A UTM Black Staff listserv has been launched to enhance Black community connections and engagement. This resource group is coming to fruition from informal networks over the years led by Black staff and faculty at UTM, Black Table Talk gatherings, and consultations by UTM Connections & Conversations in 2020, with support from the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office. Self-identified Black staff can sign up by visiting the EDI Office website and completing the webform at https://utm.utoronto.ca/edio/faculty-staff-resources/utm-black-staff-listserv.
For more information, please contact the listserv administrators: Martin Kengo martin.kengo@utoronto.ca or Markeem Fletcher markeem.fletcher@utoronto.ca
Stories Published This Week
Robots are taking on new shapes
Jessica Burgner-Kahrs, the director of the Continuum Robotics Lab at UTM, and her team are building slender, snake-like robots that could give doctors new ways to save lives. Read more
While some post-secondary institutions south of the border say they will require proof of vaccination to attend in-person, it's uncertain what Canadian universities will require. Read more
Five ways to make work/study spaces healthier
From the physical set-up to a break timer tool, here are some simple, actionable changes to consider as we continue remote learning. Learn more
Meaningful institutional protection
Researchers who challenge conventional wisdom with scientific knowledge are also subject to intimidation attempts. Universities need to better protect them.
Susan Senese, UTM’s executive director, strategy, begins a much-deserved research leave today. For the past four months, with relentless determination and unfailing good sense, Senese has worked as UTM’s program director for the THP UTM Vaccine Clinic, guiding the clinic’s launch, growth, and successful operation. Enabled by her leadership, the clinic has already administered more than 142,000 doses, displaying a level of excellence that has inspired public confidence in the vaccine rollout. Working early mornings and late nights, often seven days a week, Senese has co-ordinated diverse responsibilities with poise, power, and professionalism. From implementing clinic layouts to orchestrating IT re-designs, from enacting safety plans to driving partnership agreements, Senese has exemplified a model of leadership to which our community might aspire—and for which UTM, Mississauga, and Peel owe an enduring debt of gratitude.
Megan Evans has accepted a secondment and will assume the role of UTM COVID-19 vaccine clinic operations manager under the Office of the Vice-President and Principal. Between May 13 and Sept. 30, 2021, Evans will move from her position as manager, Parking & Transportation Services, to provide essential operational support and leadership for the THP UTM RAWC Clinic. Brian Hoppie, coordinator, Parking & Transportation Services, will assume the role of manager, Parking & Transportation Services, in the interim.
UTM Media Mentions
Associate professor Shauna Brail talks with Canadian Press about how the pandemic is changing Toronto life and business – for better or worse.
Why is Dogecoin rising? Finance professor Andreas Park talks about the volatility of many cryptocurrencies in Newsweek.
Fighting for the expungement of cannabis charges: Assistant professor of sociology Akwasi Owusu Bempah joins Breakfast Television to discuss cannabis amnesty, why he joined this movement, and the racial bias in the cannabis industry.
China, Russia using COVID-19 vaccines to gain political influence, says political science professor Aurel Braun, via Toronto Star.
The National Tribute covers University of Toronto community roundtable on anti-Asian racism moderated by associate professor of sociology Hae Yeon Choo.
Chick-fil-A, Nike and bitcoin: Management professor Lisa Kramer spoke to MarketWatch about the spending life of American teens.
E-scooter debate: Associate Professor Shauna Brail tells The Hamilton Spectator that e-scooters might not represent the transformative change their proponents sometimes pitch.
We want to hear about what our UTM community is doing during these unprecedented times, whether it's finding creative ways to work and play, rallying to support the community or taking time to snuggle with your pup. You can send your story tips and photos to UTM's Office of Communications by emailing p.lonergan@utoronto.ca
Check here for up-to-date information regarding COVID-19
Susan Senese, UTM’s executive director, strategy, begins a much-deserved research leave today. For the past four months, with relentless determination and unfailing good sense, Senese has worked as UTM’s program director for the 
Megan Evans has accepted a secondment and will assume the role of UTM COVID-19 vaccine clinic operations manager under the Office of the Vice-President and Principal. Between May 13 and Sept. 30, 2021, Evans will move from her position as manager, Parking & Transportation Services, to provide essential operational support and leadership for the 
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