owl illustrations by José Gascon